In today’s IT landscape, where cloud computing, automation, and cybersecurity are dominating discussions, one certification remains a steadfast pillar for networking professionals—the CCNA certification. Offered by Cisco, the Certified Network Associate (CCNA) credential is widely recognized as an essential stepping stone for IT professionals looking to establish or advance their careers in networking. For employers, it’s a respected indicator that an individual has the fundamental knowledge required to manage complex networks efficiently, enhance security, and reduce costly downtime.
This blog will explore why CCNA remains valuable for both individuals and organizations, the return on investment (ROI) of training employees in networking fundamentals, and how the CCNA fits into long-term career growth.
About Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a globally recognized credential that validates an individual’s ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot small to medium-sized networks. The CCNA is designed for IT professionals looking to build foundational networking skills that are critical for managing modern network infrastructures.
The CCNA certification covers a broad range of networking topics, including:
- Networking fundamentals – IP addressing, subnetting, and basic network topology.
- Routing and switching – Configuring routers and switches for efficient data traffic flow.
- Security fundamentals – Basic cybersecurity principles to protect network integrity.
- Wireless networking – Understanding Wi-Fi standards and implementation.
- Automation and programmability – Network automation concepts using Python and APIs.
Who Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification Is For
CCNA is often considered an entry-level certification, but its depth makes it valuable for:
- Aspiring IT professionals starting their careers in networking.
- Network administrators and engineers looking to formalize and validate their skills.
- Help desk and support technicians seeking to transition into networking roles.
- Cybersecurity and cloud professionals who need a strong networking foundation.
Because networking is at the core of every IT infrastructure, the CCNA is not just for those in traditional networking roles. Many IT disciplines—from cloud computing to cybersecurity and DevOps—require professionals to have a strong grasp of networking fundamentals, making the CCNA a relevant and strategic certification across multiple career paths.
Why Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification is Still Relevant
With the rise of cloud computing, virtualization, and automation, some IT professionals question whether traditional networking certifications like the Cisco Certified Network Associate still hold value. The answer is a resounding yes—and here’s why.
Cloud and Automation Still Require Networking Knowledge
Many organizations are adopting cloud-based solutions like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, but these platforms still require skilled networking professionals. Virtual networks, VPNs, and hybrid cloud solutions all depend on strong network design and configuration. The CCNA now includes network automation and programmability, ensuring IT professionals stay up to date with modern trends.
Cybersecurity Relies on Strong Networking Skills
Security threats are more sophisticated than ever and protecting an organization’s data starts with a well-architected, secure network. Firewalls, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and network access controls (NAC) all require a deep understanding of networking principles. The CCNA provides the foundational knowledge needed to implement and manage network security effectively.
Businesses Still Rely on Traditional Networks
While cloud adoption is increasing, most businesses still depend on physical and hybrid network infrastructures. Data centers, corporate offices, hospitals, financial institutions, and manufacturing plants all require on-premises networking expertise. Cisco networking solutions continue to power these critical infrastructures, making CCNA-certified professionals indispensable.
While IT is evolving, networking fundamentals remain a core skill set for IT professionals and businesses alike. The CCNA adapts to industry changes while maintaining its importance as a baseline certification for networking and IT infrastructure management.
Cisco’s Market Dominance
One of the biggest reasons the CCNA certification remains valuable is Cisco’s continued dominance in enterprise networking. While new technologies and competitors emerge, Cisco’s infrastructure is still deeply embedded in businesses worldwide.
Cisco’s Market Share in Enterprise Networking
Cisco consistently holds the largest share of the global networking market. According to IDC’s Worldwide Ethernet Switch and Router Market report, Cisco commanded over 40% of the enterprise networking market in recent years. This includes routers, switches, wireless networks, and security solutions—making it the most widely used networking technology in corporations, governments, and data centers.
Because of this, IT professionals who understand Cisco technologies have a significant advantage in the job market. Unlike a college degree, which can vary in curriculum, a Cisco certification ensures a baseline of knowledge. It signals that an employee has hands-on experience with Cisco technologies—something many hiring managers prioritize for a variety of IT roles.
How CCNA Certification Benefits Individuals
For IT professionals, the CCNA certification serves as a powerful credential. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to strengthen your networking expertise, earning a CCNA can open doors to new opportunities, higher salaries, and long-term career growth.
Increased Job Opportunities
CCNA certification is a highly respected credential in the IT job market. Many employers list it as a preferred or required qualification for networking, infrastructure, and cybersecurity roles. Because networking is the foundation of IT infrastructure, CCNA-certified professionals are in demand across multiple industries, including healthcare, finance, and government.
Higher Salary Potential
Certifications can significantly impact salary potential. According to PayScale, CCNA-certified professionals earn an average salary of $80,000 per year, with experienced network engineers making well over $100,000 annually. Cisco-certified professionals often earn higher-than-average salaries compared to non-certified peers in similar roles.
Stronger IT Skill Set
The CCNA certification doesn’t just validate knowledge—it builds practical skills in networking, troubleshooting, and security. Many IT professionals who study for the CCNA find they become more confident and effective in real-world network management tasks, making them more valuable employees.
A Gateway to Specialization
The CCNA serves as a launching point for more advanced IT careers. After obtaining a CCNA, professionals can:
- Advance to higher-level Cisco certifications (CCNP, CCIE).
- Specialize in cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GoogleCloud).
- Transition into cybersecurity (CompTIA Security+, CEH, CISSP).
For individuals who want long-term career growth in IT, the CCNA provides a solid foundation to expand into specialized and high-paying roles.
How CCNA Certification Benefits Organizations
Investing in CCNA certification for your IT staff not only enhances individual capabilities but also delivers substantial organizational advantages.
1. Improves Network Reliability and Efficiency
Certified professionals are better equipped to configure, manage, and troubleshoot network infrastructure. This results in:
- Faster issue resolution, minimizing downtime and disruptions.
- Optimized network performance, ensuring smooth business operations.
- Proactive maintenance, reducing costly emergency repairs.
2. Enhances Security and Reduces Cyber Risks
With cyber threats on the rise, businesses need IT teams that understand networking security fundamentals. The CCNA covers:
- Basic security principles, firewall configurations, and access control.
- Mitigating threats such as unauthorized access, malware, and phishing attacks.
- Best practices for securing corporate networks, both on-premises and cloud-based.
A properly trained team reduces the risk of security breaches, protecting sensitive company data and ensuring compliance with security regulations.
3. Standardizes IT Knowledge Across Teams
Organizations often have IT teams with varying levels of expertise. CCNA certification provides a consistent baseline of networking knowledge, ensuring that all employees:
- Speak the same technical language.
- Follow standardized troubleshooting and maintenance procedures.
- Work more effectively with cross-functional teams (security, cloud, DevOps).
This helps companies avoid knowledge gaps that could lead to misconfigurations, security vulnerabilities, or inefficient network management.
4. Reduces Dependence on External Consultants
Without in-house networking expertise, companies may rely on expensive third-party consultants for network maintenance and upgrades, security configurations, and troubleshooting. CCNA-trained employees can:
- Handle complex networking tasks internally.
- Reduce the need to outsource advanced networking solutions.
- Save the company thousands of dollars in external vendor costs.
5. Increases IT Team Productivity and Innovation
A CCNA-certified team can proactively improve network architecture, implement automation, and integrate new technologies. This enhances operational efficiency and allows businesses to adapt to emerging IT trends, such as cloud networking and SD-WAN.
By investing in CCNA training, companies gain a more knowledgeable, self-sufficient, and security-conscious IT workforce, leading to long-term cost savings and improved business performance.
The ROI of Investing in CCNA Training for Your IT Team
For organizations, the decision to invest in CCNA certification training isn’t just about upskilling employees – it’s about improving business performance, reducing costs, and staying competitive in an increasingly digital world. The return on investment (ROI) of CCNA training can be measured in several key areas.
1. Personnel Cost Savings
One of the biggest cost-saving benefits of investing in CCNA training is the ability to develop talent from within rather than relying on external hires. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the average cost per hire for a technical position is $4,425, not including onboarding and training costs.
By upskilling existing employees, organizations can:
- Avoid expensive recruitment costs.
- Retain institutional knowledge rather than onboarding new hires.
- Motivate employees with professional growth opportunities, reducing turnover.
2. Better Network Performance and Security
A trained workforce minimizes costly network issues and security risks, ensuring:
- Reduced downtime – Certified employees can quickly troubleshoot and resolve network problems, preventing extended outages. Gartner estimates that network downtime costs businesses an average of $5,600 per minute.
- Improved security – Properly trained professionals can enforce security best practices, reducing vulnerability to cyberattacks. According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report (2023), the average cost of a data breach is $4.45 million—strong security training is a crucial investment in prevention.
- More efficient IT operations – A CCNA-certified IT team can proactively optimize network performance, increasing efficiency across departments.
3. Reduced Need for External Vendors and Contractors
Without in-house expertise, many companies outsource networking tasks to external consultants or managed service providers, which can be expensive and limit internal control. A trained in-house team can:
- Implement security updates and upgrades internally rather than relying on outside firms.
- Reduce dependence on contractors for specialized tasks, saving on hourly consulting fees.
4. Long-Term Workforce Planning
Beyond immediate cost savings, investing in CCNA training contributes to long-term workforce development. Trained employees are more likely to:
- Stay with the company longer, reducing turnover-related costs and creating a leadership pipeline.
- Grow into higher-level roles like network engineers, IT managers, or cybersecurity specialists, retaining and leveraging institutional knowledge.
- Bring innovation and efficiency to the organization’s IT operations.
According to a study by Global Knowledge, IT professionals with certifications earn 10–15% higher salaries than their non-certified peers, underscoring the higher value of a trained workforce.
Career Paths After Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification
For businesses, developing internal IT talent is essential for retaining knowledge, reducing turnover, ensuring long-term workforce stability, and creating an IT leadership pipeline. The CCNA serves as an early milestone in a structured career path that allows employees to grow within the organization rather than seeking advancement elsewhere.
- From Entry-Level to Specialist: Employees who start in help desk, network support, or junior administrator roles can use the CCNA as a stepping stone into network administration, cybersecurity, or cloud networking roles within the company.
- From Specialist to Leader: As employees gain experience, they can move into network engineering, IT management, or architecture roles, benefiting the company with deep institutional knowledge.
- From Technical Roles to IT Strategy: Long-term employees who advance into senior IT leadership can help the company implement long-term technology strategies without the need to hire externally for high-level roles.
By offering clear career progression within the organization, companies not only increase employee retention but also ensure that experienced staff stay engaged and contribute to long-term innovation.
Conclusion
The CCNA certification remains one of the most valuable IT credentials for both individuals and organizations. For IT professionals, it serves as a gateway to career advancement, offering a solid foundation in networking, security, and automation while opening doors to higher-level certifications and specialized roles. For businesses, investing in CCNA training for employees leads to improved network performance, enhanced security, cost savings, and a more capable IT workforce.
By training and certifying in-house IT professionals, companies can reduce reliance on external vendors, enhance network efficiency, and create clear career pathways for employees, ultimately leading to higher retention and long-term cost savings. In today’s evolving technology landscape, ensuring that your IT team has the right foundational skills is critical to business success.
Getting Started
The CCNA exam is considered challenging, and many sources estimate a 50% pass rate for first-time test takers. Choosing the right study method is crucial for improving chances of success the first time around.
Some organizations and candidates rely on self-study as it’s more cost effective and flexible. While there are many high-quality low-cost and free training options available, self-study requires discipline, time, and a solid plan to ensure thorough preparation.
Instructor-led exam prep courses, like those offered by TopTalent Learning, ensure full coverage of exam topics by an instructor with industry experience. They’re time-efficient and provide valuable hands-on experience as well as peer learning experiences.
Give your team the knowledge and skills they need to excel in today’s networking landscape. Explore TopTalent Learning’s CCNA exam prep programs today.
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