Should You Certify Now or Later?
It is a question of your current timeline. If you do not have a lot of experience then study time for CCNA is typically 3–6 months. You could study for CCNA in say two months if you have well-rounded experience.
The new CCNA 200–301 exam is not available for registration until Feb. 24, 2020 and the earliest any study guides will be available is typically two months before that. The new exam seems easier considering the fact that only OSPFv2 is included and there is no troubleshooting at all. The simulation labs would then be configure and verify only questions.
Exam Description
CCNA 200-301 is a 120-minute exam that replaces all current CCNA exams with only a single exam effective Feb. 24, 2020.
Current CCNA Exams
CCNA 200-125, ICND1 100-105, and ICND2 200-105 are available for registration until Feb. 23, 2020.
CCNA 200-301 Knowledge Domains
20% Network Fundamentals
20% Network Access
25% IP Connectivity
10% IP Services
15% Security Fundamentals
10% Automation and Programmability
Curriculum Alert!
There are significant changes in how WAN services are delivered with the advent of SD-WAN and management of network infrastructure. Newer WAN services are often based on broadband DSL and cable instead of older leased lines and Frame Relay. In addition Metro Ethernet is replacing MPLS for data center connectivity.
The management and troubleshooting of network infrastructure is being radically changed with SDN open source architecture. Cisco has enabled programmable features on their devices and virtualization from physical equipment to software services. They have virtual appliances and CCNA engineers now support private and cloud data center connections. It is helpful to know AWS routing as well considering cloud implements VRFs or multiple routing tables within a customer private network.
CCNA 200-301 exam includes a significant amount of wireless and network programmability. That is attributed to the popularity of mobile devices, cloud computing and SDN architecture. Cisco is aligning the CCNA certification exam with a shift to internet-based connectivity model and OSPF for routing IP protocol only. EIGRP was previously created for multiprotocol routing and RIP is not scalable for mobile and cloud connections.
