The Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification is an entry-level certification that validates the holder’s ability to install and maintain a branch network of a small enterprise, including day-to-day operations and troubleshooting. CCENT holders are also trained in basic network security. CCENT covers basic networking knowledge and skills. General networking theory, routing and switching basics and an introduction to advanced networking technologies are included in this certification program. CCENT holders are expected to be familiar with a wide range of networking environments, from home offices to small businesses.
Who should get CCENT certification?
The CCENT certification is most appropriate for entry-level network support technicians. The CCENT certification can serve as a springboard for a network technician to obtain higher certifications. This is an entry-level certification that only covers the basics of networking technology. CCENT is a general certification that builds a foundation for more specialized certifications later on in the holder’s career. CCENT was first announced in 2007 by Cisco.
What is the average salary and job outlook for a CCENT certification holder?
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for even entry-level network technicians is expected to grow by over 20 percent between 2008 and 2018. Job prospects in this field are projected to be more numerous over the next decade, as well. Depending on the precise job title of a CCENT holder, the salary associated with this certification is between $30,000 and $70,000.
What pre-requisites and exams are required for CCENT certification?
A person wishing to apply for the CCENT certification does not have to obtain any prerequisite certifications. CCENT is somewhat confusing in that it is not a requirement for any other certification offered by Cisco. The next certification higher in the Cisco scale than CCENT, the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), is a prerequisite for many other certifications. This is the result of a historical accident: CCENT was born out of a revision of CCNA in 2007.
To become CCENT certified, a prospective holder must pass the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 exam (640-822 ICND1). The exam includes questions and topics on:
– networking fundamentals
– addressing Internet Protocol
– operating and configuring IOS devices
– fundamentals of routing and switching
– OSI and TCP/IP models
– connecting to a Wide Area Network
– Wide Area Network technologies
– basic wireless and security concepts
– configuring a variety of routing standards
– DHCP and NAT implementation
– simple network configuration.
What are the re-certification requirements for a Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)?
A previous CCENT holder who wishes to become re-certified has a lot of options to choose from. Since CCENT is an entry-level certification, prior CCENT holders can achieve re-certification by choosing from various exams designed for other certifications. A CCENT is good for three years, and the holder must re-certify before the expiration date of his original CCENT certification, either by passing a more advanced exam or by re-taking the ICND1 exam.