How to Become a CCENT

Gaining Web 2.0 skills, such as obtaining Cisco certification puts you in the fast lane toward success and a networking job. The CCENT begins the first phase of achieving the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and prepares you for support positions. Become a CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) on your way to the CCNA and begin an exciting career in networking.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Note that although the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) is not required, it is recommended as the curriculum introduces learners to CCNA networking concepts. Locate schools or training facilities in your area offering approved CCENT and CCNA courses.

2. Research the many large community colleges offer Cisco networking courses. Note that tuition costs tend to vary. Community college tuition for Cisco classes is usually the same as for regular classes. However, continuing education for Cisco at the same community college can be thousands of dollars.

3. Get in touch with private training facilities (online and lecture delivery formats) to find out costs for Cisco courses. Off-campus training facilities also tend to be pricey. Compare tuition prices before enrolling in Cisco courses.

4. Check out Cisco's website to discover various certificates and tracks available. Look for tracks you might want to follow, and notice that becoming a CCIE is often the expert-level goal for those with professional-level Cisco certificates. You can find all the Cisco-approved training facilities or schools in your region by clicking the link, "Participating in the Program."

5. Prepare yourself. Cisco certification demands intensive training and the successful completion of several courses. Be ready for a fast-paced schedule with a lot of studying and memorization. Stay on top of weekly testing that preps you for final certification testing.

6. Master weekly readings, exercises and lab work to successfully complete training/testing. Maintain a high grade point average. Study online materials, textbooks, lab books and notes. Put into practice learned information in labs to experience hands-on Cisco concepts.

7. Keep in mind that typical official Cisco Academy courses combine lecture notes, online material, readings and hands-on lab instruction to accomplish learning objectives. Complete Cisco courses through independent study. You won't get necessary hands-on training and instruction unless the online school has a Cisco lab available near you.

8. Check details before registering for Cisco certification and make sure the school or training facility and instructors are Cisco approved. Become a CCENT after you've successfully learned the curriculum and passed appropriate testing.

9. Take certificate exams at any Cisco approved facility and pay the required fee. Differentiate between certificates awarded by your school and official Cisco certificates. Take recommended training, "Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1)" and pass the 640-822 ICND1 correlating exam to become a CCENT.

Tips & Warnings

• Note that some high schools offer Cisco courses and training for kids.
• Look for the official "Cisco Systems" icon for approved Cisco training facilities and schools.
• For CCNA certification, you must take different training and tests, such as "Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1)" plus the Part 2 (ICND2) course, or "Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO)." "Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices (ICND)" also is part of the recommended training. You'll have to pass the 640-802 CCNA or the 640-801 CCNA exams. See the Cisco site for more testing options.
• Get re-certified every 3 years for most Cisco certificates.

Resources

• Cisco website to learn more about training, certification and approved schools.
• Cisco training at Edmonds Community College in Lynnwood, Washington.
• Cisco certification at Sandhills Community College in North Carolina.
• Useful practice questions and study guides for Cisco certificate testing.