CCNA Collaboration: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Cisco Voice and Video Networking

The CCNA Collaboration certification is an excellent way for IT professionals to demonstrate their expertise in voice and video networking. This certification validates the skills needed to implement, configure, and troubleshoot Cisco collaboration and unified communications solutions.

As businesses continue to rely on digital communication technologies, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage these systems continues to grow. The CCNA Collaboration certification is recognized globally as a valuable credential that demonstrates proficiency in this area.

What is CCNA Collaboration?

The CCNA Collaboration certification covers a broad range of topics related to voice and video networking. It includes the following areas of focus:

– Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM)

– Cisco Unity Connection

– Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (UCCX)

– Cisco Video Communication Server (VCS)

– Cisco Expressway

These technologies are critical components of modern communication networks, enabling businesses to communicate more efficiently and effectively.

Why Get Certified?

Earning the CCNA Collaboration certification demonstrates a deep understanding of these technologies, making you a valuable asset to any organization that relies on them. You will have the knowledge and skills needed to configure, manage, and troubleshoot these systems effectively.

In addition, earning this certification can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities. According to Payscale.com, the average salary for someone with a CCNA Collaboration certification is over $85,000 per year.

How Do I Get Certified?

To earn your CCNA Collaboration certification, you must pass two exams: Implementing Cisco Collaboration Devices (210-060 CICD) and Implementing Cisco Video Network Devices (210-065 CIVND).

These exams cover a wide range of topics related to voice and video networking. They test your knowledge of configuring endpoints, implementing gateways, managing users and endpoints in CUCM, configuring voicemail integration with Unity Connection, implementing UCCX scripts, configuring video endpoints, and more.

To prepare for these exams, you can take courses through Cisco Learning Partners or study on your own using resources such as Cisco Press books and online training materials.

Conclusion

The CCNA Collaboration certification is a valuable credential for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in voice and video networking. It covers a wide range of technologies that are critical components of modern communication networks.

If you are interested in pursuing this certification, start by reviewing the exam objectives and identifying areas where you need to improve your knowledge. Then, take advantage of the many resources available to help you prepare for the exams. With dedication and hard work, you can earn this valuable credential and take your career to the next level.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About CCNA Collaboration Certification

1. What is the CCNA Collaboration certification?
2. What are the prerequisites for CCNA Collaboration certification?
3. How can I prepare for the CCNA Collaboration exam?
4. What topics are covered in the CCNA Collaboration exam?
5. How do I become a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) in collaboration?
6. How much does it cost to get certified in CCNA Collaboration?

What is the CCNA Collaboration certification?

The CCNA Collaboration certification is a credential offered by Cisco that validates the skills and knowledge of IT professionals in the area of voice and video networking. It covers a range of technologies related to collaboration and unified communications solutions, including Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), Cisco Unity Connection, Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (UCCX), Cisco Video Communication Server (VCS), and Cisco Expressway. To earn the CCNA Collaboration certification, candidates must pass two exams: Implementing Cisco Collaboration Devices (210-060 CICD) and Implementing Cisco Video Network Devices (210-065 CIVND). This certification is globally recognized as a valuable credential for professionals who manage voice and video networks in businesses of all sizes.

What are the prerequisites for CCNA Collaboration certification?

To earn the CCNA Collaboration certification, you must have a valid Cisco CCENT, CCNA Routing and Switching, or any Cisco CCIE certification. In addition, you must have a basic understanding of IP addressing and routing fundamentals.

It is also recommended that you have at least one year of experience working with Cisco collaboration solutions. This experience can include working with Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Cisco Unity Connection, and Cisco Unified Contact Center Express.

Having these prerequisites ensures that candidates have a solid foundation in networking concepts before diving into the more specialized topics covered in the CCNA Collaboration certification. It also helps ensure that candidates are prepared for the advanced level of knowledge required to pass the certification exams.

If you do not meet these prerequisites, it is recommended that you first pursue one of the prerequisite certifications or gain experience working with Cisco collaboration solutions before attempting to earn your CCNA Collaboration certification.

How can I prepare for the CCNA Collaboration exam?

Preparing for the CCNA Collaboration exam requires a combination of study and hands-on experience with Cisco collaboration technologies. Here are some steps you can take to prepare for the exam:

1. Review the Exam Objectives: The first step in preparing for any certification exam is to review the exam objectives. This will help you understand what topics are covered on the exam and what skills you need to master.
2. Take a Course: Cisco Learning Partners offer courses that cover the topics on the CCNA Collaboration exam. These courses provide in-depth instruction and hands-on experience with Cisco collaboration technologies.
3. Use Study Materials: There are many study materials available to help you prepare for the CCNA Collaboration exam, including books, online courses, practice exams, and video tutorials. Some popular resources include Cisco Press books, Udemy courses, and Boson practice exams.
4. Build a Lab: Hands-on experience is essential for mastering Cisco collaboration technologies. You can build a lab using virtual machines or physical equipment to practice configuring and troubleshooting these systems.
5. Join a Study Group: Joining a study group can be a great way to connect with other professionals who are also preparing for the CCNA Collaboration exam. You can share study materials, ask questions, and get support from others who are going through the same process.
6. Take Practice Exams: Practice exams can help you identify areas where you need to improve your knowledge and skills before taking the actual CCNA Collaboration exam.
7. Schedule Your Exam: Once you feel confident in your knowledge of Cisco collaboration technologies, schedule your CCNA Collaboration exam through Pearson VUE.

By following these steps, you can prepare yourself for success on the CCNA Collaboration exam and demonstrate your expertise in voice and video networking with Cisco collaboration technologies.

What topics are covered in the CCNA Collaboration exam?

The CCNA Collaboration exam covers a wide range of topics related to voice and video networking. The exam consists of two parts: Implementing Cisco Collaboration Devices (210-060 CICD) and Implementing Cisco Video Network Devices (210-065 CIVND). Here are the topics covered in each part:

Implementing Cisco Collaboration Devices (210-060 CICD):

– Describe the components of a Cisco Unified Communications solution, including Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), Cisco Unity Connection, and Cisco Unified Contact Center Express (UCCX)

– Describe the characteristics of a Cisco Unified Communications Manager dial plan

– Configure endpoint devices for CUCM

– Describe the function of call control protocols, including Session Initiation Protocol (SIP), Skinny Client Control Protocol (SCCP), and Media Gateway Control Protocol (MGCP)

– Implement telephony features using CUCM

– Configure voicemail integration with Unity Connection

– Implement UCCX scripts

Implementing Cisco Video Network Devices (210-065 CIVND):

– Describe the components of a video solution, including endpoints, infrastructure, and conferencing and streaming platforms

– Describe the benefits and operation of different types of codecs

– Configure video endpoints

– Configure conferencing options on a video endpoint

– Describe the operation of specialized video endpoints such as Immersive TelePresence endpoints

– Describe how to configure and troubleshoot TelePresence Conductor

– Describe how to configure and troubleshoot TelePresence Server

How do I become a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) in collaboration?

To become a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) in Collaboration, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Meet the prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites for the CCNA Collaboration certification, but Cisco recommends that candidates have at least one year of experience implementing and administering Cisco IP telephony and video solutions.
2. Choose your learning path: You can choose to prepare for the CCNA Collaboration exams through self-study or by taking courses through a Cisco Learning Partner.
3. Study for the exams: The CCNA Collaboration certification requires passing two exams: Implementing Cisco Collaboration Devices (210-060 CICD) and Implementing Cisco Video Network Devices (210-065 CIVND). You can purchase study materials from Cisco Press or use online training resources to help you prepare.
4. Schedule and take the exams: Once you feel confident in your knowledge of the exam topics, you can schedule your exams through Pearson VUE. You will need to pass both exams to earn your CCNA Collaboration certification.
5. Maintain your certification: CCNA certifications are valid for three years. To maintain your certification, you will need to pass a recertification exam or earn a higher-level certification before your current certification expires.

By following these steps, you can become a certified expert in voice and video networking with the CCNA Collaboration certification from Cisco.

How much does it cost to get certified in CCNA Collaboration?

The cost to get certified in CCNA Collaboration varies depending on your location and the specific training and exam options you choose. As of 2021, the cost for each of the two required exams is $300 USD, for a total of $600 USD. However, this does not include any costs associated with training or study materials.

If you choose to take courses through Cisco Learning Partners, the cost will depend on the provider and the specific course you select. Online training courses can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.

It’s also important to note that there may be additional costs associated with travel and accommodations if you need to take the exams at a testing center that is not local to you.

Overall, obtaining a CCNA Collaboration certification can be a significant investment of time and money. However, many professionals find that it is well worth it for the career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential that come with this valuable credential.

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