Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician

The Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification is the first stage of Cisco's certification system. The CCENT certification is an interim step to Associate level or directly with CCNA and CCDA certifications. While the CCENT covers basic networking knowledge; it does not get involved with the more intricate technical aspects of the Cisco routing and switching and network design. The certification does validate the skills essential for entry-level network support positions. CCENT qualified individuals have the knowledge and skill to install, manage, maintain and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including network security. The CCENT curriculum covers networking fundamentals, WAN technologies, basic security, routing and switching fundamentals, and configuring simple networks. The applicable training is Cisco ICND1 ("Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices, Part 1") and the exam is ("100-105" ICND1), and it costs $150 retail. The certification is valid for 3 years, and professionals may retake the exam to re-certify.