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What is a cisco certified network associate and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
Quoted expert
Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a cisco certified network associate. For example, did you know that they make an average of $37.94 an hour? That's $78,920 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 5% and produce 18,200 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a cisco certified network associate?

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Professor of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, California State University - East Bay

*The anxiety of AI is likely to change the landscape of computer networking, is a real threat but in my opinion, it won't eliminate the need for human network engineers. The focus will likely shift towards more strategic tasks, complex problem-solving, and leveraging AI tools to improve network efficiency and security.*

*Here again, I will explain in more detail about the expectation and future of Comp. Network Eng.*

* 1. AI Augments, Not Replaces: While AI can automate some network tasks, like data analysis and basic troubleshooting, it won't replace the need for human network engineers. It will increase the productivity for sure; Complex problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and human judgment are still crucial in network management. AI will likely become a valuable tool that assists network engineers in their tasks, making them more efficient.*

*2. Growing Demand: Our reliance on technology and data is constantly increasing. Businesses and organizations need secure, reliable networks to function. This necessitates a skilled workforce to design, implement, maintain, and secure these networks. The demand for qualified network engineers is expected to grow in the coming years.*

*In our technology horizon, I can see the quantum internet coming and I can see the demand for network engineering accelerate.*

*3. Diverse Skillset: A strong foundation in computer networking equips you with a versatile skillset. You'll understand network protocols, security concepts, and troubleshooting methodologies. These skills are valuable across the IT field and can be applied to areas like cloud computing, data center operations, or even cybersecurity. Data Centers for AI are becoming a huge opportunity for Comp Network Eng.*
ScoreCisco Certified Network AssociateUS Average
Salary
6.2

Avg. Salary $78,920

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 13.76%

Black or African American 7.90%

Hispanic or Latino 11.62%

Unknown 5.00%

White 61.39%

Gender

female 10.56%

male 89.44%

Age - 42
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42
Stress level
5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Cisco certified network associate career paths

Key steps to become a cisco certified network associate

  1. Explore cisco certified network associate education requirements

    Most common cisco certified network associate degrees

    Bachelor's

    57.0 %

    Master's

    19.7 %

    Associate

    15.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific cisco certified network associate skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CCNA16.89%
    Windows Server8.20%
    WAN5.83%
    LAN5.52%
    Certifications5.24%
  3. Complete relevant cisco certified network associate training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New cisco certified network associates learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a cisco certified network associate based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real cisco certified network associate resumes.
  4. Research cisco certified network associate duties and responsibilities

    • Lead architecture and design sessions with customers; initiate technical meetings with customer engineers to further engage and identify additional opportunities.
    • Design and arrange full curriculum for students and faculty for the CCNA exam.
    • Assist in installation and configuration of new network switches
    • Develop documentation of best practices and deployment procedures for Citrix and DataCore products.
  5. Apply for cisco certified network associate jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a cisco certified network associate job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first cisco certified network associate job

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Average cisco certified network associate salary

The average cisco certified network associate salary in the United States is $78,920 per year or $38 per hour. Cisco certified network associate salaries range between $50,000 and $123,000 per year.

Average cisco certified network associate salary
$78,920 Yearly
$37.94 hourly

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Cisco certified network associate reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Nov 2019
Pros

talking to people

Cons

outside weather, I work as a network technician and the main problem I always encounter is the cold weather.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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