CCNA vs. Hardware and Networking Training
Introduction:
Many Hardware
and Networking professionals are faced with the dilemma as to which
industry certification to take, especially in the very beginning of their
career. The choice usually boils down to the 2 leading certifications: Cisco’s
CCNA Routing and Switching and CompTIA’s Hardware and Networking Training+.
Let’s take a closer look at them to
reply the query: CCNA or Hardware and Networking Training+? Is it worth having
both? If yes, then why and in which order? But first, what’s the difference
between the two?
Scope
CompTIA
Hardware and Networking Training+ Certification: demonstrates one’s knowledge
of Hardware and Networking Traininging features and functions, including
Hardware and Networking Training technologies, installation and configuration,
media and topologies, management, and security.
Cisco’s
CCNA Routing and Switching Certification: validates the candidate’s ability to
install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched
Hardware and Networking Trainings.
Not to jump to any conclusions
simply however, however the descriptions counsel Hardware and Networking
Training+ being a basic certification, with CCNA R&S validating more
advanced knowledge and proven hands-on experience.
Vendor
Relationship
The biggest difference between these
certifications is the fact that Hardware and Networking Training+ has been
developed as a vendor neutral certification. It provides candidates with
knowledge and understanding of Hardware and Networking in general, and you can
apply this knowledge to most Hardware and Networking Trainings.
CCNA, on the other hand, was
specifically designed for Cisco’s Hardware and Networking Traininging
technology and products. Although the program does cover other Hardware and Networking
topics too, the difference and the focus are obvious.
Keeping Your
Experience in Mind
If you don’t have much Hardware
and Networking Training experience and want an entry level yet
professionally recognized certification, Hardware and Networking Training+ is a
smart way to go. It is a very well-organized and structured program that aims
to fill the knowledge gaps most people have in the beginning of their Hardware
and Networking career.
Hardware and Networking Training+
teaches you what Hardware and Networking technology is. It may be a good
foundation for Cisco’s CCNA (or Microsoft, or other vendor specific
certifications for that matter), which teaches you to configure and
troubleshoot this technology. So, if you're a beginner, don’t look in the CCNA
direction for now. Your time will come.
For those who have a few years’
Hardware and Networking Traininging experience and understanding, CCNA may be a
very logical and career boosting way to go. It is a very in depth study of
Hardware and Networking as a whole, including routing, protocols, Industry
Penetration.
As the Hardware and Networking is
vendor-neutral, it is recognized by almost all companies. Many of them,
including Dell, HP, Ricoh, Sharp and Xerox require it.
Conclusion
Whichever certification you opt for,
you need to start with evaluating your career goals, as well as the current
level of experience and knowledge. Even people who have years of expertise
under their belt should keep in mind to clear their schedule for lots of
learning time, since the exams are powerful. Yet, hard as it all may be, your
effort will definitely pay off, whether you choose the foundational Hardware
and Networking Training+, or CCNA certification as a more advanced option.
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