The CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) may be a certification you highlight on your resume, but it’s a signal that you understand how modern networks are built, secured, and maintained.
For companies, that means you can be trusted to support the digital infrastructure that keeps their operations running.
From network support and help desk roles to more advanced paths in systems administration and cybersecurity, it’s not just a job for anyone. This role is ripe for problem-solvers who want to be the backbone of how businesses stay connected and secure.
But here’s what often gets missed: CCNA isn’t only for people who already know networking. It’s designed to teach and test the foundational knowledge that makes everything else in IT make more sense.
Whether you're transitioning from another field, working in IT without a certification, or just trying to understand where to focus your energy, CCNA gives you a structured, recognized starting point.
In this article, we’ll walk through the types of jobs you can pursue with a CCNA certification, and what kind of career growth is possible after certification.
Want a guided path to earning your CCNA? Explore our CCNA training program built to help you pass the exam and move confidently into your next role.
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What is the CCNA Certification?
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a globally recognized credential that validates foundational knowledge in networking and IT infrastructure. Designed for early-career professionals, it covers essential topics like IP connectivity, network access, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability.
Earning a CCNA demonstrates your ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot small to medium-sized networks, making it a strong entry point for roles in networking, systems support, and cybersecurity.
Why CCNA Matters in Today’s Tech Industry
Networking is the foundation of every modern IT infrastructure. As businesses scale, adopt cloud solutions, and enhance cybersecurity, they need professionals who understand how networks function—and how to secure and optimize them.
That’s where the CCNA comes in. It shows employers you have hands-on skills in IP connectivity, automation, network access, and security fundamentals.
For early-career professionals or those pivoting from general IT support, the CCNA is a smart, recognized credential that offers a competitive edge.
Top Jobs You Can Get with a CCNA Certification
A CCNA certification can open the door to a variety of in-demand IT roles across networking, security, and support. Here are some of the top jobs you can pursue once you’ve earned your credential.
Network Support Technician
Network Support Technicians install, troubleshoot, and maintain essential networking hardware and software to ensure consistent connectivity. They often work across local offices and remote sites, helping resolve issues quickly to minimize downtime.
The CCNA certification builds core skills in routing, switching, and network protocols, which are crucial for identifying and fixing connectivity problems. It also prepares technicians to work confidently with common networking devices and infrastructure.
Network Administrator
Network Administrators manage the daily operations of an organization’s network to ensure consistent performance and minimal downtime. Their responsibilities include maintaining firewalls, configuring VPNs, and resolving connectivity or security issues as they occur.
The CCNA certification provides a strong foundation in routing protocols, IP addressing, and network services, all of which are critical for effective network administration. It ensures admins have the technical knowledge needed to monitor, optimize, and troubleshoot complex network environments.
Systems Administrator
Systems Administrators oversee the overall health and performance of an organization’s IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and related systems. They ensure uptime, apply updates, manage configurations, and troubleshoot issues to keep systems running efficiently.
The CCNA equips Systems Administrators with a solid understanding of how networks operate and interact with servers and applications. This knowledge is essential for identifying performance bottlenecks, maintaining system reliability, and supporting secure, scalable environments.
Network Engineer (Entry-Level)
Entry-level Network Engineers help design, deploy, and maintain business networking systems, including local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs). They often collaborate with IT teams to support infrastructure upgrades, monitor network performance, and resolve technical issues.
The CCNA provides foundational skills in network design, routing, and troubleshooting that are essential for engineers working on complex systems. It also serves as a stepping stone toward more advanced certifications like CCNP, helping engineers grow their expertise and career potential.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization’s network by monitoring traffic, detecting threats, and responding to security incidents. They also ensure systems comply with security policies and assist in strengthening defenses against potential vulnerabilities.
The CCNA builds a solid foundation in network architecture and protocols, which is critical for spotting suspicious activity and securing access points. This knowledge helps analysts implement effective defenses and understand how attackers might exploit network weaknesses.
Cloud Support Associate
Cloud Support Associates assist users and organizations with cloud-based platforms, troubleshooting connectivity, performance, and configuration issues. They often work within hybrid environments that combine on-premises infrastructure with cloud services.
The CCNA provides a strong foundation in networking principles, helping professionals understand how data flows between local systems and cloud environments. This makes it easier to grasp virtual networking concepts like AWS VPCs or Azure VNets and support cloud deployments effectively.
What Are the Expected Salaries?
Salaries for professionals with a CCNA certification typically range from $60,000 to $90,000 annually, though exact figures vary based on job role, geographic location, and years of experience. (InfoSec Academy)
Entry-level positions like Network Support Technician may start on the lower end, while roles such as Network Administrator or Cloud Support Associate often command higher pay. As CCNA-certified professionals gain experience and pursue advanced certifications or specialize in areas like security, cloud, or network engineering, they can progress into six-figure roles with greater responsibility and leadership potential.
Where Do You Go After CCNA?
Earning your CCNA is a major milestone, but it’s also just the beginning. Once you've mastered foundational networking skills, you can explore more advanced certifications to deepen your expertise, specialize in high-demand areas, and unlock new career opportunities.
- CCNP Enterprise: Focuses on advanced routing, switching, and network design for larger and more complex infrastructures.
- Cisco CyberOps Associate: Ideal for those interested in cybersecurity, SOC operations, and threat detection.
- Cisco DevNet Associate: Blends networking with programming and automation, perfect for modern, software-driven environments.
- Cisco SD-WAN and Cloud Certifications: Offers specialization in software-defined networking and cloud integration.
- Cisco IoT Certification: Prepares you for managing networks that support industrial and smart devices across connected systems.
Whether you're aiming to become a senior network engineer, transition into cybersecurity, or lead cloud infrastructure projects, continuing your certification journey beyond CCNA can help you reach those goals. Choose a path that aligns with your interests and the needs of IT advancements.
CCNA Is Stronger with Practical Training
Most CCNA-certified candidates understand the theory—but employers want more than textbook knowledge. They’re looking for professionals who can confidently apply networking skills in real-world situations and hit the ground running from day one.
Here’s what QuickStart offers that sets it apart:
- Lab-Based Training: Go beyond memorization with practical exercises that reinforce CCNA concepts through hands-on practice.
- Real-World Simulations: Work through job-like scenarios that mirror what network professionals face in live environments.
- Structured Bootcamp Experience: Combine certification prep with guided, confidence-building experience to ensure you're ready for both the exam and the job.
QuickStart’s CCNA program bridges the gap between theory and practice, giving you not just a certification, but the skills and confidence to succeed in a real networking role. It’s the smart choice for learners who want to prove their value on day one.
Earn Your CCNA Certification Today
Earn your CCNA certification with hands-on training, expert instruction, and real-world labs designed to build lasting skills. Start your networking career with confidence. Explore our Cisco certification courses and begin your path to CCNA.
Want to prepare for the CCNA while gaining hands-on skills that translate into job offers? Our Network Engineering Bootcamp delivers both. Talk to advisor and sign up for a cohort today!