But since technology advances quickly, certifications for professionals in the networking field also need to be kept up to date. In 2024, Cisco launched the new version of its best exam certification: the CCNA 200-301. The test is intended to reflect how current the networking technologies are and proves that certified professionals have the needed skills and the knowledge in the constantly evolving IT world. In this article, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the CCNA 200-301 exam and what really makes it special in 2024.
CCNA 200-301 Exam Overview
Its current version, CCNA 200-301 exam acts as the exhaustive inspection for specimens networking basics, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security essentials, and automation & programmability. The main topics of the exam are as follows:
Network Fundamentals: Network understanding and OSI/TCPIV6 models, IPv4, Subnetting are one of the most important topics for the CCNA 200-301 exam.
Network Access: This is an important domain which covers the mastery of Ethernet, VLANs, trunking, wireless LANs, configuring and verifying switch port security and it is crucial for controlling network access.
IP Connectivity: This is the core and of the most important, one should know routing concepts, OSPF, EIGRP and BGP knowledge, configuring and verifying inter-VLAN & Static routing is important to ensure IP connectivity.
IP Services: Which includes DHCP, NAT, NTP, and SNMP, and also You need IP services so you must clear about DHCP, NAT, NTP, and SNMP and set and see DHCP and NAT services.
Security Fundamentals: An in-depth understanding of security concepts such as AAA, ACLs, secure device management, and VPN technologies are essential for network security.
Automation and Programmability: Practical experience with automation programmability-related tools such as REST APIs, Python scripting and network programmability protocols like NETCONF and RESTCONF are essential to support the efficient operation of your network.
Exam Question Types:
The CCNA exam will have the following type of questions for which the students have to be prepared( experimental, multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and true/false) Also the test contains several labs that are hands on and require the configuration of network devices.
Exam Duration:
The CCNA exam is allotted a duration of 120 minutes.
CCNA Passing Score: CCNA exam scorecards has 1000 points and passing score is 825 points.
Exam Fees: The CCNA test will cost you $300.
Certificate Validity: The certification is released 3 years and you can recertify by taking a recertification exam or passing a higher-level exam.
What's New in 2024? The CCNA 200-301 exam is periodically updated to reflect the changing trends of the IT industry. The only notable changes and additions in 2024 are as follows:
Greater Focus on Automation: As the industry continues to shift to software-defined networking (SDN) and network automation, the exam includes an increasing emphasis on automation and programmability in networking.
More Security Basics: The new exam will also include some security basics so that certified professionals have a good grounding in the newer types of threats to be addressed.
Interoperability with New Technologies : The test introduces new technologies, such as cloud, Internet of Things (IoT), and the edge, all of which offer a common framework from those domains with
Preparation Tips To clear the CCNA 200-301 exam, you need to be devoted, practice hands-on, and have access to complete study aids. If you want to succeed at online dating…Here are some suggestions for you.
Use the Official Study Documents: Use the official study materials provided by Cisco to learn the exam topics and key objectives.
Implement a lab for Experience: Practice configuring and troubleshooting network devices with an environment lab using Cisco Packet Tracer or real networking.
Keep Current: Be up-to-date on new networking technologies and trends in the industry so that your skills and knowledge are current and keep up with the times.
Join Study Groups: Share notes and study with peers or join any online community having the same aspirants for CCNA as you and share, study together, and support each other.
Time Management: Maybe some time management techniques only during practice exams to know if you are able to complete the exam in given time frame or not.
Conclusion The CCNA 200-301 exam is a proof that Cisco is keeping up in terms of maintaining the form of its certification programs in the light of advancements. Its key concepts and technologies must be mastered by anyone interested in success as a networking professional in the midst of today's cutthroat world of IT. Then are you ready for getting ready for CCNA certification in 2024? The opportunities await!