- There are no prerequisites to enter the CCNA program but Cisco recommends specific training and books to prepare for the exams.
- There are two exams, which candidates can take separately or together. The two exams are 640-802 ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1) and 640-816 ICND2. As separate tests they each are 90 minutes long and consist of between 40 and 50 questions. The combined 640-802 exam is also 90 minutes long and consists of between 45 and 55 questions.
- ICND1 tests a candidate's ability to install, operate and troubleshoot a small branch office network. Issues discussed include networking fundamentals, connecting to a wide-area network, basic security, and network configuration.
- ICND2 tests a candidate's ability to install, operate and troubleshoot a small to midsize enterprise branch network. Issues discussed include configuring, verifying and troubleshooting virtual local-area networks.
- Two training courses for the CCNA exams are available from Cisco authorized training partners. The five-day-long courses are ICND1 v1.0 and ICND2 v1.0 and cover the issues that are discussed in the exams. Cisco Press provides a range of authorized books to help candidates pass the CCNA exams. Among the titles include CCNA Official Exam Certification Library.
- According to PayScale.com, the median salary by job for CCNAs starts at $50,531 for a network administrator, and tops out at $97,587 for a software engineer/developer/programmer.
