*Mileage may vary!

I am 31 years old with no degree or any other certifications, just a CCNA. I am currently a Senior Systems Engineer.

I passed my CCNA in October 2021, and it completely changed my life.

After graduating high school in 2014, I lasted only one semester in college before dropping out. I worked in retail, call centers, and fast food. One dead-end job after another.

I always had a passion for IT but never got the opportunity to break in. I read several Reddit stories about people finishing their A+ to get into IT. I studied for it myself but never had the chance to complete it.

Fast forward to 2020: COVID hit, and I was out of work. I was completely lost and on the brink of homelessness. One particular post gave me the motivation to pursue the CCNA. How to get into a career in IT without going to college or technical school. : r/jobs, While it's much older post, I had it saved for motivation. I decided to move from LA to the Midwest with just my car and some cloths.

After 8 months of intensive studying, I passed my CCNA in October 2021. I even posted in this subreddit while studying.

• 1st IT job, Dec 2021

• NOC technician ($35K a year, fully remote) .

  • The most money I had ever earned. It felt like a dream come true. I worked very hard, and everything I learned from the CCNA was directly applicable.

• 2nd IT job, Oct 2022

• System Administrator (55K a year. onsite)

  • Recruiters constantly reached out, and I eventually accepted an offer I couldn’t refuse... more money and only a 10-minute drive. However, it was a small warehouse IT role with not much work.

• 3rd IT Job, Jan 2023

• System Administrator (67K a year, Onsite)

  • Another warehouse environment, but much larger, with better pay and only a 5-minute drive. This role truly tested my skills, not just in networking, but also cloud, systems, servers, domain controllers, and MDM. It took a toll on me due to frequent on-call duties and overnight visits to fix issues.

• 4th IT Jobs, April 2024

• Systems Engineer (90K a year + 8% yearly Bonus).

  • I actually received another offer for $120K from an MSP but declined it in favor of this role. I posted about this role as well! I chose the bank for stability, especially because I wanted to spend more time with my newborn daughter.

  • I was recently promoted to Senior Systems Engineer and will start my new salary of $120K in January. The company also offered a 20% bonus if I complete the Microsoft AZ-104 certification.

This has been a wild ride, but it has been so worth it. Every interview I’ve had, the CCNA impressed them. I truly believe it’s the main reason I was given these opportunities and (maybe some luck).

I hope this post motivates you to finish your CCNA. Mine expired last year, but whenever I tell people I had a CCNA, they’re still just as impressed.

Hi All - Just passed the CCNA and wanted to share compiled PDF notes for the entire Jeremy's IT Lab CCNA 200-301 series. Enjoy!

CCNA 200-301 Notes - Jeremys IT Lab.pdf

Credits:

1. Jeremy's IT Lab for an exceptional video series.

2. Peter Saumur's Github Page for the individual module notes.

Hello,

I had a student ask me for a link of every article on my blog that covers CCNA topics. I put together this list, and thought I would pass it on to /r/ccna as well.

This doesn't cover the entire CCNA curriculum, but I earnestly believe that what it does cover, it does so in the best way possible. I am, of course, open to hear any feedback to the contrary =)

Practical Networking .net -- CCNA Curriculum Articles

• Learn How Packets move through a Network

• OSI Model

• Key Players

• Host to Host communication

• Host to Host communication through a Switch

• Host to Host communication through a Router

• Host to Switch to Router to Switch to Host

• Learn Subnetting

• Learn VLANs

• added 9/12 Learn Native VLAN

• Learn how to Configure VLANs

• Learn how to Route between VLANs

• Learn how communications flows through Multiple Switches

• Learn about Ethernet Wiring

• Learn EIGRP

• Learn about the EIGRP Metric

• Learn about the EIGRP Feasibility Condition

• Learn ARP

• Learn more about ARP

• Traditional ARP

• Proxy ARP

• Gratuitous ARP

• ARP Probe and ARP Announcement

• Learn everything you need to know about NAT

• Why NAT?

• NAT Terminology

• Static NAT

• Static PAT

• Dynamic PAT

• Dynamic NAT

• Policy NAT and Twice NAT

• NAT Terminology Disambiguation

• Learn Cisco's NAT Terminology

• Learn to configure NAT on Cisco IOS Routers

^{Disclaimer: I wrote these articles, and I earnestly believe they will help the readers of this subreddit. These are all 100% free. There is no ads on the site. I make no revenue from you reading them. There is no mandatory e-mail sign up or soft paywall.}

Edit: Whoa, this blew up. Thank you for the kind words, everyone, I'm really happy you're getting a lot out of the articles. Truly. Also, thank you for the gold, kind stranger =) Was not expecting that at all!.

Edit 2: Wow, thanks for the second gold =) Was not expecting that at all!

Edit 3: To make it easy to find in the future, the most up to date list of all my CCNA articles will be available at the link below, or at this shortlink: pracnet.net/ccna

https://www.practicalnetworking.net/index/ccna/

Having a CCNA is like building a house upon a well laid foundation. Truly everything in IT revolves around networking. CCNA is the only cert hard enough to actually level you up.I got interviews from Cisco and AWS by simply posting my cert on LinkedIn. I didn’t get the job, but I found a high paying job with a better work life balance regardless. So go ahead and book that exam brother. And do it now.

1. Be obsessed with studying the material - always remind yourself why you want to be ccna certified.

2. Be disciplined, study even when you feel like not studying.

3. Do not hesitate to face the tough topics,do not be scared. Master subnetting, subnet even in your sleep. The moment someone says /28 , immediately you must know the magic number,first usable broadcast ip etc. You must be having OSPF and Static routing for your dinner. Know the theory and practice the labs. You must be able to interpret the routing table without dropping a single sweat 😅.

4. Spanning Tree 🙆🙆🙆..It will confuse you and you will begin to question your IQ but press on.. Those port roles and selection criteria,the tie breakers will drive you bananas but consistency and repetition is what will save you.

5. Understand frame and packet forwarding. The life of a packet.. very important. You must never gloss over topics like Mac address spoofing, flooding,port security, dynamic arp inspection,dhcp snooping, syslog severity codes,PAT,NAT, IP helper address configurations.

6. If you are married, please inform your spouse that you are studying for this certification otherwise they will think you are cheating on them. This is because the time you will be spending with them and being engaged in conversations and neighborhood gossip ,will reduce exponentially 😂😂. Explain your new journey thoroughly.

I have more to say but for now this will suffice.

Hey everyone,

I wanted to share my journey because I know many people struggle with certifications, career progression, and breaking into networking. If my experience can help or inspire even one of you, then it’s worth sharing!

One Year Ago, I Knew Almost Nothing About Networking

I’m currently studying computer science, but a year ago, I had almost zero networking knowledge. I didn’t even know what a public IP address was…

Yet, in just 12 months, I managed to pass:

✅ CCNA – March 2024
✅ CCNP ENCOR – July 2024
✅ CCNP ENARSI – October 2024

All while working as an Apprentice Network & Security Engineer at CNES (the French Space Agency – France’s equivalent of NASA) and balancing my university studies.

🎯 How It Started – From Helpdesk to Networking

In September 2022, I landed my first IT job as a helpdesk apprentice, with zero prior experience.

Honestly, helpdesk is an amazing place to start if you’re interested in cybersecurity or networking. It teaches you:

🔹 IT fundamentals (hardware, OS, troubleshooting)
🔹 Basic networking (IP addressing, DNS, DHCP, etc.)
🔹 How to solve technical problems efficiently

But while helpdesk is great for learning, I knew I couldn’t stay there if I wanted real career growth.

I was working at a small company (10 people max), handling user tickets for outsourced IT clients. It was a valuable experience, but after a year, I felt stuck. There were no real opportunities for advancement, and I knew it was time to specialize.

🚀 How I Got a Networking Job with Almost No Experience

I realized that networking skills are highly valuable, and through my research, I found that the CCNA certification is the best way to break into the field.

Even though I wasn’t certified yet, I started applying for networking positions anyway.

💡 I sent around 100 job applications on LinkedIn, Indeed, and every job board I could find.

The result?

🔹 Multiple interviews – which helped me gain experience talking to recruiters.
🔹 Job offers – even without my CCNA yet, recruiters saw my motivation.

What made the difference? I clearly communicated that I was actively preparing for CCNA. My dedication and willingness to learn stood out.

Eventually, this approach paid off—I secured an apprenticeship at CNES, the French Space Agency, as part of my two-year master's degree in network & security.

🎯 CCNA – Laying the Foundation

Once I started my new apprenticeship in September 2023, I knew I had to give myself a serious kick in the butt to get certified.

In January 2024, I set a firm exam date for March 2024, giving myself just 3 months left to prepare.

🔹 My CCNA Study Strategy

✅ Jeremy IT Labs – excellent for structured hands-on practice.
✅ Neil Anderson’s CCNA course – clear explanations for core concepts.
✅ Cisco official documentation – for deeper technical understanding.
✅ Online CCNA practice questions – to get used to the exam format.
✅ Pomodoro technique – to stay focused during study sessions.

💡 For hands-on labs, Packet Tracer is more than enough for the CCNA! It allows you to practice CLI commands, VLANs, and subnetting without needing physical hardware.

After 300+ hours of study, I passed my CCNA on my first attempt in March 2024.

📈 CCNP ENCOR – Taking It to the Next Level

Right after passing the CCNA, my friend and I said: “We’re not stopping here.”

One week later, we booked the CCNP ENCOR exam—giving ourselves just 3.5 months to prepare.

🔹 My CCNP ENCOR Study Resources

✅ NetworkLessons
✅ Kevin Wallace’s courses
✅ Cisco official documentation
✅ Labs in EVE-NG

💡 Unlike CCNA, where Packet Tracer is enough, for CCNP, you’ll want to install EVE-NG on your PC. This allows you to virtualize routers and switches and build much larger, more realistic infrastructures.

After 250+ intense study hours, I passed CCNP ENCOR in July 2024.

🎯 CCNP ENARSI – Mastering Advanced Routing

We didn’t stop there. One week after ENCOR, we booked CCNP ENARSI.

For ENARSI, I focused heavily on labs—EVE-NG became my best friend.

That’s also when I started using Obsidian to take structured notes and create my own summary sheets. Writing things down in my own words helped me retain key concepts better.

Another 250+ study hours later, I passed in October 2024, officially becoming CCNP certified.

🎯 Exam Day – My Advice for You

If you're preparing for your certification, here are a few key things to remember:

1️⃣ You will feel stressed before the exam, and that’s completely normal. You’ve spent months preparing, so of course, you don’t want to fail. But trust your preparation.

2️⃣ Set a real deadline. The moment I scheduled my exam, my productivity skyrocketed. Don’t fall into the trap of “I’ll do it when I’m ready.” Book it, and make yourself ready.

3️⃣ Take structured notes. Whether it's Obsidian, Notion, or just a notebook, writing things down in your own words forces you to truly understand the concepts.

4️⃣ Prioritize labs. Especially for CCNP, don’t just memorize theory—apply everything in EVE-NG to reinforce your learning.

5️⃣ Believe in yourself. That moment when you see the ‘Pass’ screen is one of the best feelings ever. The satisfaction of achieving your goal after months of hard work will fill you with pride—I guarantee it.

🔥 Final Thoughts – You Can Do It Too!

I don’t want to act like I’m special. That’s not what this is about.

I just want to prove to you that if I could do it, then you can do it too.

If I could do it, then there’s absolutely nothing stopping you from doing the same.

You got this! 💪

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask!

I’ll gladly answer whatever I can—if I can help, it’s my pleasure.

As the title suggests, the CCNA exam has been the best return on investment I have ever made. For context, I have 3 years of IT experience, A +, Network+, Associates in Networking Engineering, and finally my CCNA. I have been applying to a networking position for the last 6 months, and nothing. I took and passed my CCNA in early December and finally got hired as a Network Engineer this month. Of course, my experience did help, but during my interview, my director said he wanted to skip straight to technical questions since I had my CCNA. I truly believe this exam gave me an edge over the other candidates who were in the interview process. One week later i got my offer and couldn't be happier. For anyone on the fence about the CCNA, please do not listen to the people saying the CCNA is not worth it. This exam is absolutely worth it and will do wonders for you in interviews and technical questions. I just wanted to share my story and give others confidence, so keep pushing and knock out that exam!

I passed my CCNA last week and wanted to share how I approached it, especially for those who may be feeling short on time or unsure whether it’s possible to succeed with limited prep. I came in with no IT background and studied for just four weeks

Study Approach

I used my 2.5-hour daily commute to listen to Jeremy’s IT Lab lectures, which gave me a solid introduction to the theory. On weekends, I dedicated 8 to 12 hours each day to focused study, primarily using the same course. For topics I wasn’t confident about, I searched for explanations on YouTube. I found PowerCert Animated videos particularly helpful for visual overviews and high-level understanding

Labs

I completed about four labs in total, the most impactful by far was the Jeremy’s IT Lab Mega Lab. I spent the last weekend before the exam on it, and although Packet Tracer crashed at around 70 percent completion, I took a lot of notes along the way, making the commands stick in my mind. That lab helped me build the confidence and familiarity I needed to handle any lab-related task in the CCNA exam

Practice Exams

In the final week, I purchased the Boson ExSim practice exams and completed all four in simulation mode. My scores were 48, 63, 66, and 73 percent. I highly recommend Boson as a review and learning tool. I allowed myself to look things up on Google, but only when I was around 80 percent sure and wanted to verify my reasoning. That helped me solidify concepts, especially the review of questions I didn't know the answer to

Subnetting Practice

I practiced subnetting for about 20 minutes a day using subnettingpractise and subnet IPv4. Within a week, I felt comfortable with any kind of subnetting question. I also used Jeremy’s tips for converting hexadecimal to binary, which came in handy during the exam

Perspective

A few weeks before the test, I was honestly intimidated by posts from people who had studied for months. For context, I had actually scheduled the exam about two months earlier but ended up procrastinating and doing nothing for most of that time. It wasn’t until the final four weeks that I fully committed to preparing. If you are in that situation, I just want to reassure you that it is possible to succeed in a shorter timeframe with the right focus. This was my first certification and my first completed formal learning in over 10 years. I am not an especially disciplined student, but I was able to concentrate fully for four weeks and that paid off

Focus Strategy

To stay focused, I did a sort of “dopamine detox.” I stopped using social media, avoided TV and movies, and limited music. I would go running occasionally and read unrelated books before bed. Most evenings, I would also review key topics before sleeping. I was fully immersed in CCNA for that month, and it made all the difference. Additionally, I wanted to make my wife proud and show to myself that I can focus on something hard if I was really motivated. Prove to myself that procrastination is a behavior, not a fixed personality trait!

tldr; Jeremy is incredible, Boson is expensive but worth it, you can do difficult things

I hope this gives someone the perspective or encouragement they need

Happy to answer any questions

Disclaimer: My statements below are my own opinion that I've developed over almost 2 decades of IT. Your mileage may vary.

Firstly, this is not meant as a way to discourage anyone looking to make this change.

Secondly, yes. You CAN find jobs and careers in the networking field that pay over 60k starting out. Yes, you can even make over 100k or even close to 200k as a Senior or Architect level network engineer later on in your career. Sometimes, in rare instances and in exceptionally skilled individuals and in very niche fields, even higher than 200k. However......

Something I've seen countless times in this sub are questions from people who are either going to school for Computer Science, or even someone considering a complete career switch into IT. They always ask "What can I realistically expect to make starting out?", "How hard is it to get a job starting out as a network engineer?"

The real answer to all of this is, realistically, if you're already making more than 60k chances are you're going to take a pay cut starting out. And if you are just starting out in IT with zero on the job IT experience, even with a CCNA, or Sec+, or Net+ or w/e, you're going to need to get your feet wet in helpdesk or some other entry level position in an IT department somewhere. The reality of it is, more chances than not that won't end up being a networking specialty right off the bat.

That said, while yes the CCNA is the industry "gold standard" for foundational networking knowledge, and it WILL help you in your career in IT even if you don't stick with networking in the long term. If you truly want to get into IT or network engineering, set your expectations accordingly and start doing the real leg work and get experience in the industry. Work at Geek Squad, or a local computer repair shop to start out with. Then move into a campus or corporate IT department somewhere. Meanwhile, you can be studying for your CCNA cert or others. Any amount of technical experience is going to look better to a potential employer than someone fresh out of high school or even college with a BA and a cert and no experience.

TLDR: Study for your CCNA or Net+ or Sec+ sure. But don't wait until you've got them to get started in IT. Experience is king and better than certs. Get your feet wet now if you're serious about wanting to get into IT/Network Engineering.

Just my 2 cents that wasn't asked for.

P.S. forgive my comma splices. I'm no English major.

Hi everybody! I passed my CCNA in March with a pretty good score and this sub has been a great help. I would now like to give back a bit to the community and the best thing I have to offer are probably my notes. My study process revolved heavily around taking notes from OCG, supplemented by topics uncovered by Boson, and the notes covered almost everything CCNA threw at me (there were some wireless questions that stumped me, but these could have been the test question Cisco throws in). Please note that two important topics - basics of switching and subnet calculations - are barely touched upon. I went through the relevant chapters of OCG and kind of felt like I understood it without the need for notes. Sorry about that.

I hope these are useful, and I welcome any suggestions for improvement:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14LBXViCQjVPMgSYsdtgqAPAAYUb5RZm29Z6CanAyTks/edit?usp=sharing

EDIT: I'm really happy these notes were so well received and I'm glad I could help others. Also, a big kudos to everybody who contributed, your edits helped polish the document and fixed a few embarrassing mistakes I had made.

Hello friends,

I've seen a lot of Subnetting questions come up on this forum lately... and understandably so! Subnetting is the first major hurdle for many CCNA candidates.

About a year ago I published a set of videos that are meant to take you from no proficiency in Subnetting to being a Subnetting Master. I titled the video series the "Subnetting Mastery" series. I'd like to share the video series with you.

If you are studying Subnetting, I earnestly believe that this is the last video series you will ever have to watch.

Subnetting Mastery

Video 1: What is Subnetting?

Video 2: Drawing the Subnetting Cheat Sheet

Video 3: Using the Cheat Sheet

Video 4: Practice Examples

Video 5: Time-Saving Tricks

Video 6: Subnetting in the /17-/24 range

Video 7: Subnetting in the /1-/16 range

FLSM and VLSM Appendix - Part 1

FLSM and VLSM Appendix - Part 2

In total, the video series provides about 60 minutes of content. I would suggest taking a 15 minute break after Video 4 to practice solving problems on your own at SubnetIPv4.com. And then another 15 minute break after Video 7 for more practice.

If you do that, then I sincerely believe you'll be at a point where solving Subnetting questions comes very naturally to you.

If you don't get to that point, I want to know about it. Please DM me or reply to this post to let me know what you feel this video series was missing.

Hope it helps.

Edit: Series has been updated to include the following additional videos:

Video 10: Supernetting, IP Aggregation, and IP Summarization

Video 11: Solving VLSM problems using only Scratch paper

Edit Oct~ 2025: Released a new tool to help understand Subnetting:

It let's you see how CIDR / Subnet Mask / Subnet Mask in Binary are related to each other, and how it applies to a random IP. Then you have the ability to play around with randomizing the host bits, the network bits, or both. And it also gives you the option to see the Network ID, Broadcast IP, First Host, Last Host, and Next Network.

CIDR IP .com

Just passed my ccna and just wanna say the Exam really wasn't that bad. For reference i used jeremysitlab, watched all his videos, didn't really take notes, did the labs multiple times and basically memorized 90% of his anki cards. I also did the Boson exsim questions which ill say are a loot harder than the actual exam(i failed all of them btw). What I'll say is that people i think exaggerate how difficult the exam is, yeah its not easy, but its not that hard. If you're reading this and using jeremysitlab, i would suggest geting rid of any of the cards that have you memorizing IEEE standards, mac addresses, and any of the topics like qos configuration, SNMP configuration and anything else thats not explicitly stated to be on the ccna exam topics list on the website. I liked Jeremysitlab but he added a whole lotta bloat that wasn't necessary to know for the exam

Dear all,

You may remember me from when I posted the ICND1 notes. Since then, I saw many people use it, and that drove me to do the same for ICND2!

So here I present to you, my ICND2 Study Notes!! And futher down the post, I will tell you where to find my ICND1 notes.

Also, if you find these notes helpful, please support me at https://www.patreon.com/ccna4life!

ICND2

37-page Summary Notes: I have compiled all knowledge I have gained from the ICND2 Offical Cert Guide and placed them all in this condensed note. This note is organised into the exam topics, which will make reviewing very easy! I recommend you look over these notes the week before the exam, or you could just have a look any time!

https://bit.ly/2U1netR

8-page Configuration Checklist: This configuration checklist has all the configuration steps and commands required in the ICND2 exam. Again, it is organised into the configuration exam topics for easier review and study!

11-page Verification Checklist: This verification checklist covers pretty much all verification commands that you are required to know for your ICND2 exam. It lists details of what each command will display, and I guarantee, Cisco will surely want you to know what some of the commands will display in their output.

Both checklists can be found here: https://bit.ly/2YjZZKM

ICND1

60-page Summary Notes: Similar to how my ICND2 notes are structured, these 60 pages worth of notes have the most important information I've learned from my studies. They are structured into the exam topics for easier review and study!

https://bit.ly/2GiaHf5

Configuration Checklist and Verification Checklist: the configuration checklist has all of the configuration steps and command required in the ICND1 exam, and it is organised into the configuration exam topics. The verification checklist includes all verification commands I've learnt during my studies, and a detailed list of what each command displays.

https://bit.ly/2Smhcnf

Now this is not all, I will, over time, create "Above and Beyond" notes, where I will cover everything that is not within the range of knowledge that can be obtained from the Offical Cert Guide. Also, I am working on a Udemy practice exam, so stay tuned for a discount code!

All of my future notes will be able to be found at https://twitter.com/ccna4life!

I want to say "thank you" to everyone who have supported me during this 4-month long CCNA journey. From my school friends to members of the Cisco Study Group Discord Server, I have received so much encouragement!

>>> Also, if you found my notes helpful, please consider donating at https://www.patreon.com/ccna4life!

Your donations will help me achieve my next certification goal, and plus, you will receive early access to my study materials, including my practice exams once they are out and discount codes!

-- AK-duck, Chris Yoo, pokemonmasterchris05

"More Cisco!"

I work in networking (CCNP) and spend a lot of time around people prepping for the CCNA, so a few things that tend to save people time:

Learn subnetting until you can do it in your head, not on paper. The magic-number method (256 minus the mask octet) gets you the block size, and from there the network, broadcast, and host range fall out in a few seconds. On the clock, that speed is worth real points.

Don't just memorize, understand the why. A big chunk of the exam is symptom to cause, not recall. If you know what a feature actually does, you can reason out a troubleshooting question even when the wording is unfamiliar. Pure flashcard memorizers get wrecked by those.

Spend real time in a simulator. Packet Tracer is free. Actually configuring VLANs, a trunk, OSPF, and an ACL teaches you more than reading about them ever will, and the muscle memory shows up on config questions.

Space it out. Twenty focused minutes daily beats a five-hour weekend cram. The blueprint is wide, and spaced repetition is what makes it stick.

What tripped the rest of you up the most? Curious what people are stuck on right now.

11 Pages of Free CCNA Command Cheat Sheets (VLANs, OSPF, ACLs, NAT, IPv6 & Troubleshooting)

I wanted to share a free 11-page CCNA command reference for anyone studying for the exam or practicing networking labs.

The PDF covers Cisco CLI commands across VLANs, routing, OSPF, IPv6, ACLs, NAT, and troubleshooting.

My recommendation is to use these notes alongside your labs rather than trying to memorize every command. Configure a feature, check the output, then deliberately break something and troubleshoot it.

Free PDF (direct download, no signup required):

https://dl4.dynamips.store/reddit/ccna-cheat-sheets.pdf

Full disclosure: This resource is provided by Dynamips, which I'm affiliated with. It's completely free, with no registration or email required.

Hope it helps anyone working toward their CCNA. If you notice any mistakes or think an important command is missing, I'd appreciate the feedback.

A military friend of mine shared a story with me about a new hire at his civilian work who already had their CCNA. On one of their first tasks, they were asked to baseline a switch…but didn’t know to type enable on new switches.

The CCNA is a fantastic certification, but hands-on practice is what builds confidence. Don’t just memorize the material—spend time in Packet Tracer, CML, GNS3, or EVE-NG actually configuring devices.

The labs are what turn networking knowledge into networking skills.

Link: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/cisco-certifications-and-training-offers

Use the code provided. Just scheduled my enarsi exam for 150 pounds!!! Lets fucking gooo!!

edit: code is CLGlobal21

Register for your exam from
16 Feb 2021 - 01 Apr 2021

Exams can be taken from
16 Feb 2021 - 16 May 2021

Hi all,

​

The day we have have hinting at has finally arrived, Cisco has revamped their entire cert program!

​

First things first, if you complete your CCNA by the cut off then you will be automatically upgraded.If you are a CCENT, that exam is ending so you need to be a CCNA before the cut off or you lose the cert.

​

Basically the short version is that there is now just one CCNA now for all tracks, it focuses on R&S fundamentals, security, wireless, and automation.

Cisco also seems to be trying to widen the gap between CCNA and CCNP.

The Fallen

​

The following certs are no more

​

CCENT - If you have this you will need to complete the CCNA by Feb to be upgraded.

Route & Switch - Yes the R&S track is no more, it is being rolled into the new Enterprise track.

Wireless - The wireless track is also being rolled into the new Enterprise track.

Industrial - This was more of a specialized one for IOT

Cloud - This was more of a advanced CCNAs but it was fairly obscure, you'll be given some credit in the new tracks.

Update: Cyber Ops lives after all, guess the US DoD designation saved it after all!

​

The One to Rule Them All

​

Cisco has moved the CCNA back to a common cert, this means there is only one CCNA now for all track.

​

Let's have look at what is on it!

1.0 Network Fundamentals / 20%

This isn't too different from what we have today except for there is a bit more wireless and controllers are explicitly added.

1.1 Explain the role and function of network components

• 1.1.a Routers

• 1.1.b L2 and L3 switches

• 1.1.c Next-generation firewalls and IPS

• 1.1.d Access points

• 1.1.e Controllers (Cisco DNA Center and WLC)

• 1.1.f Endpoints

• 1.1.g Servers

1.2 Describe characteristics of network topology architectures

• 1.2.a 2 tier

• 1.2.b 3 tier

• 1.2.c Spine-leaf

• 1.2.d WAN

• 1.2.e Small office/home office (SOHO)

• 1.2.f On-premises and cloud

1.3 Compare physical interface and cabling types

• 1.3.a Single-mode fiber, multimode fiber, copper

• 1.3.b Connections (Ethernet shared media and point-to-point)

• 1.3.c Concepts of PoE

1.4 Identify interface and cable issues (collisions, errors, mismatch duplex, and/or speed)

1.5 Compare TCP to UDP

1.6 Configure and verify IPv4 addressing and subnetting

1.7 Describe the need for private IPv4 addressing

1.8 Configure and verify IPv6 addressing and prefix

1.9 Compare IPv6 address types

• 1.9.a Global unicast

• 1.9.b Unique local

• 1.9.c Link local

• 1.9.d Anycast

• 1.9.e Multicast

• 1.9.f Modified EUI 64

1.10 Verify IP parameters for Client OS (Windows, Mac OS, Linux)

1.11 Describe wireless principles

• 1.11.a Nonoverlapping Wi-Fi channels

• 1.11.b SSID

• 1.11.c RF

• 1.11.d Encryption

1.12 Explain virtualization fundamentals (virtual machines)

1.13 Describe switching concepts

• 1.13.a MAC learning and aging

• 1.13.b Frame switching

• 1.13.c Frame flooding

• 1.13.d MAC address table

2.0 Network Access / 20%

The biggest update here is that wireless configuration is now part of the mix.

2.1 Configure and verify VLANs (normal range) spanning multiple switches

• 2.1.a Access ports (data and voice)

• 2.1.b Default VLAN

• 2.1.c Connectivity

2.2 Configure and verify interswitch connectivity

• 2.2.a Trunk ports

• 2.2.b 802.1Q

• 2.2.c Native VLAN

2.3 Configure and verify Layer 2 discovery protocols (Cisco Discovery Protocol and LLDP)

2.4 Configure and verify (Layer 2/Layer 3) EtherChannel (LACP)

2.5 Describe the need for and basic operations of Rapid PVST+ Spanning Tree Protocol and identify basic operations

• 2.5.a Root port, root bridge (primary/secondary), and other port names

• 2.5.b Port states (forwarding/blocking)

• 2.5.c PortFast benefits

2.6 Compare Cisco Wireless Architectures and AP modes

2.7 Describe physical infrastructure connections of WLAN components (AP,WLC, access/trunk ports, and LAG)

2.8 Describe AP and WLC management access connections (Telnet, SSH, HTTP,HTTPS, console, and TACACS+/RADIUS)

2.9 Configure the components of a wireless LAN access for client   connectivity using GUI only such as WLAN creation, security settings, QoS profiles, and advanced WLAN settings

3.0 IP Connectivity / 25%

The IP routing section has been trimmed this time round, both RIP, and EIGRP are gone, so OSPF is the sole routing protocol. This is kinda disappointing but it makes sense in the context of this being a general cert now.

​

3.1 Interpret the components of routing table

• 3.1.a Routing protocol code

• 3.1.b Prefix

• 3.1.c Network mask

• 3.1.d Next hop

• 3.1.e Administrative distance

• 3.1.f Metric

• 3.1.g Gateway of last resort

3.2 Determine how a router makes a forwarding decision by default

• 3.2.a Longest match

• 3.2.b Administrative distance

• 3.2.c Routing protocol metric

3.3 Configure and verify IPv4 and IPv6 static routing

• 3.3.a Default route

• 3.3.b Network route

• 3.3.c Host route

• 3.3.d Floating static

3.4 Configure and verify single area OSPFv2

• 3.4.a Neighbor adjacencies

• 3.4.b Point-to-point

• 3.4.c Broadcast (DR/BDR selection)

• 3.4.d Router ID

3.5 Describe the purpose of first hop redundancy protocol

4.0 IP Services / 10%

Everything in services is more or less the same.

4.1 Configure and verify inside source NAT using static and pools

4.2 Configure and verify NTP operating in a client and server mode

4.3 Explain the role of DHCP and DNS within the network

4.4 Explain the function of SNMP in network operations

4.5 Describe the use of syslog features including facilities and levels

4.6 Configure and verify DHCP client and relay

4.7 Explain the forwarding per-hop behavior (PHB) for QoS such as classification, marking, queuing, congestion, policing, shaping

4.8 Configure network devices for remote access using SSH

4.9 Describe the capabilities and function of TFTP/FTP in the network

5.0 Security Fundamentals / 15%

Security gets a bit more advanced this time around with new features such as DHCP Snooping, also some more wireless config.

​

5.1 Define key security concepts (threats, vulnerabilities, exploits, and mitigation techniques)

5.2 Describe security program elements (user awareness, training, and physical access control)

5.3 Configure device access control using local passwords

5.4 Describe security password policies elements, such as management, complexity, and password alternatives (multifactor authentication, certificates, and biometrics)

5.5 Describe remote access and site-to-site VPNs

5.6 Configure and verify access control lists

5.7 Configure Layer 2 security features (DHCP snooping, dynamic ARP inspection, and port security)

5.8 Differentiate authentication, authorization, and accounting concepts

5.9 Describe wireless security protocols (WPA, WPA2, and WPA3)

5.10 Configure WLAN using WPA2 PSK using the GUI

6.0 Automation and Programmability / 10%

This is been on its way for quite awhile, it merges in the previous topics and also adds a bit more automation basics.

6.1 Explain how automation impacts network management

6.2 Compare traditional networks with controller-based networking

6.3 Describe controller-based and software defined architectures (overlay, underlay, and fabric)

• 6.3.a Separation of control plane and data plane

• 6.3.b North-bound and south-bound APIs

6.4 Compare traditional campus device management with Cisco DNA Center enabled device management

6.5 Describe characteristics of REST-based APIs (CRUD, HTTP verbs, and data encoding)

6.6 Recognize the capabilities of configuration management mechanisms Puppet, Chef, and Ansible

6.7 Interpret JSON encoded data

​

But is it easier or harder?

​

On one hand the exam appears to be a bit easier since most of the routing has been removed. On the other hand in though it has added in the former CCNA Wireless topics and also is going a bit deeper into security, we now have things like Dynamic ARP Inspection on the exam.

​

A subtle difference is that the topic weighting. Before you had more topics across topic domains, which made the domains denser. This meant while BGP was on the test, it shared the 10% of the exam with 7 other topics so it was possible you wouldn't really get a BGP question anyway. Now that the domains are cleaner, you are guaranteed an automation question etc.

​

Also there is no more splitting up the tests, the CCNA is just one exam now so all the pitfalls of doing the composite are valid here.

​

Additionally there have been rumors for awhile now that Cisco is going to drop the old limited sim system in favour of a VIRL type lab delivery. This would mean you would connect to IOS devices with the full command line. If true this will be a double edge sword since you'll get a full CLI experience, and Cisco can get a lot more creative for sims.

​

All in all my feeling is that new CCNA will be at least somewhat harder than before. Just because EIGRP isn't on the exam anymore doesn't mean that the test is too generic to matter anymore. It is actually moving a bit closer to Juniper's JNCIA which is more of a OS and fundamental exam then something where you learn BGP.

What about the other tracks?

​

Specializations are now done at the CCNP level, I like this change as I often advised people that they should be around a CCNP R&S level before trying something like the Data Center track. This just makes it official.

​

New Track!

​

In addition to all the other changes there is now a DevNet track that has Associate, Professional, and Specialist levels.

​

The DevNet Associate aligns with the CCNA and focuses on the programming and automation topics directly.

1.0 Software Development and Design / 15%

1.1 Compare data formats (XML, JSON, and YAML)

1.2 Describe parsing of common data format (XML, JSON, and YAML) to Python data structures

1.3 Describe the concepts of test-driven development

1.4 Compare software development methods (agile, lean, and waterfall)

1.5 Explain the benefits of organizing code into methods / functions, classes, and modules

1.6 Identify the advantages of common design patterns (MVC and Observer)

1.7 Explain the advantages of version control

1.8 Utilize common version control operations with Git

• 1.8.a Clone

• 1.8.b Add/remove

• 1.8.c Commit

• 1.8.d Push / pull

• 1.8.e Branch

• 1.8.f Merge and handling conflicts

• 1.8.g diff

2.0 Understanding and Using APIs / 20%

2.1 Construct a REST API request to accomplish a task given API documentation

2.2 Describe common usage patterns related to webhooks

2.3 Identify the constraints when consuming APIs

2.4 Explain common HTTP response codes associated with REST APIs

2.5 Troubleshoot a problem given the HTTP response code, request and API documentation

2.6 Identify the parts of an HTTP response (response code, headers, body)

2.7 Utilize common API authentication mechanisms: basic, custom token, and API keys

2.8 Compare common API styles (REST, RPC, synchronous, and asynchronous)

2.9 Construct a Python script that calls a REST API using the requests library

3.0 Cisco Platforms and Development / 15%

3.1 Construct a Python script that uses a Cisco SDK given SDK documentation

3.2 Describe the capabilities of Cisco network management platforms and APIs (Meraki, Cisco DNA Center, ACI, Cisco SD-WAN, and NSO)

3.3 Describe the capabilities of Cisco compute management platforms and APIs (UCS Manager, UCS Director, and Intersight)

3.4 Describe the capabilities of Cisco collaboration platforms and APIs (Webex Teams, Webex devices, Cisco Unified Communication Manager including AXL and UDS interfaces, and Finesse)

3.5 Describe the capabilities of Cisco security platforms and APIs (Firepower, Umbrella, AMP, ISE, and ThreatGrid)

3.6 Describe the device level APIs and dynamic interfaces for IOS XE and NX-OS

3.7 Identify the appropriate DevNet resource for a given scenario (Sandbox, Code Exchange, support, forums, Learning Labs, and API documentation)

3.8 Apply concepts of model driven programmability (YANG, RESTCONF, and NETCONF) in a Cisco environment

3.9 Construct code to perform a specific operation based on a set of requirements and given API reference documentation such as these:

• 3.9.a Obtain a list of network devices by using Meraki, Cisco DNA Center, ACI, Cisco SD-WAN, or NSO

• 3.9.b Manage spaces, participants, and messages in Webex Teams

• 3.9.c Obtain a list of clients / hosts seen on a network using Meraki or Cisco DNA Center

4.0 Application Deployment and Security / 15%

​

4.1 Describe benefits of edge computing

4.2 Identify attributes of different application deployment models (private cloud, public cloud, hybrid cloud, and edge)

4.3 Identify the attributes of these application deployment types

• 4.3.a Virtual machines

• 4.3.b Bare metal

• 4.3.c Containers

4.4 Describe components for a CI/CD pipeline in application deployments

4.5 Construct a Python unit test

4.6 Interpret contents of a Dockerfile

4.7 Utilize Docker images in local developer environment

4.8 Identify application security issues related to secret protection, encryption (storage and transport), and data handling

4.9 Explain how firewall, DNS, load balancers, and reverse proxy in application deployment

4.10 Describe top OWASP threats (such as XSS, SQL injections, and CSRF)

4.11 Utilize Bash commands (file management, directory navigation, and environmental variables)

4.12 Identify the principles of DevOps practices

5.0 Infrastructure and Automation / 20%

5.1 Describe the value of model driven programmability for infrastructure automation

5.2 Compare controller-level to device-level management

5.3 Describe the use and roles of network simulation and test tools (such as VIRL and pyATS)

5.4 Describe the components and benefits of CI/CD pipeline in infrastructure automation

5.5 Describe principles of infrastructure as code

5.6 Describe the capabilities of automation tools such as Ansible, Puppet, Chef, and Cisco NSO

5.7 Identify the workflow being automated by a Python script that uses Cisco APIs including ACI, Meraki, Cisco DNA Center, or RESTCONF

5.8 Identify the workflow being automated by an Ansible playbook (management packages, user management related to services, basic service configuration, and start/stop)

5.9 Identify the workflow being automated by a bash script (such as file management, app install, user management, directory navigation)

5.10 Interpret the results of a RESTCONF or NETCONF query

5.11 Interpret basic YANG models

5.12 Interpret a unified diff

5.13 Describe the principles and benefits of a code review process

5.14 Interpret sequence diagram that includes API calls

6.0 Network Fundamentals / 15%

​

6.1 Describe the purpose and usage of MAC addresses and VLANs

6.2 Describe the purpose and usage of IP addresses, routes, subnet mask / prefix, and gateways

6.3 Describe the function of common networking components (such as switches, routers, firewalls, and load balancers)

6.4 Interpret a basic network topology diagram with elements such as switches, routers, firewalls, load balancers, and port values

6.5 Describe the function of management, data, and control planes in a network device

6.6 Describe the functionality of these IP Services: DHCP, DNS, NAT, SNMP, NTP

6.7 Recognize common protocol port values (such as, SSH, Telnet, HTTP, HTTPS, and NETCONF)

6.8 Identify cause of application connectivity issues (NAT problem, Transport Port blocked, proxy, and VPN)

6.9 Explain the impacts of network constraints on applications

Recertification

​

Recertification is largely the same, pretty much any exam now will recertify your CCNA. The new thing is that Cisco now allows you to use Continuing Education to renew your certs even at the CCNA level, this means if you go to events like Cisco Live or DevNet then they will help renew your cert, CCNA requires 30 credits to renew, more details as things get closer!

​

The Enterprise Track

​

Since the CCNA is a bit more abstract compared to the previous version, I figured it would be useful to include the CCNP update so you can see the bigger picture.

​

Cisco has merged R&S and Wireless together to better align with the DNA Center solution. It also finally includes SDWAN which is something I said should happen for a long time.

​

One interesting thing is that since the new CCNA only covers static and OSPF, this exam introduces the other routing protocols like EIGRP.

The ENCOR exam has the following in it:

1.0 Architecture / 15%

1.1 Explain the different design principles used in an enterprise network

• 1.1.a Enterprise network design such as Tier 2, Tier 3, and Fabric Capacity planning

• 1.1.b High availability techniques such as redundancy, FHRP, and SSO

1.2 Analyze design principles of a WLAN deployment

• 1.2.a Wireless deployment models (centralized, distributed, controller-less, controller based, cloud, remote branch)

• 1.2.b Location services in a WLAN design

1.3 Differentiate between on-premises and cloud infrastructure deployments

1.4 Explain the working principles of the Cisco SD-WAN solution

• 1.4.a SD-WAN control and data planes elements

• 1.4.b Traditional WAN and SD-WAN solutions

1.5 Explain the working principles of the Cisco SD-Access solution

• 1.5.a SD-Access control and data planes elements

• 1.5.b Traditional campus interoperating with SD-Access

1.6 Describe concepts of wired and wireless QoS

• 1.6.a QoS components

• 1.6.b QoS policy

1.7 Differentiate hardware and software switching mechanisms

• 1.7.a Process and CEF

• 1.7.b MAC address table and TCAM

• 1.7.c FIB vs. RIB

2.0 Virtualization / 10%

2.1 Describe device virtualization technologies

• 2.1.a Hypervisor type 1 and 2

• 2.1.b Virtual machine

• 2.1.c Virtual switching

2.2 Configure and verify data path virtualization technologies

• 2.2.a VRF

• 2.2.b GRE and IPsec tunneling

2.3 Describe network virtualization concepts

• 2.3.a LISP

• 2.3.b VXLAN

3.0 Infrastructure / 30%

3.1 Layer 2

• 3.1.a Troubleshoot static and dynamic 802.1q trunking protocols

• 3.1.b Troubleshoot static and dynamic EtherChannels

• 3.1.c Configure and verify common Spanning Tree Protocols (RSTP and MST)

3.2 Layer 3

• 3.2.a Compare routing concepts of EIGRP and OSPF (advanced distance vector vs. linked state, load balancing, path selection, path operations, metrics)

• 3.2.b Configure and verify simple OSPF environments, including multiple normal areas, summarization, and filtering (neighbor adjacency, point-to-point and broadcast network types, and passive interface)

• 3.2.c Configure and verify eBGP between directly connected neighbors (best path selection algorithm and neighbor relationships)

3.3 Wireless

• 3.3.a Describe Layer 1 concepts, such as RF power, RSSI, SNR, interference noise, band and channels, and wireless client devices capabilities

• 3.3.b Describe AP modes and antenna types

• 3.3.c Describe access point discovery and join process (discovery algorithms, WLC selection process)

• 3.3.d Describe the main principles and use cases for Layer 2 and Layer 3 roaming

• 3.3.e Troubleshoot WLAN configuration and wireless client connectivity issues

3.4 IP Services

• 3.4.a Describe Network Time Protocol (NTP)

• 3.4.b Configure and verify NAT/PAT

• 3.4.c Configure first hop redundancy protocols, such as HSRP and VRRP

• 3.4.d Describe multicast protocols, such as PIM and IGMP v2/v3

4.0 Network Assurance / 10%

4.1 Diagnose network problems using tools such as debugs, conditional debugs, trace route, ping, SNMP, and syslog

4.2 Configure and verify device monitoring using syslog for remote logging

4.3 Configure and verify NetFlow and Flexible NetFlow

4.4 Configure and verify SPAN/RSPAN/ERSPAN

4.5 Configure and verify IPSLA

4.6 Describe Cisco DNA Center workflows to apply network configuration, monitoring, and management

4.7 Configure and verify NETCONF and RESTCONF

5.0 Security / 20%

5.1 Configure and verify device access control

• 5.1.a Lines and password protection

• 5.1.b Authentication and authorization using AAA

5.2 Configure and verify infrastructure security features

• 5.2.a ACLs

• 5.2.b CoPP

5.3 Describe REST API security

5.4 Configure and verify wireless security features

• 5.4.a EAP

• 5.4.b WebAuth

• 5.4.c PSK

5.5 Describe the components of network security design

• 5.5.a Threat defense

• 5.5.b Endpoint security

• 5.5.c Next-generation firewall

• 5.5.d TrustSec, MACsec

• 5.5.e Network access control with 802.1X, MAB, and WebAuth

6.0 Automation / 15%

6.1 Interpret basic Python components and scripts

6.2 Construct valid JSON encoded file

6.3 Describe the high-level principles and benefits of a data modeling language, such as YANG

6.4 Describe APIs for Cisco DNA Center and vManage

6.5 Interpret REST API response codes and results in payload using Cisco DNA Center and RESTCONF

6.6 Construct EEM applet to automate configuration, troubleshooting, or data collection

6.7 Compare agent vs. agentless orchestration tools, such as Chef, Puppet, Ansible, and SaltStack

The Concentrations

Concentration exams focus on emerging and industry-specific topics such as network design, SD-WAN, wireless, and automation.

​

Rather than post 6 exam topics, I'll you look it up but the idea is that you pick what interests you.

​

• Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (ENARSI 300-410)

• Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (ENSDWI 300-415)

• Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks (ENSLD 300-420)

• Designing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks (ENWLSD 300-425)

• Implementing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks (ENWLSI 300-430)

• Automating and Programming Cisco Enterprise Solutions (ENAUTO 300-435)

​

But was that discord link again?

​

Not really what this post was about, but since you asked: https://discordapp.com/invite/Dq5DYT7

Hey fellow CCNA test takers,

I just wanted to write this post to inspire you. I was a third grade teacher last November and reached the end of myself. I realized my 5-year stint was no longer sustainable long-term for my financial future. After looking into IT from doing a search in YouTube, I decided to study for the CCNA. I started in January and in July I passed my exam.

I used the OCG books, Bosom test prep, Alphaprep, and Neil Anderson's udemy course. I was discouraged in August because I applied to 40 places and got rejected 5 times. Finally, at the end of August I started working for a NOC for $14 an hour (contract position). I gave my resume to a fellow coworker at my prior job and she said her fiance works in networking. Two weeks ago, he called me and told me that his company is hiring. I passed the first interview and then also the second interview. The person who called me said the interviewers liked my attitude, enthusiasm, and are confident
that I was able to learn the stuff on the job. They called me a day later and offered me a position. I never thought it was possible to start out making $70,000 but it is. With a little luck, connections, and the right attitude, you can get there too! Keep plugging away at the exams.

Cheers :)

Hello everyone,

I have written four articles which cover everything^ϯ you need to know about VLANs for the ICND1 / ICND2 / CCNA curriculum.

I wanted to share them with you here.

The Four Articles:

• Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)

• Configuring VLANs on Cisco Switches

• Routing Between VLANs

• Voice VLAN - Auxiliary VLAN

Specific Topics covered within each article:

Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs)

• Two Major Functions of VLANs

• Breaking up one Physical Switch into multiple Virtual Switches

• Extending Virtual Switches across multiple Physical Switches

• Access Ports

• Trunk Ports

• Tagged Ports and Untagged Ports

• Access Ports are untagged

• Access Ports and End-Host Devices

• Terminology

• 802.1q VLAN Tag

• Native VLAN

• VLAN Comprehension Challenge

Configuring VLANs on Cisco Switches

• Access Ports

• Creating the VLAN in the VLAN Database

• Assigning the Switchport to a VLAN

• Trunk Ports

• Native VLAN

• Allowed VLAN List

• Show Commands

• show vlan brief

• show interfaces trunk

• show interfaces switchport

• show interfaces status

• show spanning-tree

• Default Switchport Setting

• Dynamic Trunking Protocol

• Default Access Port Settings

• Default Trunk Port Settings

• Configuring VLANs -- Summary

Routing Between VLANs

• Why do we need Routing Between VLANs?

• Router with Separate Physical Interfaces

• Router Show Commands

• Switch Show Commands

• Router with Sub-Interfaces

• Router Sub-Interface Show Commands

• Switch Trunk Show Commands

• Layer 3 Switch

• Multilayer Switch Configuration

• Summary

Voice VLAN - Auxiliary VLAN

• Voice VLAN Functionality

• Voice and Data using two ports

• Voice and Data using one port

• Voice and Data using a Trunk port and the Native VLAN

• Voice and Data using an Access port and the Auxiliary VLANs

All of these articles will always be available at this handy shortlink: pracnet.net/vlans. One day that will link to a summary style table of contents (like the above) -- but either way, pracnet.net/vlans is all you need to remember to access everything you need to know about VLANs.

I'm posting this here as a follow up to something I posted two years ago.

If there is something in the CCNA curriculum that is VLAN related and not covered above, please let me know! I want to make this the last resource on VLANs you'll ever have to look up.

^{ϯ - everything except VTP, which I believe is being phased out}

Edit: Somehow in the above I didn't include a link to my Native VLAN video on Youtube. Feel free to check that out if you prefer a video explanation of what the Native VLAN does.

Edit2: If you're using the new reddit UI, the sub-bullets all show up on the first level. Use this link to see the old version of reddit and all the formatting of this post in-tact:

https://old.reddit.com/r/ccna/comments/axmf3o/everything_you_need_to_know_about_vlans_for_ccna/

Edit3: Thank you all for the kind words. I'm so happy you are finding these articles helpful! To make it easy to find in the future, the most up to date list of all my CCNA articles will be available at this shortlink: pracnet.net/vlans

This is gonna be my last post here for a while.

I posted here repeatedly about how the CCNA did nothing for me career-wise since I got it 8 months ago and how it sucks lol.

Well, I finally managed to land a really great job!

It's with a company doing ultra secure satellite communications for Oil&Gas offshore platforms and normal satellite communications and TV for Yachts and Cruiseships. They need someone to install the VSAT dishes and all the network cabling and hardware while also doing the network engineering side. My previous telecommunications technician experience with the CCNA on top made me stand out - they said usually they get guys good in the field or office guys good with networking. I have both skills now thanks to the CCN. 130k Aussie Dollars / year with occasional overseas travel to Asia, Europe and the US.

Guys, this job market objectively sucks. IT is oversaturrated and a CCNA alone is NOT enough to get a job these days. Just be aware that it'll compliment your skillset, but it's not the magic bullet CISCO sells it as. I couldn't even get any of the hundreds of helpdesk jobs I applied for 💀 it's rough out there.

You will work overtime, you will be called on your time off, you will have to drive to a datacenter at midnight, you will basically have to do things that would drive the vast majority of this population insane and the monetary value will range from meh to okay.

Hey guys, I've been reading everyone's advice on here and thought I'd share what worked for me.

Background: No former IT experience. I don't have a degree. I was a GM of a restaurant looking for a career change. I've had a hobby of coding, computer building, automating, tinkering, and of course gaming for a while now. I found a YouTube video going over computer Networking and how the CCNA is the gateway drug to my new future. Thus, it began.

My first month I studied about 3 hours on most days while working a full-time job. I took 3 weeks off from studying to go on a trip, move from the east coast to west coast, and run a marathon. I studied for another month and a half for 8-10 hours a day most days. I scheduled my test and passed!

I immediately started applying for jobs. I applied to 50-60 jobs in a weeks time. I applied for every junior networking role I could find (sys admin, network engineer, etc...), entry level NOC Tech, helpdesk tech, etc... Really I applied for anything that I thought I could do or learn relatively quickly.

Next, came dread. I heard back from 4 companies, the only thing they asked me was "How much experience do you have in the field?" and once I was honest they didn't get back to me. All 4 were entry level helpdesk jobs. It's very defeating to only get responses back from the entry level IT jobs and even them wanting 1-2 years experience minimum. No exceptions.

So after a weeks worth of no responses, dead-ends, template rejection emails, and being left on read. I decided to print my resume and go in person. The second place I went to on the first day is the place that hired me! It is an IT Support Analyst role but the money is solid and the benefits are amazing. I want to be a Sys Admin or Network Engineer but this is a really good stepping stone job to have.

If anyone reads this and has some advice for me I'd appreciate it. I'm looking to beef up my knowledge, experience and grow as quick as possible.