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Online Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 Training

ICND 1 Certification Online Courses

The Cisco ICND Part 1 exam, titled Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1, is required to gain CCENT certification. As the base-level certification for IT professionals looking to validate their skills in networking systems, CCENT, or Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician, is a stepping stone to additional training and certifications in several networking areas. To earn the certification, students must complete the ICND 1 exam. Testing skills such as the ability to install, operate and troubleshoot a small network, the ICND 1 exam requires students to demonstrate the skills necessary to succeed in entry-level networking positions.

The topics tested include:

  • networking fundamentals
  • entry-level security and wireless concepts
  • basics of routing and switching
  • connecting to a WAN
  • WAN technologies
  • configuring simple networks
  • and several other basic networking abilities

The exam and CCENT certification are also considered a first step in working on the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification, a track that requires 1 to 3 years of work experience, and delivers the second part of the ICND exam. The CCENT certification is good for two years, and can be renewed by retaking the first part of the ICND exam, or by passing any higher-level Cisco certification exam, such as ICND Part 2. For those who are seeking employment in the information technology field, or are looking to gain additional training for their current positions, Cisco Systems, Inc. offers a wide range of certifications in its products. Specializing in networking equipment, Cisco Systems is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. Its products have a heavy workplace focus, and span a wide variety of networking, security, and data management services and business solutions.

Cisco offers five levels of IT certification on nine different product tracks. Certifications are available the following levels: Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert, and Architect. The product tracks offered are: Routing & Switching, Design, Network Security, Wireless, Voice, Data Center, Storage Networking, Service Provider, and Collaboration. Training and exams related to each of these certifications are administered by the Cisco Learning Network, at learningnetwork.cisco.com. The online portal provides resources for learning options, business community networking, and careers, including a jobs listing portal for those who have completed their Cisco certifications. Cisco refers to the CCNA, the Associate program, as the “apprentice or foundation” level for networking professionals. Certification is available specifically for network operations (CCNA) or network design (CCDA). While there is only one exam option on the design track, there are several on the operations side, with test tracks covering Routing and Switching, Voice, Wireless, Security, Data Center, Service Provider, and Service Provider Operations. These certifications require a significant background of knowledge, and may involve more than one exam. The specific exams required for the CCNA program vary depending on the area of focus. For example, the base-level CCNA focuses on Routing & Switching. The Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices Part 1 exam is 90 minutes, and is composed of 40 to 50 questions. It is administered in a timed, proctored environment, and is available in English, Japanese, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and Russian. Cisco offers an optional, five-day, classroom course to help students prepare for the exam. It’s recommended that prospective students possess basic computer, technology and online literacy before enrolling in the course. The course covers topics similar to those tested in the exam, with modules focusing on:

  • Building a simple network
  • Ethernet LANs
  • WLANs
  • LAN connections
  • WAN connections
  • Network environment management