ICND1 and ICND2 vs CCNA

Quick Start is offering (ICND1) and (ICND2) courses for students to get themselves enrolled for the individual course plan with the course duration of 40 hours. The people of interest in the network field know that ICND is the acronym for interconnecting Cisco Networking devices issued by Cisco Systems followed by another course option CCNA for the students being defined as Cisco Certified Network Associate. It is pretty much an essential question at the time of choosing amid these two networking courses, ICND1 & ICND2 OR CCNA and between them which option can be proved constructive and beneficial.

The CCNA exam has covered a long distance over the last two decades, and knowledge of content should be more to pass this exam. For networking beginners, knowing all about the material is quite a challenging task itself. The content in two separate modules being delivered by the help of ICND makes it much easier for many ambitious IT professionals. Let’s discuss in this article one by one about each course plan.  

First Part: ICND1 

Cisco ICND1 course demand from the candidates the skills about how to install, operate and troubleshoot Enterprise Network. It encompasses the knowledge about the configuration of a router or a switch along with WAN connectivity which can surpass in small to medium-sized networks, about the basics and nitty-gritty of IPv6, about how to establish internet connectivity. A professional on average, like a Cisco Certified Network Administrator in this field can earn around $84000 per year. 

Let see which career fields can be chased after picking this course: 

• Network Administrators 
• Network Specialists 
• Cisco Channel Partners 
• Network Support Engineer 

Second Part: ICND2  

ICND2, the second part of the course which teaches candidates about troubleshooting steps in the network and prepares learners for Cisco CCNA certification. Prerequisites of this course are ICND1, manage network devices, secure network devices, etc. [Source]. This course emphasis on Cisco catalyst switches learning and cisco router's knowledge along with LANs and WANs connection with medium-sized network sites. One can configure and troubleshoot the cisco networking devices in a small network environment after completing this course. The average salary for a Cisco Certified Network Engineer is estimated to be $77484 per year.      

This course can assist you with the following career pathways, i.e. 

• Network Engineers 
• Network Administrators 
• Network Support Technicians 
• Help Desk Technicians 

About CCNA Course 

The CCNA course is a foundational certainty for those looking for a high-level networking profession, one of the most highly sought after certifications in the industry as a whole. The Cisco exams have altered several times according to changing IT trends. In 2013, Cisco announced an update related to its certification program and training curricula with developing industry job roles [Source]. CCNA exam covers a vast range of ground rules about network fundamentals, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, network access, automation, and programmability. No prerequisites are required in CCNA Routing & Switching Certification exam. Moreover, there are other starting points of networking licenses, i.e. CCENT, CCT. The job roles which can be achieved are: 

• Information Technology 
• Technical Support Engineer 
• Network Engineer or Network Administrator 
• Sr. Network Engineer 
• System Engineer (Computer Network/IT) 

The validity of CCNA Certification is 3 years. Renewal of this certification requires holders to register and clear the same or higher level Cisco recertification exam(s) after every 3 years [Source]. 

Pros and Cons of ICND1 & ICND2 

By taking ICND1 and ICND2 individually, expect a narrow topical focus. One can encounter questions that require more knowledge or acquaintance about the given topic. The only difference between CCNA and ICND is about the number of questions, time, and topics.  

Going the route of taking both ICND1/ICND2 will comprise an estimate of 80 to 100 questions. The main networking concepts are embedded in ICND1/ICND2. Taking two ICND exams individually will let you split the total budget of certification over time, but it will require your time to sit and prepare for two separate exams. After more study and upon completion of ICND1, you can choose the ICND2 exam to earn the CCNA certificate. You can obtain a certificate preferably sooner for ICND than with CCNA. 

Pros and Cons of CCNA 

CCNA is a shorter voyage to accomplish networking goals, although it can be more expensive. It is a broader range in study instead of taking two ICND exams. You have to deliver one single CCNA (200-125) exam.  

There are no prerequisites for CCNA. CCNA covers everything; it is more likely to require general knowledge about that wide range of topics to get a passing score on the CCNA. Candidates should know all the topics of both the ICND1 and ICND2 exams. The CCNA composite exam comprises approximately about 45 to 55 questions.  

Many people that rushed through the CCNA exam failed it numerous times, finally passed, but their understanding level of the material is low. Even if you study hard and you know the material well, the CCNA exam is not a game or a joke. It has become increasingly more difficult throughout the years. For those who are already familiar with networking concepts, or have been employed as entry-level techs for at least a year, then jumping straight into CCNA is undoubtedly a good idea. 

Conclusion 

There is no hard and fast rule. You are the only one who understands better in terms of security related to course knowledge, budget and time constraint which can lead you towards your goals and can create a difference.  

If you are already certain of your skills or there is a need to recertify, taking the single exam path might be a better choice. If your purpose is to obtain a certification and demonstrate that you are motivated to go further, take the two-exam path.