About 100-490 Exam
The Cisco 100-490 RSTECH certification exam emphasizes the skill set essential for providing on-site support for routers, switches, and Cisco operating environments. The exam also authenticates the individual's expertise in identifying and handling Cisco networking components and accessories, working with Cisco IOS, and the ability to use Cisco CLI for connecting Cisco products.
The Associated Cisco Certification
The CCT Routing and Switching certification requires completion of the 100-490 exam also known as Cisco Certified Technician Routing & Switching. It is focused on approving the earner's understanding and expertise in onsite maintenance of Cisco products such as routers, switches, and other networking components. The owner of the CCT Routing and Switching certificate will be seen as an individual with expertise in working with Cisco Command Line Interface for connecting Cisco products and services. Moreover, acquiring this entry-level designation paves way for other supporting Cisco certifications.
Aimed Audience Profile
The 100-490 exam and the relevant qualification are intended for individuals who work as on-site technicians. This Cisco test is designed to provide such individuals with technical skills that are product-specific. Besides, it is an excellent way to acquire skills that includes restoring, diagnosing, repairing, and replacing essential Cisco routers and switches. Apart from on-site engineers, individuals who are eager to kick start their career in networking can also take this exam. Therefore, the Cisco 100-490 is also an excellent path to take for those individuals who plan to further peruse a career in networking and earn more advanced and expert-level Cisco certifications.
Basic Requirements
Being an entry-level accreditation exam, there are no formal requirements for the 100-490, but it is recommended that the eager candidates who want to pass this test should have some experience with Cisco routers and switches along with other basic networking components. Also, some hands-on experience with Cisco networking technologies would prove beneficial.
General Exam Format
The Cisco 100-490 exam consists of around 55 to 65 multiple-choice questions that must be answered within 90 minutes. The applicant has the freed to choose between Japanese and English as the language for the 100-490 exam. Furthermore, in order to schedule the final test, the candidate should visit Pearson VUE’s website and choose in of the nearest testing centers.
Exam Domains’ Details
The 100-490 qualification exam is developed specifically with the focus on routing and switching and the overall questions are divided into 4 different exam categories, such as:
- Knowledge of General Networking (25%)
The first domain of the 100-490 exam deals with the basics of networking. It comprises questions that test the applicant's understanding of general networking technologies such as the OSI model, TCP/IP, and their related protocols. The candidate should have a deep comprehension of network data flows and their functionality. Understanding of various basic network hardware including LAN, router, switches, and wireless AP will also be tested in this domain. Additionally, this section will comprise of questions relayed to Layer 2 technologies such as Ethernet, Serial, and Optical. The applicant should also know about LAN cabling, Telco termination point, different IP versions, and various file sharing protocols. Finally, this exam part also tests the entrant’s understanding of the concepts of Telnet and SSH along with their functions.
- Cisco Equipment and Hardware (20%)
This section covers 20% of the overall exam and includes questions that test the applicant's knowledge of Cisco hardware and equipment. The types of Cisco equipment include various services of Cisco Nexus, Cisco Catalyst, Cisco Meraki, ASR, NCS switches, and routers. Moreover, the domain also confirms the entrant's skills in identifying Cisco products via their logo markings, serial numbers, chassis locations, and adapter among others. The applicant must have the necessary skill set to identify and locate Cisco products' serial numbers, commonly used components, cabling equipment, loop-back plugs, and more. The know-how of common hardware memory terms and their use is also essential.
- Operating Cisco IOS Software (29%)
This domain covers the largest portion of the whole test. It deals with questions related to the operation of Cisco IOS software. The candidates are required to know about Cisco IOS, IOS-XR, IOS-XE, and NX-OS and must be fluent in describing them and their key roles. Also, the applicant must be able to skillfully determine the mode of a device along with the transfer configuration file between router or switch. Besides, the entrant must have proper knowledge of the basic Cisco IOS commands too. Furthermore, this section of the exam also verifies the applicant's understanding of various licensing processes on varied platforms along with an ability to apply the Bundle More and Install Mode of the IOS-XE platform.
- Service-Related Expertise (26%)
The final category of the exam validates the candidates' service-related skills. Thus, they should be capable of locating and using text editors, and Windows CMD. Additionally, the applicant must also be capable of configuring, locating, and using Terminal Emulation such as Tera Term and Putty. This domain also includes questions related to network settings configuration for Ethernet, and establishment of connection using Ethernet ports on Cisco network hardware. Furthermore, the entrant should be skilled in making a physical connection between a Cisco console port and a laptop. Connecting, verifying, and configuring the operation status of the device interface will also be tested. Apart from that, the candidates must also be capable of performing upgrade and downgrade software via TFTP, FTP, xmodem, and other protocols. Also, the entrants will be asked to manage configurations through TCP/IP and recover the password of a Cisco device. Finally, identifying and troubleshooting common network problems of Layer 1 and Layer 2 is also included in this part of the Cisco 100-490 exam.
Career Prospects
As a result, the earners of this entry-level accreditation will open up a couple of gates with newer and better opportunities. First of all, the individuals with the CCT Routing and Switching certificate will have a better chance of getting a job in the networking field. Moreover, they will have a chance to work as Network Technician, Service Desk Technician, NOC Technician, Data Centre Technician, and much more. And after being CCT certified, you can opt for the CCNA certification aimed at professionals who wish to advance their knowledge and skills with the latest Cisco technologies.
