With three recently introduced Cisco Systems CCNA concentrations, the equipment vendor takes a first step toward bridging the networking skills gap.
Is more better?
When it comes to network technology certifications, industry experts say yes. With an increasing skills gap in IT in general, and networking in particular, individuals who distinguish themselves with specialized training will be at an advantage in the job market -- where networking continues to be the hottest IT job category for the fourth straight quarter, according to Robert Half Technology.
Viewing the network as the dial tone of the organization has long been a thing of the past. Today’s enterprise network infrastructure is comprised of sophisticated technology for delivering business-critical applications and services.
“This is making networking jobs more difficult, more difficult to fill and calls out for the need for specialization,” says Robert Whiteley, principal analyst at Forester Research, Cambridge, Mass.
With the recently introduced Cisco CCNA concentrations -- CCNA Security, CCNA Wireless, and CCNAVoice -- Whiteley believes the vendor has taken a huge first step toward bridging the skills gap.
According to Cisco, which commissioned the Forrester study, Closing The IT Network Skill Gap: How managers can understand and prepare for new networking skill requirements, the introduction of the associate-level career certifications aims to address the global demand for more advanced network specialists which is estimated to reach 3 million by 2012, according to Christine Yoshida, senior portfolio manager for Cisco’s Learning at Cisco organization.
“Our goal is to help businesses secure enough networking talent,” she says.
The three CCNA concentrations, announced in June, all require the vendor’s CCNA certification as a prerequisite.
CCNA Security validates a candidate’s skills in the installation, troubleshooting and monitoring skills of network devices to maintain the integrity confidentiality and availability of data.
CCNA Voice validates skills in voice over IP (VoIP) technologies such as IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control and voicemail solutions. The concentration track also exposes individuals to Cisco Unified Communications architecture and design for mobility, presence and TelePresence applications.
CCNA Wireless validates a candidate’s skills in the configuration, implementation and support of Cisco wireless LANs.
Yoshida points out that the CCNA Wireless concentration is the vendor’s first certification as a general career certification in the area of wireless.
“In the past is wasn’t clear that employers were looking for specialists. But as wireless becomes more prevalent the timing is right to say certification can be a career changer,” she says.
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