Cisco defines the CCNA cerification as a validation of your “ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size route and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN.” This includes “basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking concepts and terminology, and performance-based skills.” Within the Cisco certification framework, the CCNA is Associate level certification for all seven paths (though the security, voice and wireless have specific CCNA exams that differ from this general CCNA).

You would be expected to understand the following protocols: IP, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP), Serial Line Interface Protocol Frame Relay, Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2),VLANs, Ethernet, and access control lists (ACLs).

The certification consists of passing either:

• 640-822 ICND1 and 640-822 ICND2 – These two exams are Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 and Part 2, each of which is a 90 minute (Part 2 is listed as a 75-90 minute exam), 40-50 question exam designed as the first step towards the CCNA certification.
• 640-802 CCNA – The 90 minute exam consists of 45-55 questions.

For the CCNA, Cisco recommends that the candidate take Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) v1.0 course and Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND1) v1.0 course. You then have the option of passing the two ICND exams or the CCNA single exam.

Recertification

CCNA certifications, like all Cisco certifications, are valid for three years. To recertify, pass the ICND2 exam or the current CCNA exam or a CCNA Concentration exam (in wireless, security or voice) or the current CCDA exam or any 642-XXX professional level or Cisco Specialist exam (except the Sales Specialist exam) or pass a current CCIE or CCDE written exam.