CCNA vs. Hardware and Networking Training
                     CCNA vs. Hardware and Networking 
Training
Presented By: Abhinav Shashtri
Overview
1. Introduction:
2. Scope
3. Vendor Relationship
4. Keeping Your Experience in Mind
5. Conclusion
Introduction:
• Many Hardware and Networking professionals are faced with 
the dilemma as to which industry certification to take, 
especially in the very beginning of their career. 
• The choice usually boils down to the 2 leading certifications: 
Cisco’s CCNA Routing and Switching and CompTIA’s 
Hardware and Networking Training+.
• Let’s take a closer look at them to reply the query: CCNA or 
Hardware and Networking Training+? Is it worth having both? 
If yes, then why and in which order? But first, what’s the 
difference between the two?
Scope
• CompTIA Hardware and Networking Training+ Certification: 
demonstrates one’s knowledge of Hardware and Networking 
Traininging features and functions, including Hardware and 
Networking Training technologies, installation and configuration, 
media and topologies, management, and security.
• Cisco’s CCNA Routing and Switching Certification: validates the 
candidate’s ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot 
medium-size routed and switched Hardware and Networking 
Trainings.
• Not to jump to any conclusions simply however, however the 
descriptions counsel Hardware and Networking Training+ being a 
basic certification, with CCNA R&S validating more advanced 
knowledge and proven hands-on experience.

Vendor Relationship
•The biggest difference between these certifications is the fact 
that Hardware and Networking Training+ has been developed as 
a vendor neutral certification. 
•It provides candidates with knowledge and understanding of 
Hardware and Networking in general, and you can apply this 
knowledge to most Hardware and Networking Trainings.
•CCNA, on the other hand, was specifically designed for Cisco’s 
Hardware and Networking Training technology and products.
•  Although the program does cover other Hardware and 
Networking  topics too, the difference and the focus are 
obvious.
Keeping Your Experience in Mind
• If you don’t have much Hardware and Networking Training experience 
and want an entry level yet professionally recognized certification, 
Hardware and Networking Training+ is a smart way to go. 
• It is a very well-organized and structured program that aims to fill the 
knowledge gaps most people have in the beginning of their Hardware and 
Networking career.
• Hardware and Networking Training+ teaches you what Hardware and 
Networking technology is. It may be a good foundation for Cisco’s CCNA 
(or Microsoft, or other vendor specific certifications for that matter), which 
teaches you to configure and troubleshoot this technology. So, if you're a 
beginner, don’t look in the CCNA direction for now. Your time will come.
• For those who have a few years’ Hardware and Networking 
Traininging experience and understanding, CCNA may be a 
very logical and career boosting way to go.
•  It is a very in depth study of Hardware and Networking as a 
whole, including routing, protocols, Industry Penetration.
• As the Hardware and Networking is vendor-neutral, it is 
recognized by almost all companies. Many of them, including 
Dell, HP, Ricoh, Sharp and Xerox require it.
Conclusion
• Whichever certification you opt for, you need to start with 
evaluating your career goals, as well as the current level of 
experience and knowledge. 
• Even people who have years of expertise under their belt 
should keep in mind to clear their schedule for lots of learning 
time, since the exams are powerful. 
• Yet, hard as it all may be, your effort will definitely pay off, 
whether you choose the foundational Hardware and 
Networking Training+, or CCNA certification as a more 
advanced option.
• https://www.exltech.in