Are you wondering which Cisco certification to pursue: CCT or CCNA? In this comprehensive guide on CCT vs CCNA, IT Exams will help you make an informed decision and take your career in networking to the next level. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your skills and earn higher salaries in the IT industry. Read on now!
What Are CCT And CCNA Certifications?
CCT Certification
Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) certification is an entry-level certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the maintenance and support of Cisco equipment. CCT certification holders are equipped to diagnose, repair, replace, and restore Cisco networking and system devices at customer sites. The certification focuses on Cisco product-specific knowledge and technical proficiency to ensure that certified individuals can perform Cisco-related maintenance and support tasks. It is suitable for professionals who work in the field or remotely with Cisco equipment, as well as those responsible for providing technical support for Cisco products. CCT certification can be a valuable asset for IT workers looking to enter the networking field or advance their careers.
CCNA Certification
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a common entry-level networking certification for IT workers. It certifies the basic knowledge and abilities needed to build, manage, operate, and troubleshoot small to medium-sized corporate networks. Employers, vendors, and other networking professionals across the world recognize and value the CCNA qualification. It may help you advance your profession, earn more money, and build credibility and confidence in your networking talents.
Who Uses CCT And CCNA?
The CCT certification generally targets individuals who intend to or are already supporting Cisco equipment, often with the assistance of some upper-layer engineering support. Those with some technical skills who wish to go into networking are the major target demographic. Onsite support technicians, field support technicians, and remote network support are all common job titles.
Candidates for the CCNA certification are often divided into two groups: those with no prior network experience and those with prior networking expertise but no Cisco certifications.
CCT vs CCNA: What Are The Requirements?
Prerequisites for CCT
The Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) certification is an entry-level certification in the Cisco certification program. To be eligible for the CCT certification exam, there are no formal education or certification prerequisites. However, candidates are recommended to have one year of networking experience before attempting the exam to increase their chances of passing.
There are some basic requirements and limitations that candidates must be aware of before taking the CCT certification exam. First, there are no age restrictions for taking the exam, but minors aged 13 to 17 must have parental consent to take the exam and receive the certification. Additionally, candidates must provide a digital photo, signature, and two forms of personal identification at the exam facility.
Prerequisites for CCNA
The CCNA exam serves as the entry point for all Cisco certification paths. This means you don’t need any qualifications or to have passed any exams before taking the CCNA test.
Before taking the test, one should be aware of a few key limitations and CCNA requirements. The first limitation is connected to age:
- Children under the age of 13 are not authorized to take the exam, even with parental authorization.
- Individuals aged 13 to 17 are eligible to take the test and gain certification if they pass with parental authorization.
- Individuals must be at least 18 years old to take the test.
The test center also requires a digital photo and signature, as well as two forms of personal identification, and failing to supply either of these two items would prevent the candidate from taking the exam.
Although Cisco does not mandate it, taking the test after one year of networking expertise seems appropriate. Studying in conjunction with hands-on experience in a real-world context increases the chances of passing the exam.
CCT vs CCNA: Exam Details
On this website, IT Exams provide hundreds of free CCNA practice test questions 2023 to help you easily prepare for your coming exam. Check it out now!
CCT exam format
The CCT test is a computer-based exam that assesses your network installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting abilities. The exam, which includes multiple-choice and simulation questions, is given at Pearson VUE testing facilities.
The exam, designated by the code CCT-100, lasts 90 minutes and costs $125. The test style includes multiple-choice and simulation questions and is accessible in English, Japanese, and a number of other languages.
CCT Exam Objectives
Recognizing the exam objectives should be the first step. Before you begin studying for the certification exam, make sure you are up to date on all exam information. So, your first step should be to visit Cisco’s official website and see if you and the website are on the same page. If not, make sure you’re up to date on all the latest exam information. Also, objectives play a vital function, therefore follow this stage effectively. Let us take a short glance at the goals:
- First and foremost, General Networking Knowledge (25%)
- Following that, Cisco Equipment and Related Hardware (20%)
- Additionally, Cisco IOS Software Operations (29%)
- Furthermore, Service-related Knowledge (26%)
CCT Exam Topics
The test includes a variety of subjects, including:
- The fundamentals of a network.
- Technologies for LAN switching.
- Routing technologies.
- Infrastructure services.
- Infrastructure maintenance.
CCNA exam format
The CCNA exam is a computer-based exam that is given in Pearson VUE testing centers. The test includes multiple-choice and simulation questions designed to measure your networking knowledge and abilities.
The test is designated by the code 200-301, and it takes 120 minutes to complete. The test is $300, and the format includes both multiple-choice and simulation questions. The test is available in both English and Japanese.
CCNA Exam Objectives
The CCNA test measures your knowledge in the following areas:
- Defining network fundamentals and establishing basic LANs
- Setting up Internet access
- Network device management and network access security
- Understanding IPv6 Fundamentals
- Troubleshooting fundamental connection issues
- Implementing VLANs and trunking
- Configuring and troubleshooting wireless network
- Routing protocol configuration and diagnosis
- Implementing fundamental network security and automation strategies.
CCNA Exam Topics
The CCNA exam covers the following topics:
Network Fundamentals
- Examine the similarities and contrasts between the OSI and TCP/IP models.
- Assess the impact of infrastructure components on a corporate network.
Network Access:
- Configure VLANs and inter-switch connections
- Validate Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and EtherChannel
IP Connectivity:
- Analyze routing tables and explain the gateway function
- Configure static routing for IPv4 and IPv6
IP Services:
- Set up DHCP, ACLs, NAT, and NTP
Security Fundamentals:
- Secure a network, use cryptography, and configure switch security features
Automation and Programmability:
- Use Python scripts and understand configuration management protocols and network programmability principles
Wireless Fundamentals:
- Understand wireless networks and set up WLANs
CCT vs CCNA: Advantages
Advantages of CCT
You’ll want your team members to hold the CCT certification as an IT manager for a few reasons. First and foremost, this accreditation is required for any company that works directly with Cisco as a support provider for TAC operations. Second, the CCT certification provides entry-level personnel with limited networking expertise with fundamental Cisco equipment and operations.
Advantages of CCNA
You’ll want your team members to hold the CCNA certification as an IT manager for at least two reasons. To begin with, it helps you to confirm their expertise; individuals who successfully complete their CCNA have demonstrated that they are familiar with many of Cisco’s technologies and functionalities. Second, it enables employees to track and improve their own networking efforts.
CCT vs CCNA: Career Opportunities
CCT Jobs
1. Engineer (Field, Network, Application Support)
As a Cisco CCT engineer, you may be responsible for giving clients computer system and network assistance by addressing difficulties remotely or over the phone. You may be expected to debug and provide technical assistance to ensure that the customer’s system operates properly. The starting wage for this post is around Rs. 100,000.
2. Systems Administrator
As a CCT holder, you may be expected to manage the backup and security of an organization’s systems, infrastructure, and devices. You may be expected to provide help at the second and third levels of the organization, such as managing all hardware and software and guaranteeing the seamless running of the company’s network infrastructure. The starting salary for this post is roughly Rs. 1,47,000.
3. Network Engineer (Support, Network)
As a CCT-certified network engineer, you may be in charge of maintaining and supporting the company’s network infrastructure. You may be needed to develop, construct, deploy, maintain, and support the infrastructure within specified configurations while adhering to the principles and practices of change management policies. The starting wage for this post is roughly Rs. 1,62,000.
4. Analyst (Network, Network Operations Center)
You may be needed to offer analysis and assistance for network operations center duties such as monitoring, troubleshooting, and incident response in this role. You may also be in charge of creating reports, analytics, and monitoring tools to help the network run smoothly. The starting pay for this post is around Rs. 1,03,000.
5. Technical Specialist
As a CCT holder, you might work as a technical professional in charge of network system and infrastructure configuration and support. You may be needed to keep paperwork and respond to issues, alerts, and notifications on time. The starting pay for this post is around Rs. 1,03,000.
The salaries shown are only estimates and may vary depending on factors such as experience, geography, and business restrictions.
CCNA Jobs
1. Technical Support Engineers
2. Systems Engineers (Fresher)
3. Systems Engineer
4. Network Administrator
5. Information Technology (IT) Manager
6. Senior Network Engineer
7. Network Security Specialist
CCT vs CCNA: What Factors Should Be Considered?
It may be challenging to choose between the Cisco CCT and CCNA certifications. Several factors should be considered before deciding on which certification to pursue.
One of the most crucial factors to examine is your professional ambitions. If you wish to work in networking but don’t have any prior experience, the CCT certification may be a better alternative for you. CCT certification is designed for those who are new to networking and want to master the foundations of networking. If you wish to further your profession and have some networking knowledge, the CCNA certification may be a better option.
The level of difficulty of the certification examinations is another key factor to consider. CCT certification exams are said to be easier than CCNA certification exams. The CCT exams evaluate fundamental networking knowledge, whereas the CCNA exams evaluate advanced networking principles.
The time and cost of obtaining the certification are other important factors to consider. The CCT certification needs only one exam, whereas the CCNA certification requires two. The CCT exam is also less costly than the CCNA tests.
Finally, it is necessary to assess the current job market and certification demand. Many firms prefer candidates who have CCNA certification since it is well-recognized and respected in the industry. However, if you are looking for job in a certain profession, you should consider if both certificates are required.
FAQs
Final Words
Deciding between CCT and CCNA can be a difficult choice, but understanding the differences between the two certifications can help you make an informed decision. CCT is a more basic certification that focuses on the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Cisco networks, while CCNA is a more comprehensive certification that covers a wide range of networking topics including routing and switching, security, and wireless networking.
If you are just starting out in the networking field or are looking for a more entry-level position, CCT may be the best option for you. However, if you are looking to advance your career in networking and take on more complex networking roles, CCNA may be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision between CCT vs CCNA will depend on your career goals and the specific job requirements of the positions you are interested in.
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