The CCNA networking exam - sit for it with no experience?

It's ok to sit for exams with no experience when they are entry certifications like the A+, Network+, CCENT etc.

It's not ok to sit for exams with no experience when they are expert certs like MCSE, CISSP, CEH etc.

But the CCNA networking exam is a mid-level type of certification.

So the area is a bit gray here.

Being certified means that you already know how to configure Cisco routers. You have the experience. You can work unsupervised. But just studying for this cert won't give you that real world knowledge. In an ideal world, certifications should follow experience. But you know we don't live in an ideal world. Although entry and expert certs are cut and dry - mid level certs are not.

So if you have no knowledge of networks, then best you don't attempt it. You will just be pulling your hair out trying to understand it. Start with entry certifications like CCENT or Network+. Build your foundation and then progress to the CCNA.

If you already have network knowledge or experience, then by all means go for the CCNA.

With mid level certs they can either work for you or against you in an interview. If you rock up armed with a CCNA and no experience, employers may think you are overqualified for entry level positions. It may work against you. If you rock up with a CCNA with no experience, employers may think you are a go-getter and give you the job anyway.

Really, it's a catch 22.

My advice is this.

Do this cert if you want. And choose whether you want to include it on your resume.