Cisco 100-490 Bundle

Cisco offers its own certification program that can help all the individuals interested in improving their skills and knowledge of Cisco technologies and solutions get certified. CCT Routing and Switching is one of the entry-level options that validates one’s skills in quickly and efficiently resolving different support incidents. This certificate focuses on the expertise required for those specialists who perform the onsite support and maintenance of the Cisco operating environments as well as routers and switches. It also shows that they possess the skills in identifying the models of Cisco routers and switches as well as accessories, interfaces, and cabling.

This certification path has no formal prerequisites that the potential candidates need to fulfill in order to earn this entry-level certificate. However, it is highly recommended that they possess a good understanding of the exam topics before going for it. Thus, you will need to prove your understanding of the Cisco Command Line Interface and Cisco IOS Software operating modes during the qualifying test, which is why you must be prepared.

Exam Details

To validate your level of expertise and prove that you are able to support Cisco routing and switching network devices, you are required to pass the Cisco 100-490 exam. It is 90 minutes long and has about 60 multiple-choice questions. The test is available in English and Japanese for $125. To be able to complete it at the first attempt, you should study for the following topics:

• General Networking Knowledge – If you want to deal with the questions from this section with ease, you need to know about the OSI model, TCP/IP model, and the associated protocols. Besides that, the potential candidates should know about the Telco termination point, LAN cabling, and the function of FTP, Telnet, CSU/DSU, TFTP, PING, and SSH;
• Cisco Equipment and Related Hardware – The next area is all about the commonly used components and various series of the Cisco equipment, including routers and switches, which means that you should know how to identify them and work with them. Also, you will need to know how to identify Cisco Transceiver Modules, different loop-back plugs, as well as cabling on the Cisco equipment. It is also important to have the skills in identifying Cisco products by logo marking and model number;
• Cisco IOS Software Operation – If talking about this topic, it evaluates your knowledge of Bundle Mode IOS-XE, Install Mode IOS-XE, IOS-XR, IOS-XE, as well as NX-OS software. The individuals need to have the skills in navigating between various operating modes, identifying configuration files from Cisco devices, and using the basic Cisco IOS Software commands;
• Service-Related Knowledge – The last domain is all about the location and usage of a text editor, Terminal Emulation, and Windows command prompt. It is vital to have the relevant skills in configuring networks settings for the Ethernet port on laptop, establishing a connection with the ports on the Cisco equipment, as well as using correct cables. Moreover, the students should also possess the expertise in configuring and using TFTP and FTP servers as well as performing software upgrade, software downgrade, and password recovery.

Further Career Path

All of the Cisco certifications, including CCT Routing and Switching, can greatly enhance your career by giving you more opportunities in the market. Thus, you are able to ask for a higher salary and find a better position. However, you should not forget that the certificates of this vendor are valid for only 3 years. After this period, you have to choose one of the available options from the Cisco Continuing Education program to recertify. If you are able to maintain the status of your certification, you will gain a lot of benefits that will help you succeed in your career.