Member Avatar for bo0ga

I'm home from winter break. I am working and I do have an internship, but I'd like to apply myself as much as I can since it's my senior year and I really want to get a good job. So my questions are: Is it worth it to pursue the CCENT/CCNA certificates? Do employers care? How long does it take to study before you're ready to pass the exam? Thanks in advance.

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Short answer: don’t chase CCENT — it was retired in 2020 — but a modern CCNA-style credential is still worth doing if you want a networking job and you use it to learn, not just to pad a resume. Cisco consolidated the old ICND1/ICND2 route into a single CCNA (200‑301) exam and the current blueprint includes automation/programming alongside routing, switching and security. (cisco.com)

What said about “paper vs. skill” still matters: employers and hiring managers treat certifications as evidence of study and baseline knowledge, but experience and demonstrable problem solving move you higher on the list. Industry surveys show certified staff are widely seen as adding measurable value, so certification helps—especially early in your career—but pair it with hands‑on labs, internships, or a portfolio of troubleshooting examples. (globalknowledge.com)

How long to prepare depends on background. For most new or part‑time learners plan on several months (commonly 3–6 months of steady study); if you already work with networks you can compress that. Use the official exam blueprint, a structured course (NetAcad/Cisco U.), daily lab time (Packet Tracer, GNS3/EVE‑NG or CML), and regular full‑length practice exams rather than trying to sprint through the book. Consistent lab practice is what separates a resume line from actual competence. (cbtnuggets.com)

Practical recommendation for : with an internship and a senior year resume to build, pick one clear goal. If you want straight network roles, study for the CCNA and log real labs and a short project you can describe in interviews. If you prefer vendor‑neutral basics first, Network+ is an alternative. If automation interests you, note Cisco has been folding DevNet automation into its CCNA/CCNP branding—so include Python/automation practice if that’s your target. Finally, certifications plus real-world responsibility (as noted with CCNP) is the fastest route to promotions. (blogs.cisco.com)

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Member Avatar for JorgeM

Some employers still do care about these certification, but not as much as they did back in the early 2000s. Certification has never been the same after the certification craze occurred where many people just cheated and passed exams without any experience. I still think certification adds value, especially if in the process, you really learn and acquire additional skills.

If your plan is just to have a piece of paper or add another line item in your resume, I wouldn't bother. During an interview, it will be evident whether or not you know what you are talking about.

Preparing for the CCNA should only take a few weeks. You can buy a CCNA study guide, books, and a simulator.

Good luck.

Member Avatar for darel's

I'm a CCNP Certified professional. Initially I had done CCNA, when I entered my job and then a couple of years later, they sent me for the . It helpd me get a promotion and a raise ;) Ofcourse, the experience matters as well.

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