After CCNA: how to land a first network role and keep the credential alive

Employers still ask for experience. The credential gets you into the conversation, and a lab project gives you something to say once you are there.

Set expectations first

CCNA is built to open the door, not to replace the years behind it. A first role reached through it often sits in technician, operations or field work: network support, a network operations centre, a field engineer position or a junior engineer job at a Cisco partner. Systems administrators who look after network equipment also use it.

A first week often starts with tickets: a user who cannot reach a printer, a port that keeps going down. Midweek brings a planned change, such as a new VLAN for a new floor, approved in advance and made in an evening window. The week ends with documentation and updated diagrams.

What the pay data suggests

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of US$62,890 for computer support specialists, a common first role, and US$99,130 for network and computer systems administrators, both in May 2025. These describe everyone in those occupations, many with years of experience. A first role usually pays less, and local rates apply elsewhere.

Two lab projects that count

A certificate says you passed. A project shows what you did. Build two from your practice network and describe each in four lines.

Keep the files tidy and ready to screen-share. Never claim a project as production work if it was a lab.

The CV line

State what you can do, then name the exam.

Built and troubleshot a two-switch, two-router lab network with VLANs, trunking, OSPF and access lists in Packet Tracer; passed Cisco CCNA 200-301.

Add the exam version and the pass date. Put the credential line in a certifications section and in your LinkedIn headline.

Search the right words

• Network technician
• Network support engineer
• NOC engineer or network operations
• Field engineer
• Junior network engineer
• IT support with network duties

Check whether adverts ask for candidates or holders, and whether they name Linux, Python or a cloud platform. If three adverts ask for the same extra skill, add it to your next month's study.

A fortnight plan

Days one to three: finish the CV and the two project write-ups. Days four to ten: apply to ten roles with a tailored first paragraph. Days eleven to fourteen: contact three people at companies you applied to. The book's Chapters 11 to 14 expand each step.

Keeping the credential

CCNA is valid for three years, and a renewal starts a new three-year period from the date you complete it. Cisco lists three routes: pass the current exam again, pass a qualifying higher-level Cisco exam or earn 30 continuing education credits. If you let it lapse, the credential becomes inactive and you must pass the current exam again.

Thirty credits over three years is ten a year. Record each activity in the month you complete it, and add your expiry date to your calendar the week you pass, with reminders at 12, 6 and 3 months. If you plan a CCNP exam, confirm with Cisco that it also renews your CCNA.

What next

Renewal keeps what you have. Often the best next step is a year of hands-on work, which adds more than another exam and makes CCNP easier. Choose a path from your goal: enterprise networks, network security, automation or cloud networking.

Start the CV and the first project write-up this week. The credential is only the opening line.