Introduction
If you are considering a career in networking, you might be wondering about the CCNA Worth in 2025 and the years to come. And you are not the only one who is curious about it; there are many students who often get stuck on the same question. It’s a fact that a networking career is a good choice for anyone looking for stable and well-paid positions in the tech industry.
The reason behind it is the Internet, which has become a crucial part of our lives. Not only us but organizations of all sizes rely heavily on robust and secure networks. This means that skilled professionals are, and will continue to be, in high demand to create, manage, and maintain these networks. So, in this blog, we will try to help you understand the most asked question, i.e., “Is CCNA worth it?” We will be discussing its benefits, job opportunities, and how to become CCNA-certified after a CCNA training.
Before getting into more details, let us first understand what CCNA really is.
What is CCNA?
CCNA full form is Cisco Certified Network Associate. It is a worldwide well-known entry-level certification provided by Cisco Systems. A company that is a leading supplier of networking products. CCNA helps you to gain a basic understanding of networking technologies and get hands-on experiences.
CCNA Syllabus Covers:
- Networking Fundamentals: It includes IP addressing, subnetting, routing protocols such as RIP & EIGRP, and network topology. In simple words, you will understand the fundamental concepts about how networks operate.
- Switching Technologies: For LAN management, it is essential to determine how switches work; VLANs and STP are crucial for managing LANs.
- Routing Technologies: The routing protocols section focuses on the ways through which data can be passed on from one network to another. You will also learn how routers retransmit traffic optimally.
- Network Security Fundamentals: Some of the fundamental security principles, which include access lists, firewalls, and protocols, are discussed.
- Wireless Networking: Understanding wireless technologies, including Wi-Fi standards, security protocols, and wireless LANs, is crucial for modern networks.
- Automation and Programmability: In the updated CCNA courses, candidates also receive an introduction to network automation as a means to simplify the management of networks.
The CCNA in networking is not only a theory-based certification; it also focuses on practical knowledge. You will cover the basic setup of network devices, handling of problems that occur with the devices, as well as practical aspects of the course through simulations and exercises.
Now that you have a good knowledge of the concepts that you will learn in the CCNA course. It is time to help you understand the CCNA worth in 2025 and the years to come.
Is CCNA Worth It?
The answer to the question of CCNA worth is yes, CCNA is absolutely worth it in 2025 and beyond. The networking industry continues to evolve, but the fundamental skills taught in CCNA remain critically important. With the increasing complexity of digital networks, networking professionals are more valuable than ever.
So, if you are thinking of starting a career in the networking field, then it is highly recommended that you go for CCNA. The question of whether the CCNA is worth it is a common one among aspiring network professionals.
The question that arises now is why CCNA is worth it. Let us discuss it in detail.
Why is CCNA Worth it?
The value of CCNA does not end with the certification itself. To better understand the question “Is CCNA worth it?” Below, we have outlined a few more reasons why CCNA is worth it for anyone in 2025 and beyond.
Foundation for Advanced Certifications
CCNA is just a beginner-level certification, but it lays the foundation for professional certifications such as CCNP and CCIE. These certifications allow you to get higher pay grades and better opportunities to get promoted to higher ranks.
Credibility with Employers
CCNA signals to an employer that you are familiar with the important basics of networking and are keen to make a career out of it. This will surely make you stand out in the crowded job market.
Practical Skills
The CCNA curriculum is a mix of both theory and practical. Also, by implementing your theory knowledge into practice, you learn the ways routers and switches are set, how network issues are solved, and how networks function in practical cases. This is a great hands-on opportunity for any student who wants to become a network engineer.
Career Opportunities
With CCNA, you can go for entry-level network positions such as network technician, help desk support specialist with a networking emphasis, and junior network engineer. It’s a stepping stone to more advanced roles and higher salaries in the future.
Future-Proofing Your Skills
Another important factor to be taken into consideration here is that the advent of new technologies does not mean that the basic principles of networking cannot be applied to the new type of technology. CCNA knowledge assists as the building blocks on which you can expand your real-world understanding of newer technologies. If you even look outside Cisco products, the base knowledge is still going to be in use.
Now, you must be wondering whether it is beneficial to go for CCNA certification or not.
Is CCNA Certification Worth It?
While the CCNA certification is valuable, it’s not worth it for everyone. The certification is not a requirement for all networking jobs, and some employers may not place a high value on it. However, for many employers, the CCNA certification is a requirement for certain networking positions. Whether or not the CCNA certification is worth it depends on your career goals, location, and the specific job you’re applying for.
However, remember that certification does not replace experience. In some instances, a candidate with significant real-world experience may be preferred over a newly certified candidate. This perspective highlights the combination of certification and hands-on experience, which many employers seek.
Benefits of doing CCNA
CCNA introduces new opportunities regarding job offers, careers, and studying up-to-date network technologies. Let us discuss these benefits in detail.
- Understanding of Modern Network Technologies: Having good knowledge about routing and switching, network security, wireless protocols, and IP addressing can help you focus on developing skills based on modern network technologies.
- Improved Job Prospects: CCNA greatly increases your employment outlook and makes you a better candidate in the job market.
- Career Advancement & Global Recognition: CCNA is a great entry point to a more advanced level. This means that after CCNA, you can take higher courses such as CCNP and CCIE. These professional courses increase your chances of getting a job in information technology.
- Increased Confidence: CCNA knowledge makes you confident in your networking skills when you master the concepts while practicing.
However, it is important to note that there are some drawbacks that come with CCNA that you should look for before going for CCNA.
Drawbacks of CCNA
Nevertheless, apart from the numerous benefits that you are likely to get from CCNA, there are some drawbacks to CCNA. Some of these are explained below.
- Initial investment in training and examination: The price of CCNA courses and exams can be high. If you are a student thinking of going for CCNA, yes, the initial investment is there, which, at times, is hard for students to come up with. Cisco CCNA certification cost is about $300 + tax.
- Advancement in Technology: It is a well-known fact that technologies evolve with time. Hence, the knowledge that you get from CCNA is sometimes not enough.
- Not a Guarantee of a Job: Holding the CCNA certification increases your chances, but it does not guarantee that you can get a job.
- Certification renewal every three years: CCNA certification has a validity of 3 years. Therefore, if you are aspiring to sit for the CCNA certification tests, bear in mind that they need to be renewed.
CCNA worth can be easily understood with the different job roles that will be available for you once you complete the CCNA course. Let us now look into some of the job roles after CCNA.
Job Opportunities After CCNA
A CCNA certification can open doors to several entry-level and mid-level networking roles, including:
- Network Technician: Accountable for designing, implementing, and supporting network hardware and software.
- Help Desk Support Specialist (with networking focus): Supports end users and solves problems that are associated with connectivity to the corporate network.
- Junior Network Engineer: Assist senior network engineers in planning, deploying, and managing the network architectures.
- Systems Administrator: Covers responsibilities of managing and maintaining both the servers and networks of an organization.
- Network Analyst: Diagnoses network problems and suggests measures to increase the network speed and protect it from known threats.
- Security Administrator: Monitors as well as implements policies that would prevent unauthorized access to the networks.
The jobs we have discussed above are just a few job roles that you can get after CCNA. It is important to note that the specific job opportunities also depend on factors such as industry, experience, and location.
Now, you must be thinking about how to become CCNA-certified. Let us look into it in detail.
How to Become CCNA Certified?
In order to become a CCNA certified, you must pass a CCNA certification exam, i.e., exam code 200-301. Now, let us look at some of the measures you can take to become Cisco CCNA certified.
Prepare for the CCNA exam
To take the CCNA exam, one must attend a CCNA training course, either offline or online. This will help you prepare the topics and skills analyzed in the CCNA exam.
Practice with Labs
In the networking field, practical knowledge is a must. Configure the lab at home by yourself or utilize virtual simulation tools in order to practice organizing networks as well as practicing different scenarios.
Register for the Exam
After you believe that you have enough knowledge to pass the exam, sign up for CCNA tests via Pearson VUE or another authorized test center. CCNA certification fee is approximately $300 + taxes.
Take the Exam
When sitting for the exam, stand strong and assured knowing that you have trained for this examination!
Maintain Your Certification
CCNA certification does not last forever; the certification is valid for three years and requires renewal. Certified professionals have to pass the CCNA exam again or get other Cisco certifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does CCNA worth IT?
Yes, CCNA is totally worth it for anyone who wants to make a career in the networking field. The reason behind this is the heavy reliance of individuals as well as companies on the Internet. Hence, in order to maintain such a complex network, professionals are needed.
Q2. Is a CCNA enough to get a job?
Yes, CCNA is enough to get a job with a basic salary package. Some of the job roles that you can go for are Technical Support Engineers, Systems Engineers (freshers), Systems Engineers, Network Administrators, and many more.
Q3. Is CCNA high demand?
Yes, CCNA is in high demand and will be in the coming future. As per various sources, CCNA-related jobs have increased from 16% to 18% when compared to 2023.
Q4. Does CCNA worth IT in 2025?
Yes, CCNA is worth it in 2025 and beyond. It will act as a stepping stone to your professional career, which can further help you go for a higher networking job role. Also, the knowledge that you get from CCNA is best suited for the IT industry and is in demand.
Conclusion
CCNA remains valuable for any person who wants to build a career in the networking field in 2025 and beyond. It gives a foundation, recognition within the industry, and many different opportunities to secure a job. To answer your question: “Is CCNA certification worth it” It is up to the individuals whether to pursue the CCNA certification or not, but it’s a fact that the skills learned through CCNA training are valuable and beneficial for individuals seeking a progressive career option.
To aspiring students such as yourself, CCNA worth is much more than just a certification; it is a foundational approach to understanding complex networks and preparing for a career in the global marketplace.
Remember, success in the field of networking requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a passion for technology. CCNA can be an excellent starting point for your professional journey. Best of Luck!!!