CCNA Content Changes and Your Reaction: Keep Studying!
Wow. Nine named CCNA certifications, plus CCDA – all being replaced by one CCNA certification come February 2020. Basically, Cisco morphed CCNA Routing and Switching (R&S) into the new CCNA.
So, what should you do, if you were headed towards CCNA R&S? This post takes a brief look at some of the major decision points as related to the content in the exams.
Quick Context
Were you pursuing CCNA R&S (or CCENT) when Cisco announced their sweeping redesign of Cisco career certifications on June 10, 2019? Then this post is for you. This post hits the big ideas, without too much detail, focusing on technology content in the old and new exams.
I will revisit all of these topics over the coming months!
Also, on announce day or the next, I’ll also post this post: Same gist but focused on program changes rather than exam content.
CCNA Program Changes and Your Reaction: Keep Studying!
Overview: What Topics Go Away
As with any transition from an old to a new exam, some topics leave, some topics arrive, some topics stick around as is, some topics stick around but with different depth and emphasis. I’ll explore these ideas here in the blog in some detail over the coming months – I’ve been heads-down writing about it all, so it’s fresh in my mind – but for announcement week, let me get the big ideas out for considerations.
Comparing the existing/old CCNA R&S 200-125 exam topics to the new CCNA 200-301 exam topics, the following are no longer mentioned:
- OSI
- VTP
- RIP
- EIGRP
- eBGP
- IOS licensing
- IOS upgrades
- Most WAN topics (serial, PPP, MPLS, Metro Ethernet)
- APIC-EM
Additionally, a fair number of topics that were listed with the verbs “configure and verify” are now listed with the verb “describe” or similar. Also, the word troubleshoot does not appear in the CCNA 200-301 blueprint.
Overview: What New Topics Appear
The new CCNA 200-301 exam blueprint includes some new topics. I’ve listed the number of chapters in my new books that cover each, for perspective. The larger new topics include:
- Wireless LANs (perspective: 4 chapters in my new books)
- Dynamic ARP Inspection and DHCP Snooping (1 Chapter)
- Security Architectures (1 Chapter)
- Overlay, Underlay, Fabric, DNA Center (1 chapter)
- Ansible, Puppet, Chef (1 chapter)
- JSON, structured data, REST (1 chapter)
That might seem like a lot of new content, but comparing past changes to the CCNA R&S exam, it’s not a lot of new content. For perspective, my existing CCNA Cert Guides have 64 chapters combined (short chapters to make it easy to get through one chapter in one study session.) The new books will have 48 Chapters (25% reduction in comparison). Of those, nine of the 48 cover the larger all-new content, with other smaller new topics spread around in the context of other chapters.
Changes in Content
Once we get closer to Feb 2020, I plan to create a blog post that tells you how to better study for the new CCNA if you use existing study materials. That said, there are two notable subtle changes to topics that remain but the focus changes:
Troubleshooting: The root word “troubleshoot” does not exist in the blueprint for the new exam. The current CCNA 200-125 blueprint uses that verb 28 times in the 66 exam topics that have verbs: yes, about 40% of the existing CCNA R&S exam topics used the verb “troubleshoot”. 0% for the new 200-301 exam blueprint. It will be interesting to see the effect of this change in the actual exam.
Describe vs. Config/Verify: A number of technologies have exam topics with verbs “configure and verify” in the old CCNA 200-125 blueprint, with the new blueprint listing the same technology but with a verb like “describe” or “compare and contrast”. Just to list a few off the top of my head: HSRP, SNMP, RSTP+.
Net: New CCNA is Smaller
By my estimation, the new CCNA 200-301 – with the exam availability in February 2020 – is about 25% smaller than the current CCNA 200-125 exam. That should be roughly true of the book page count when the dust settles, along with other measurements.
Your Decision Hinges on Your Motivations
You have decisions to make. Let me get us started on that conversation with a couple of examples, and we can chat about questions and variations here. I’m sure I’ll revisit this topic a few times during our 8.5-month transition.
First, ask yourself: Why are you pursuing a certification in the first place? Is it the certification? Is it the next certification, or the next? Is it some of the things you get by being certified – like a job interview, or landing a job? Is it more the skills and knowledge, or the things you get from having that skill/knowledge?
Your motivations will drive your path as to whether you keep going and pass the Cisco exams available through February 2020, or if you change course and plan to pass the new exams. Here are a few examples for people currently pursuing CCNA R&S to get us thinking and talking.
Motivation: Get CCNP R&S Certified? Keep Learning CCNA
If your primary interest in CCNA R&S was because it was a prerequisite for CCNP R&S, then don’t wait 8 months for the new certs! Keep learning.
Note that CCNP Routing and Switching (R&S) morphs into CCNP Enterprise with the program changes, or at least that’s the closest comparison.
To understand why I land on “keep learning”, you need to know some differences with what happened to CCNP. The closest new CCNP to the old CCNP R&S is the new CCNP Enterprise. All the new CCNP certifications require you to take one Core exam, plus one of several Concentration exams. If you look at the exams for CCNP Enterprise, the CCNP Enterprise Core, plus the CCNP Enterprise Advanced Routing exam, come the closest to matching the old CCNP R&S – just with less content to learn.
The reason I say “keep learning CCNA” is this: Your study for the current CCNA R&S prepares you for several topics in the CCNP Enterprise exams. Some support for that:
- The new CCNA is smaller than the old CCNA R&S, and some of that moved to CCNP Enterprise. But for future CCNP Enterprise folks, the old CCNA covers topics you will need for CCNP – and you can study for those now.
- I see about 11 chapters from my CCNA Cert Guides that apply directly to content in the CCNP Core, EG, some OSPF, STP/RSTP configuration and troubleshooting.
- EIGRP does not make an appearance until the CCNP Enterprise Advanced Routing exam (you would go ahead and learn about EIGRP for the existing CCNA 200-125 exam).
Motivation: Certification (CCNA) Focused? 50/50
Now let’s consider the case in which you were pursuing CCNA R&S certification, you weren’t planning to do more with Cisco certs, and you did not care as much about the content as you did about the certification. Maybe you just wanted to round out your resume’, maybe you want certifications from several different technology areas, and so on. But your goal is the certification, and the skills are a bonus.
I would say this is a rare case in which you might consider waiting to take the new exam. (You can keep studying, but for the topics in the new exam.) I say that you might want to wait because there are other reasons to keep studying to pass the existing CCNA R&S exams. But here are some reasons to wait:
- The new CCNA (based on exam 200-301) is smaller in the sheer volume of topics to learn.
- The new CCNA adds some more modern and currently-useful technologies for today while removing two topics (RIP and VTP) that you will probably never use.
If you choose this path, consider a study plan that lets you wrap your study not long after the new exams come out in February 2020.
However, for you, I’d also consider passing the existing CCNA R&S 200-125 exam. Reasons:
- You’re already half of the way finished studying for the existing CCNA, so it’s better to finish rather than to forget what you learned over these next 8.5 months.
- Who knows, maybe you’ll decide to go for a CCNP Enterprise certification, so you may as well keep rolling.
Motivation: Skills (CCNA) Focused? Keep Studying
If your motivation to pursue CCNA R&S is more about getting the skills, with the certification being a nice side effect, then your path should be clear: keep studying. Here are some reasons why:
- 8 months is a long time to wait for the new exams, so don’t lose your momentum – keep studying.
- Of the topics you would have to learn for CCNA R&S but that you would not have to learn for the new CCNA, all are useful except a couple: RIP, and probably VTP. The rest are still useful things to know.
- You can wrap your learning with the tools you already own, rather than buying new CCNA study products, so no need to spend more cash to buy new study tools for the new exams.
How about You?
I imagine this post will spark some thought and discussion. Fire away with your opinions, thoughts, questions, and so on. Note that I’m posting this while I’m at Cisco Live 2019, and it’s a busy week, but I’ll make sure and follow up as soon as I can to your comments – even if I don’t get to them until I’m on the plane coming home from the show.
Thank you for the post and the potential breakdown between the old and new exam. As someone who is just starting this journey, I was concerned about the change and what to do. I’ve got 20+ years left and am trying to change careers. Talking with friends in IT, Networking seems to be a good option. At any rate, my goal was to have my CCENT by January of next year, so don’t know if I will be able to obtain my CCNA by the changeover deadline. Part of the issue is that I’ve just (barely) started and the time I have available to devote to studying isn’t as much as I would like due to work and family obligations. So, after sleeping on it, and now seeing this post I think the updates aren’t that bad. So now I’m looking at possibly waiting until the new exam is out to test. In the meantime, I will use what materials I have to study the topics that will be included in the new exam and then obtain new study material that covers the new topics as the become available. Does this sound like a good idea? Thanks!
Gabe,
Perfect, reasonable. It’s the skills. Keep learning, keep labbing, get it in your head and fingers, and keep watching the process over this next 8 months. I like your plan!
Wendell
Hello Wendell,
As usual, thanks for your insight.
I confess I am a bit divided at this point because I was studying for my CCNA Security with the objective of both increasing my knowledge and renewing my CCNA RS.
Now I don’t know what to do because my CCNA RS only expires in Jan 2021.
I look at the new CCNA and I see things I would like to get deeper into (foundation/knowledge wise), and I also look into the new CCNP Enterprise Core, and quite a few of those I am already fairly aware both because of my current CCNA RS and my Sec studies.
Honestly I think this is still fairly new and I need more time and info to make a decision. Lets see what other info Cisco releases.
By the way, will you be writing any CCNP books as well?
Ruben,
On the recert of CCNA, you have lots of time. With your plan to keep learning and certifying, I think the recertification is no problem for you. Check out this page for all your new options come February: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/recertification-policy.html?wcmmode=disabled
On learning security, great idea. For that reason alone I’d say it’s worth pursuing CCNA Sec. now. But maybe take a look at the CCNP SEcurity Core – that would be the first exam in sequence in the new model that’s 100% on security. May be an interesting option.
Wendell
Wendell, Any idea about availability date for the Official Cert Guide for the new CCNA exam?
Hi John,
Yep. It’s going to be a Vol 1 and Vol 2 just to avoid people having to work with a really thick single book. It’ll be smaller than the current combined pair of books, but still not small enough to get it back to a single volume.
Vol 1 will be out late September.
Vol 2 is planned for December, but that’s far enough out that you should treat that date as tentative.
Wendell
PS I’ll post a study plan soon so you can study for the new exam with the old books (to the extent possible)
Hello Wendell, with the new changes I am kind of confused on what to do. I just passed my ICND1 exams two weeks ago and now studying for my ICND2.
My plan is get the ICND2 done and proceed to CCNP get a job while I proceed to my CCNP. I am excited about the changes but do I still proceed to seat for my ICND2 in first week in August 2019?
Best Regards
Emmanuel Christopher
Texas
Emmanuel,
Just my opinion, but I’d say to keep going and pass ICND2 in August. You’ll then have 3 years til recertification, and your CCNA R&S becomes “CCNA” come Feb 24th 2020. Sounds like a great plan!
Wendell
Thanks for the post. As someone who has recently decided to change careers into networking and had barely started studying, I was a little taken aback by the change. But after sleeping on it, further thinking about it, and reading your post, I am OK with it and am modifying my plans. Due to some time constraints related to my current work schedule and family obligations, my original goal was to have my CCENT by December of this year. Now I am planning on using the materials I have to study what looks like will still be on the exam and then closer to the exam, study the new, additional CCNA material. What do you think?
Hi Wendell. When will your new books be available?
The more I think about it, the more I want to go after the NEW CCNA because it sounds like it’s a better fit with my background. I’m a self-taught web developer, so I’ve already heard of Ansible, Chef and Puppet – I just never got far enough in my own studies to really learn them.
A year ago, I saw a banner on Cisco’s website that says “Learn C++ for IoT” so I started taking C++ courses and realized how valuable programming is even in the networking world. I’m actually happy to see it becoming a bigger part because I’m enjoying it and think having the new skills will set me apart if I have a strong foundation in the old.
Kevin Wallace’s learning path has a few things on that section but doesn’t mention the other 5 areas you mention above. I’m not in a rush, but I’d like to start learning that stuff. For now, I can keep going over fundamentals but the sooner I can get any of your content for 200-301 the better.
Thanks (and sorry for the really long comment).
Adam,
No problem. See earlier comment in this post on the new book dates.
W
I got my ccna rs this year then I began studying for my ccnp route, which is what I’ve been currently busy with. My question is, will the pre Feb 2020 CCNA rs still act as a prerequisite for the new ccnp’s?
There’s no prerequisite anymore. Was studying ROUTE too and will continue given ICND2 covers topics in CCNP ENTERPRISE anyway.
Concur w/ Brex hit – no prerequisite certifications for new CCNPs at all. BUT CCNA content is needed for CCNP Enterprise for sure, and parts of CCNA are needed for the other CCNPs. So, learn the content, but you can choose whether or not you want to take the exam.
Is it worth taking the exam for the ICND1 when I will be unable to take the ICND2 before the changes take place? Or should I just study for both but wait until after the changes are rolled out? Thank you.
Aaron,
I like your plan. Only reasons I can think of to maybe go ahead with the ICND1 exam is for practice w/ Cisco exams. You can think of it as kind of locking in those skills: study, think you’re ready, try, maybe you pass, maybe not. If not, you can refine/revise/pass. So you’d have more confidence that you mastered that material. That options costs $$ of course. But yeah, study now for the new exam might be your best option.
Wendell
Hi Wendell,
I plan to sit for my ICND2 exam next month, I have covered a lot of ground and won’t make sense to wait until Feb 2020 for the new exam. However I would like to lean some of the new material in the new exam.
So my question, will I need to buy both volumes, or is the new content mostly in Volume 2? –to save on $$–so that I don’t end up buying the two Vols and considering I already own both ICND1 and 2 books.
Thanks
Hi Kayvow,
By volume, most of the new is in volume 2 (see response to Bav below). Guess I answered you both there. Hopefully we can come up with a way to save some $ pain on that point.
Hi Wendell,
As someone who is about to take ICND2 soon (and hopefully pass), I’ll be looking ahead to CCNP Enterprise. My plan was to spend interim learning about autoamtion/Python, as well as what I can of the existing CCNP exam objectives which feature in the new exam. Basically try and get aheaed so once the new Cisco Press books are out I can hit the ground running.
Your post got me thinking. I need to also learn the ‘new stuff’ in the CCNA which you’ve outlined above as well so I don’t get caught out with more advanced topics in the CCNP exams. Is it safe to assume that the majority of these (Wireless + security at least) topics would be taken from the present CCNA Wireless/Security tracks? I’m thinknig of ways to plug these gaps without buying a new OCG specifically for the new stuff.
Any advice?
Thanks,
Bav
Hey Bav,
There’s new content in both volumes. That said, most of the new in Vol 1 is: a little more on OSPF, and 4 chapters on wireless LANs that are updated chapters/snips from the CCNA Wireless cert guide. If you have that book, you shouldn’t have to buy volume 1.
I am hopeful that CiscoPress will run a Premium Edition deal at release for current book owners: get the new book Premium (ebook + practice tests) to get you the new content. But honestly that just a bit far out on the timeline to know. It’s been a mad scramble.
I haven’t been able to find anything that covers the new Cisco certifications affecting 8570 compliance. Currently CCNA Security can be used for IAT Level I & II, and CSSP Analyst: https://public.cyber.mil/cwmp/dod-approved-8570-baseline-certifications/
Since CCNA Security is effectively going away, are the options now to take Comptia’s Security+ or obtain CCNP Security? Or is there other information not accounted for in the Training and Certification FAQ:
https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en_us/training-events/training-certification-faqs.pdf
Hey Matt,
Your question is a bit beyond my knowledge, particularly on the compliance stuff. I’ll refer you to Cisco, and learningnetwork.cisco.com – probably a great place to ask and look for other similar questions. Sorry about that.
Thank you!
Hi Wendell,
Unfortunately, I started a Cisco Network Academy course three weeks ago. It’s estimated that each course is 12 weeks long. So by our estimates, we should be completed this course in April 2020. Already, you’ve listed topics that are going away that I’m currently learning. I’ve spoken to my instructor who was also not informed of the big change and right now all they can say is keep going, these topics will be included….but they aren’t now. I would of liked Cisco to of notified the schools that are apart of the Academy to advise them to stop offering these courses if they will surpass February 2020. I like the academy cause it gives me a schedule to complete everything. But at this point, I feel that I would like to get my money back and just invest it into your books and the simulated labs. What are your thoughts?
Hi Brad,
Your comment impacted me a bit, but being at the show helped. I have a good friend who’s a long time leader in his university and long-time Academy instructor, so I sought him out at the show yesterday. I personally have only a little experience working in the Academic world, and I knew this fellow would have some useful wisdom. My friend has taught many thousands of students like you, and counseled many. I’m going to try and summarize our 30 minute conversation here.
– Most of his suggestions were to stick with the course at least through the semester (assuming it’s something you enroll in and pay for by semester). Couple of reasons.
1) all learning is useful. EG, even learning RIP (gone from the exam in Feb 2020) still gives you perspective in netorking, for compare/contrast with say OSPF. Not a complete waste, just not in the blueprint.
2) It’s the first week, and the Academy folks (those that run the program) haven’t announced their transition plans. Who knows what they might offer that your local instructor could take advantage of? If the timeline to get a refund allows it, let it play out a little longer.
– If the timing of you “drop for full refund” is upon you, maybe go sit with the person in the office that handles that, and ask for advice. Maybe it’s a case where an exception might be made. EG, give me a few more weeks in which they’d honor a full refund, I want to keep going in case some alternative solution appears, etc etc.
– My friend also said that in some cases that getting your money back makes sense. That’s really up to you.
– On the stick-it-out-for-1-semester argument, he said that if your course follows the Academy curriculum, most of that material will apply to the new exam anyway – so the time’s not wasted vs. the exam.
I can answer on the self study option. Lots of people go down that path and study on their own, and use the Cisco Learning Network as their community. I love the NetAcad and what it does, but it may be that the timing for you does pull you towards the self-study route. That’s really a matter of personal preference. Honestly, I think there are probably many Academies right now trying to figure out their plan given the timing of dissemenating info about the exam changes. Unfortunately, that makes for some uncertainty.
Hope this helps,
Wendell
Edit: on the “stick-it-out-for-1-semester” – I’m meaning that the content in semester 1 is also mostly included in the new exam (per my friend).
Thank you so much for looking into this Wendell. I can understand that the Academy isn’t ready to roll this out just yet, (insert Monday Morning Quarterbacking) but they would of known that this was going to happen at Cisco Live and could of at least thought “Hey, instead of leaving some students high and dry and not have any answers for them or the institutions that provide them this class, lets tell them to just not offer to start any new students from this point on (Say January 2019) so that any new students won’t be starting in May and won’t complete the course in time to right the old CCNA”.
If they say that the new curriculum will be merged in and these students will be able to continue and the next 3 will focus on the new CCNA, great. But you make a big announcement and neither the Certification department, the Learning department and the Academy department are communicating and planning this out? For a company that’s supposed to be the best in the industry in networking, their communication skills kind of suck.
The institution I’m going through has not even responded back to my last emails cause they don’t know what’s even going on and the Dean of the department is at Cisco Live. I’ve contacted back Cisco Academy via Twitter and their FB account and all I’m getting is the same info that was on the press release. They aren’t getting back to me with any answers to my questions and concerns.
I’m currently unemployed and have all the time in the world to use your books (which are awesome) and the simulator to knock them out of the park. But the institution I’m going thru won’t refund us the money like this. At least not yet.
Sorry…now I’m just venting. You have bigger fish to fry and I appreciate the time you spent in looking into this for me. You are truly the voice of the voiceless. The “No Answer” response from them is just continuing to build my belief that I am merely a number to Cisco, when I do have a name.
Brad,
It’s ok. Venting has a place in life! Gotta process a bit. And sometimes I think those with secure jobs, going for yet another Cisco cert, sometimes forget about the life stage of working hard to find a job in the industry – and all the stress that includes.
If I had something to offer to you about how the Academy will proceed, I’d offer it, but I don’t. I’d just say that of the dozens (maybe hundreds) of Academy instructors I’ve met over the years, they seem to be pretty attached to their students and care about each class – much like you would expect from professional educators. To the extent that the conditions allow, I think they’ll be looking for solutions. Maybe the Academy as an organization fell short in being ready to talk about the changes, or get the word out to the troops, etc (I don’t know – not in that loop), but I would imagine they’re working on real answers to what’s probably a huge change for them. My $.02.
Wendell
I did get a response back from the Academy.
“”What will the impact be on the Networking Academy CCNA courses?
A. In November new CCNA courses that align to the new CCNA certification will be made available. These new courses will contain several enhancements including improved course layout, expanded use of learning tools emphasizing hands-on learning, improved assessment security, and new user experience with enhanced accessibility conformance. In the meantime, we encourage Networking Academy instructors to continue to offer current courses as these topics remain relevant to prepare students for a networking career. In addition, new certification preparation modules will be available in
November to help students who complete existing courses prepare for the new certifications. Translations of both courses and preparation modules will roll out during the first half of 2020.”
Hi Wendell,
Does this mean it will still be possible to schedule current version of the exam till Feb 2020 ? (and even 6 months after that date for ICND2 v3 if you passed ICND1 v3, if what Cisco told is correct 🙂 )
David,
On your first, yes, existing exams can be taken through Feb 23 2020. New exams only can be taken starting Feb 24 2020.
I don’t know specifically what exams you reference with “v3”, as Cisco doesn’t use those quaifiers consistently, but follow up with exam numbers if I didn’t answer what you’re asking.)
W
ugh, all the $ spent on Cisco press. Motivation is Security and DevOps. However, not much out there in the way of material yet for DevOps. Will VIRL eventually be updated to reflect these changes?
Hey David,
Well, developer.cisco.com aka Cisco DevNet has some material on DevOps.
As for VIRL, they were showing the next version at CLUS, with intended release timing this calendar year. I don’t recall feature list.
Wendell
Hi Wendell,
I passed the ICND1 3 months ago and before the big news from Cisco I was planning to take the CCNA Security 210-260 in January 2020, however I have not started studying for it yet. What would you recommend me to do?
In one hand I have still time to prepare and take the exam before February 2020, however I would be studying from books and material published 3-4 years ago in contrast to the fresh CCNA material being published in a few months. Also, waiting for the new CCNA makes me feel like paying for the CCENT exam was a waste of time and money.
Thanks,
Carlos D.
Hi Carlos,
I would advise you start working on you CCNA security and get Certified by your Jan 2020 timeline, certificate is still valued and valid for the next 3 years…and aim for then new CCNP security after Feb 2020. If you feel the timeline is too tight, do your ICND2 before Feb2020 and get the New CCNA badge. Either way it’s a win win, get studying you have time.
Thanks Kayvow, I will study for the ICND2 since I have better resources to study from and also to guarantee pass the test hehe.
Hi Carlos,
Couple of things to consider.
If you passion is to pursue Security, keep studying, get the skills, and pass the existing CCNA Sec. to get the cert. While it’s older than say something that would still be in development and not release yet, you’d still learn a lot that’s useful for your career.
Take a look at the CCNP Security Core blueprint, and think about what from your CCNA Sec materials you’d need to learn to pursue that exam when it comes out. Then ask yourself: could you self-study the prereqs now, and then pursue CCNP Security Core early 2020? That’s a first step to CCNP Security. (I’ve not done that analysis, just makes sense to me.)
I agree that paying for the ICND1 exam may feel like a waste. However, you need those skills to do anything in route/switch and in network security, so the skills/knowledge aren’t a waste. And those are prereq knowledge/skill for CCNP Sec (assuming that’s of interest), and I’m guessing it’s required skill for the current CCNA Security? So yeah, paying the the exam itself may seem like it was unecessary in retrospect.
I had an interesting related conversation about that yesterday – stay tuned here, I might make a post taking off from this thought over the coming weeks.
Wendell
Thank you for answering me Wendell, I agree with everything you say. I am interested in the security, however I have better resources to study for the ICND2 and will pursue this cert. Also I have seen many comments that is recommended to get the CCNA R&S before the CCNA Sec.
I will keep checking your blog for your insights.
usefull information about new ccna thanks Wendell
You’re welcome!
Hi Wendell – will you be writing the CCNP Enterprise books personally? I enjoyed the ICND1 and 2 books by yourself so was wondering.
Also thanks for fielding all these questions.
Bav – nope. Revving my CCNA R&S books into new CCNA books, which didn’t allow time for me to do CCNP Core (I tried). Cisco Press did find an experienced team to work on it, so I’m hopeful for a good book. I may do some other learning events/products with CCNP Core though – just not the Official Cert Guide.
Also, I wrote parts of what is today the CCNP ROUTE OCG, and don’t know if they’ll use any of that in the new CCNP Core (or advanced routing.) But probably not enough for it to be a “Wendell” book. 🙂
W
thx for all your precious help sir 🙂
Hi Wendell,
I passed ICDN1 today, with a score at 930 ! For sure, your blog played its part 🙂 Now ICDN2…
Hi Wendell, I am currently studying for the CCNA and plan to write before end 2019. I am also planning to start the CCDA in January 2020 and thereafter start the CCDE.
My question is this:
What happened to the CCDA, CCDP and CCDE track? My aim was always designing and CCDE seem perfect for me but how do I approach it now with the new changes?
Regards,
Sainty
Hi Sainty,
That’s a great question! Actually, I think Cisco’s been incredibly thoughtful about all parts of these changes, which was probably difficult to do given the size of the effort. But to your question…
Look at CCNP Enterprise. You’ll see one design exam there. Your new plan to continue your design focus is to plan to get the new CCNP Enterprise when it comes out, and take that exam. You’ll end up with a CCNP Enterprise certification with a specialization cert is design.
You would forego taking any CCDA exam because it dissapears.
That begs a question or two, of course. You may need to study content that’s in the current CCNA Design exam in order to be ready for the CCNP Enterprise Design exam. That CCNP Enterprise Design (I think) looks more like the existing CCDP exam. So you may have a little back-reading to do.
To date, CCDE is still there and available – no changes announced for CCDE at this point. However, all the CCIE labs will have a 3-hour design component. So, you might consider a CCIE rather than CCDE.
Hope this helps…
Wendell
Hi Wendell !!
First of all thanks for your valuable time for answering all of the questions.
I work in network security and currently preparing for a security cert from another vendor but i have a CCNA (R&S) from Cisco which is going to expire in mid of August 2019.
Since i want to keep my Cisco cert, so from last 2 weeks i was trying to prepare for CCNA security so i can pass it before the expiration of my CCNA (R&S) but after this change i am a little confused as i want to keep the cert but don’t want to spend time and money on something which is going to finish soon i.e CCNA security.
My question is that for re-certification what should be my best option would be according to the above Scenario?
Thanks,
You’re welcome, Umair!
Well, from the bit you’ve told me, I’d stay the course on CCNA Security. It’s where you’ve been living for a while, so it’s probably the least effort to complete to recert CCNA. Say you pass August 1. Then you’ll have:
CCNA R&S recertified through Aug 1 2022
CCNA Security through Aug 1 2022
After transition day, you’ll have still have those through Aug 1 2022, plus
CCNA (the new one) recertified through Aug 1 2022 (and receritifiable)
A security “badge” (details coming one day) that’s meant to replace the CCNA Security certification credential, active til 2022 for you (and recertifiable)
I think that’s a pretty good deal. I don’t see any reason to divert.
Alternative is to look at all the other current recert options, and ask if there’s an easier way – but getting CCNA Security looks pretty sweet to me.
Thoughts?
Really appreciate your response. What i have understood after your above explanation is that after transition i will have :
a new CCNA and a security badge till Aug 2022 (recertifiable).
I think other recert options will take more time as compared to CCNA Security at this time. So i think i will go with CCNA security then.
Thanks for your suggestions.This is my first post on your blog and found it really useful for future.
Would like to keep in touch.
Hi, what happened if someone who is not from programming background or have no idea anything about programming language as there are topics in New CCNA R&S which related to programming language, so my question is, is it mandatory to Learn programming language deeply although I am not from programming background. So kindly advise.
Imran,
There’ zero programming in the new CCNA exam topics. There’s network automation, but none of it requires programming skills. You’ll see Python starting in CCNP Enterprise Core. So no need to learn Python at all for CCNA, and just a little for CCNP Enterprise.
my question is this, For the sake of learning and staying up to date, will you release a “Lite” version of your book that goes over only the new material?
Is it recommended if we have current CCNA (or are studying to get it), that we also get the new one to display that our skills are current, or is this something we can handle after the certification expires and we get recertified?
fairly new here, but really enjoy and appreciate this blog…. do you recommend any other good blogs for this type of information?
Austin
Hi Austin,
On an update or lite version, thanks much for the suggestion. I’ve thought of suggesting it to the publisher on some revisions, but that’s really a publisher choice, but I’d be surprised if they did it. But I’ll toss the idea out to my editor, and see what he thinks.
On your second question, I’ve not seen Cisco recommend it. So, let’s say you have/get CCNA R&S, and want to then pursue CCNP with the new exams. You will need to learn some wireless LAN stuff, some security basics, some automation topics. However, you don’t need to get the new CCNA certification – you’ll be awarded it automatically on Feb 24th 2020. EG, you have a valid CCNA R&S cert on 2/23/20, on 2/24/20, you should still have that, plus also then a “new” CCNA certification.
On the last bit – thanks! Glad you like it. Oddly enough, I don’t look around at a lot of other CCNA blogs. 🙂 So I don’t have much to recommend there. If no one else chimes in here, I’d check learningnetwork.cisco.com and look around for posts, and if nothing there, maybe post the question there.
Hi,
I’m in a weird situation. I wanted to go back to IT sector after I had left it 10 years ago. In 2004 I did once a CCNA course without to get the certificate ( I could not afford it in that time). Now I’m really worrying about the new Cisco exam changes as I have just started the ICND100-105 (based on your book, but I paid for a course a couple of hundreds of pounds) which started in July , 2019 and will be finished in July, 2020). It was my fault of course that I did not check all the circumstances and got the news about the new Cisco exams after I had started my course. This course takes a lots of money for my family and I won’t be able to finish this (actually it will be a CCNA R&S exam in next July, not the separated ICND1 and ICND2 so I have to do both at same time) before 20th of February, 2020. I will finish your ICND1 book in October, 2019 and I’ll start the ICND2, so the earliest I can finish both books in April,2020 (as per my calculation). I checked your article and really worried about the changes announced by Cisco because I won’t be able to learn 10 new chapters from April till July, 2020. My only idea is if you could be so kind and advise me which chapters I must leave out from my studying plan from your old ICND1 and 2 books, so I could finish these earlier and I still have some time to study the new exam chapters.
I would not like to loose a whole year (I cannot afford it) to fail the CISCO CCNA R&S test and wasting the money and extend it to another year. I’m only a caretake & cleaner currently so you can imagine my wage currently.
My second question is: I saved some money to buy one of the Pearson Cisco simulator. It is quite cheap currently but I’m not sure which one would be the most suitable for me. Am I mistaken if I buy the CCNA 200-125 insted of the 100-105 and 200-105?
Could you please advise me on this as well?
Many Thanks, Kind Regards,
Bela
Hi Bela,
all things considered, I think you could be ready to pass the existing exams before Cisco retires then on Feb 24, 2020. First, you course will take you through 3/4th of the content or so by say the end of January, at least in how I read your comment. You can self-study now for the topics that you will not get to in class before then. So:
Keep learning in class.
Make a plan to learn the final 1/4th of your class topics on your own.
So, that’d be a plan on how to pass with the existing exams. Your choice on whether to go for the 2-exam (ICND1, ICND2) or single exam (CCNA R&S) path to get there.
Alternately, you could plan on passing the new exam. If that’s the case, I’d suggest you read all 9 or so of my posts related to the announcement. They include a plan for using the existing books to prep for the new exam (what to skip, what to read, etc.). But the new exam does include new content. You’d have to make a plan for what to use to learn those topics.
On the Simulator current products, think: ICND1 + ICND2 = CCNA. So, if you buy the ICND1 Sim, and then the ICND2 Sim, you have exactly what you’d get buying the CCNA sim. They all include the same underlying software, just with different lab exercises. I personally think the CCNA Sim, usually around $100 US, is a great deal.
Hope this helps,
Wendell
Thanks for your reply. It is very useful. Anyway I found your article about how I can use the existing books for preparing for the new exam and I’m not worrying that much now.
Possible I was not that clear as I should have been.
1) This is a course but it means they gave me access to knowledge tutorials and videos but I came to the decision it is better to use your brilliant books so I self-study at home and using the course portal for labing and doing mock exams.
2) I’m working so I have only a 2-4 hours a day to learn and unfortunately I’m perfectionist so I’m not only learning but practicing the previous chapters I had studied before (I made a quiz app for me for every chapters of your book but unfortunately I do not reach the 85% yet in every cases).
3) I’m a slow learner as I’m not that young so I really need time to understand the things (and the English is not my native language).
If you combine these 3 points you can see that I won’t be able to do my exam earlier than next July. (I do not think the organizer company would allow me to do the ICND1 first and then the ICND2 because we agreed to do both at same time as CCNA R&S)
So the study plan is now: I’m learning chapter 13 and 14 form the ICND1 book in this week so the best to finish this book is about endish of October (if I do not learn those 3 chapters you indicated with 0). I’ll start the second book then and following your learning instructions about that which chapters are important (3 or 2) or I can buy the new books (but which one? the volume 2?). So I can skip 10 chapters from your ICND2 book, so possible I’ll have enough time to check and learn the new books / chapter until April, 2020.
Thanks for the advise for the simulator.
Many Thanks,
Best Regards,
Bela
I have my CCNA and CCNP: R&S. They expire in 2021. I was planning to get CCNA: Wireless as wireless skills seem to be in demand where I live. If I take the Wireless exam a month from now, I will have CCNA Wireless (would still need to renew CCNP but haven’t decided if I’m going to sit SWITCH before 2/24/20 or just wait and pass the new exam). Since I already have CCNA R&S, getting a CCNA Enterprise is worthless as I’ll already be getting that from my R&S. Will I still be claim CCNA Wireless until 2023? Cisco is being extremely vague on this training badge stuff. Is it likely that I would get something added to my CCNA Enterprise indicating I was Wireless also?
Hi Lisa,
I’ve read all about it on the same web pages as others. But I also talked to the LEarning@Cisco folks at CLUS, and followed up at email, so I believe I have a good idea of some answers. But you should attach a disclaimer to any of my answers – I don’t represent Cisco. So I’m giving you my best understanding.
– Yes, you can claim CCNA Wireless until it expires 3 years from the day you receive the certification. Nothing changes that.
– I do not see any linkage at all between CCNA Wireless and CCNP Enterprise credentials. That is, achieving CCNA Wireless certification now I think does nothing for you for credentials for CCNP Enterprise.
– I think getting CCNA Wireless now will get you roughly halfway to what you need to know for one of the new CCNP Enterprise wireless exams, so not a bad use of time.
– You do get some other credentials on 2/24/20 based on your CCNA Wireless. And yes, we don’t know exactly what that is just yet. I am pretty sure you are awarded “CCNA” (aka the new one) and one badge (details later.) And yes, Cisco has been vague so far about badges. In this many words, I was told at CLUS (June 2019) that Cisco was still working on it, and they would post more about badges by 2/24/20.
Hope this helps…
Wendell