2025-08-04
The IT industry evolves rapidly, with new technologies, certifications, and best practices emerging constantly. Despite this constant change, one question remains persistent among IT beginners and professionals alike: Is the CCNA certification worth it in 2025?
CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate. Since 1998, it has been a foundational certification for networking professionals. The reason it remains relevant is because Cisco frequently updates the exam to reflect modern networking technologies and practices. Topics covered now include not only routing and switching but also network automation, cybersecurity fundamentals, wireless networking, and more. This ensures those who pass the CCNA hold practical skills that align with current industry needs. In Australia, employers highly regard CCNA-certified candidates for their verified networking expertise.
Consider Extratech's CCNA training courses that are tailored to the evolving IT job market!
Australia’s digital transformation fuels the need for skilled IT professionals, especially in networking. As businesses adopt cloud computing, IoT devices, and strive for better cybersecurity, networking plays a crucial role. A CCNA certification demonstrates that candidates possess the knowledge to manage and secure networks effectively.
Australian tech hubs such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane host numerous companies requiring networking experts. These include telecommunications firms, managed service providers, government agencies, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. For many of these, Cisco infrastructure forms the backbone of their networks.
This demand translates into numerous job openings. Recent labor market data shows CCNA-related roles in Australia have increased by 16% to 18% over recent years. Popular roles requiring CCNA include Network Support Engineer, Systems Engineer, Network Administrator, and Help Desk Technician.
Earning CCNA certification can positively influence your salary in Australia. Entry-level professionals typically start with salaries ranging from AUD 65,000 to AUD 85,000 annually. With additional experience, certifications, or specialization, salaries can rise to between AUD 150,000 and AUD 270,000 depending on job role, seniority, location, and employer.
Moreover, the CCNA acts as a stepping stone to higher-level Cisco certifications like CCNP and CCIE, offering opportunities for career advancement and higher pay. Many networking professionals report that the certification helped them move into management or specialized technical roles.
Furthermore, location plays a significant role in salary variance. Jobs in metropolitan areas with dense tech infrastructures tend to pay premium wages, while regional or remote locations may offer fewer positions but still need certified networking talent.
The Australian IT market values the CCNA certification especially in fast-growing metropolitan areas. Network engineers and administrators with CCNA certification regularly appear in job listings and employer preferences. This is due to the certification’s worldwide reputation and proven alignment with practical skills.
Training providers in Australia often collaborate with Cisco’s Networking Academy to offer structured and flexible CCNA courses. This makes training accessible to diverse learners, including part-time students and working professionals.
The foundational networking knowledge gained through CCNA is critical, even as new technologies like software-defined networking (SDN) and network cloud integration rise. Understanding fundamental network principles remains a necessity within Australian enterprises, making the CCNA a solid investment in professional development.
Respected Worldwide: Cisco’s global presence guarantees that CCNA-certified professionals enjoy wide recognition.
Up-to-Date Content: The certification includes essential and emerging topics like network automation and security.
Wide Job Opportunities: CCNA opens doors across various Australian industries and company sizes.
Career Advancement: It provides the foundation necessary for higher Cisco certifications and other IT specializations.
In addition, many CCNA holders feel more confident in their networking skills and their capability to handle real-world networking challenges. This confidence translates to better job performance and career satisfaction.
To maximize your chances, consider combining self-study with formal training programs available at Extratech, for our industry-aligned CCNA courses.
While CCNA brings benefits, you should consider that:
With the right mindset and planning, these challenges become less daunting.
Those new to IT seeking a structured, practical introduction to networking.
IT professionals wanting to formalize their networking knowledge to earn promotions or new roles.
Career switchers wanting a credible entry point into networking.
Compared with vendor-neutral options like CompTIA Network+, CCNA is more Cisco-focused and provides deeper technical skills specifically for Cisco networks. Since many Australian companies use Cisco equipment, CCNA often better prepares you for the local job market.
Prepare by balancing theory with practice. Use simulators and lab environments to gain hands-on experience. Joining study groups or classes can provide support and increase motivation. Take mock exams to familiarize yourself with test formats. Additionally, internships or home networking labs offer invaluable practical insights.
Enrolling in a local training center like Extratech can help structure your learning with expert guidance, real-world scenario labs, and exam-focused study plans.
While new technologies like cloud and automation are important, core networking skills certified by the CCNA remain critical in Australia. The certification offers a respected, current, and practical qualification that opens many doors.
If you want to build or advance a networking career in Australia this year, the CCNA represents a smart and worthwhile investment of your time and effort.
Ready to boost your networking career in Australia? Join Extratech!
Absolutely! Extratech’s 12-week Cloud, Network, and System Support Training is specifically crafted to prepare you for leading IT certification exams, including the Cisco CCNA, as well as CompTIA A+, Network+, and Microsoft Azure. The curriculum is aligned with official exam blueprints, so every lesson, hands-on lab, and mock test closely matches what you’ll face during certification exams. Throughout your learning journey, you’ll memorize theory and also build practical skills through simulated environments and real networking scenarios, particularly those related to Cisco technologies. Seasoned instructors break down complex networking concepts into accessible modules, provide targeted revision guides, and offer one-on-one mentoring to boost your confidence with CCNA as well as other certifications. Since these credentials, especially the Cisco CCNA, are globally respected, you’ll have proof of your abilities to launch or advance your IT Helpdesk or networking career.
Yes, and it goes far beyond basic job search tips! Extratech’s program integrates a comprehensive career development component, offering:
Personalized resume and cover letter assistance, powered by AI tools
LinkedIn profile optimization for greater visibility
Strategic job search planning, including tailoring resumes for Cisco networking roles
Interview preparation for both technical and behavioral questions, such as CCNA-focused topics
Guidance in professional business communication
This holistic support ensures you’re not only technically prepared, particularly for Cisco networking careers, but also fully job-market ready.
No previous IT experience is required. Extratech’s training caters to absolute beginners, starting with foundational concepts and gradually building up to more advanced networking topics, including CCNA exam material. The structured, supportive learning environment ensures that even those new to the field can confidently acquire practical networking knowledge and skills needed to pursue your passion in the world of IT.
Upon completing the program, you’ll be ready to sit for several globally respected certifications, including:
Earning the CCNA through Extratech validates your practical networking abilities and instantly increases your value to IT employers worldwide.
Beginner-friendly: No prior IT experience needed.
Job-ready in 12 weeks: Focused, efficient curriculum tailored to certifications like CCNA.
Flexible learning: Online, in-person, and hybrid options.
Hands-on training: Work with real networking systems and support tickets, specifically using Cisco equipment and tools.
Industry alignment: Content matches Cisco, Microsoft, and CompTIA standards, including up-to-date CCNA blueprints.
Expert instruction: Led by seasoned professionals with Cisco networking expertise, such as Binod Kunwar.
Career coaching: Personalized support for resumes, LinkedIn, and interviews, helpful for Cisco and broader IT roles.
Mock interviews: Build confidence with realistic practice, including Cisco CCNA-style questions.
Ongoing job search support: Assistance continues until you’re employed in your target field.
AI-powered tools: Optimize applications and job searches for networking roles.
Exposure to enterprise tools: Train with Cisco platforms, VMware, Hyper-V, Azure, Windows Server, and Exchange.
Ticketing Systems: Gain experience with Zendesk, KACE, and more.
Guided mentorship: Continuous support throughout your journey, including networking-specific guidance.
Accessible payment plans: Flexible options to suit your needs.
On-demand materials: Revisit lessons anytime, including core CCNA modules.
Community Impact: Your enrolment supports projects like the development of Extratech’s Oval International Cricket Stadium in Nepal.
Small class sizes: Receive personalized attention from instructors skilled in Cisco technologies.
Post-course guidance: Support and guidance even after you graduate, including CCNA career pathways!
Future-proof career: Enter a sector growing over 17% annually.
This comprehensive approach ensures you’re expertly prepared and positioned for long-term success. Whether you’re starting from scratch or seeking to deepen your skills in Cisco networking with a CCNA, Extratech’s training is your complete pathway to a rewarding and resilient IT career.
Extratech is an all-around Managed Service Provider (MSP), and purveyor of ICT Education, offering customized & personalized IT and digital performance, management, and education services. We provide the best Accounting & IT Training Courses and Certifications in Australia, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.