The key updates include QoS elements and their applicability, how virtualized and cloud services impact enterprise networks, and an overview of network programmability and SDN architectures.

The Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing and Switching (CCNA Routing and Switching) certification validates foundational knowledge to support enterprise network infrastructures. CCNA Routing and Switching is Cisco's most popular certification track, and the vendor has just announced the release of updated course.

As enterprises adopt programmable network architectures, the knowledge and skills required of a network engineer will expand significantly. The CCNA Routing and Switching certification has been revisited to keep up with these advancements and to continue to provide the relevant and job-ready skills to configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched enterprise networks. Additionally, the curriculum will empower IT professionals with the understanding of software-defined networking (SDN) and the integration of virtualized resources deployed in enterprise network architectures.

 

What's new in the CCNA Routing and Switching certification curriculum?

Cisco revised all three official CCNA Routing and Switching exams and courses: Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1), Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2), and Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated (CCNAX). The course names and acronyms remain the same; however, each of the exam numbers has been updated. The new v3.0 exams and training are available since May 17, 2016.

The new CCNA Routing and Switching curriculum includes foundational IP technologies for IPv4 and IPv6 deployments of RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, and EBGP networking and WAN protocols. The operation of LANs with multiple switches, supporting VLANs, trunking, and spanning tree protocols (STPs) are also covered.

The updated curriculum also includes device management and Quality of Service (QoS) principles, virtualization and cloud services, and network programmability related to the WAN, access, and core segments of a network.

 

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) v3.0 training and exam overview

The Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) v3.0 course provides the foundational understanding of network layers 1-3 that are applicable to core routing and switching as well as other advanced technologies. In comparison with the v2.0 of the course, several topics have been added, including a section on the interactions and network functions of firewalls, wireless controllers, and access points, along with additional focus on IPv6 and basic network security.

All course concepts are supported with hands-on guided discovery and challenge lab exercises.

New 100-105 ICND1 exam

The old 100-101 ICND1 exam will be replaced by 100-105 ICND1 exam, which is available since May 17, 2016. The 100-101 ICND1 exam will be retired on August 20, 2016.

The 100-105 ICND1 exam is a 90-minute assessment that consists of 45 to 55 questions. It is associated both with the Cisco Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) certification and CCNA Routing and Switching certification. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills related to network fundamentals, LAN switching technologies, routing technologies, infrastructure services, and infrastructure maintenance.

 

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2) v3.0 training and exam overview

The Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2) v3.0 course provides knowledge and skills needed to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot a small enterprise network. Key additions to this latest revision include topics on Quality of Service (QoS) elements and their applicability, how virtualized and cloud services will interact and impact enterprise networks, along with an overview of network programmability and the related controller types and tools that are available to support software-defined network architectures.

All course concepts are supported with hands-on guided discovery and challenge lab exercises.

New 200-105 ICND2 exam

The 200-101 ICND2 exam will be replaced by the 200-105 ICND2 exam, which is available since May 17, 2016. The 200-101 ICND2 exam will be retired on September 24, 2016.

The 200-105 ICND2 exam is a 90-minute assessment that consists of 45 to 55 questions. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills related to LAN switching technologies, IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, and infrastructure maintenance.

 

Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated (CCNAX) v3.0 training and exam overview

The Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices: Accelerated (CCNAX) v3.0 is a composite course derived from ICND1 and ICND2 content merged into a single course. Overlapping content between ICND1 and ICND2 is eliminated and some content is rearranged for the purpose of the course flow.

New 200-125 CCNA exam

The 200-120 CCNA exam will be replaced by 200-125 CCNA exam. The 200-120 CCNA exam will be retired on August 20, 2016.

The 200-125 CCNA exam is a 90-minute assessment that consists of 50 to 60 questions. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills related to network fundamentals, LAN switching technologies, IPv4 and IPv6 routing technologies, WAN technologies, infrastructure services, infrastructure security, and infrastructure management.

 

More information

Check out our certification pages for more information about the new CCNA Routing and Switching certification, and to learn more about the required exams and recommended training.

Feel free to contact us for any additional questions about the CCNP Routing and Switching program, training availability, delivery options and pricing.

 

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