Cisco Certification Guide: Overview and Career Pathways
Cisco Systems Inc. is a leader in communications products and services. Cisco Systems Inc. is best known for its business routing products and switching products that direct data, voice, and video traffic over networks all around the globe. Cisco also offers storage networking and applications for unified communication and collaboration (WebEx) and a range of services, from product support to complete solutions for cloud management and data centers.
The Cisco Career Certificate program is comprehensive. It aims to ensure that IT professionals have the knowledge and skills to solve customer technology problems and support Cisco products. It starts at the entry-level and then moves to the professional, expert, and associate levels. In some areas, the program reaches the architect level.
Each level can offer one or more credentials. Passing one or more certification exams is usually required to obtain a certificate. Candidates must prove they have met the prerequisites to be granted higher-level credentials. Higher certification levels require more conditions and certificates.
Cisco certification program overview
These credentials are Cisco's certifications:
- Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
- Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).
- Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP).
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
- Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)
- Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr)
Cisco's career program offers many paths and certifications. The two main pathways are network operation and design. The typical Cisco networking certification ladder starts with the CCENT credential and moves up to the CCNA, CCNP, and finally, the CCIE. Design-oriented people might consider the CCENT credential, moving on to the CCDA, the CCDP professional level, and finishing the program with the CCAr.
Several specializations are also included in the Cisco Career Certification program. These certifications recognize a professional's expertise in a specific Cisco technology such as voicemail, messaging, data center, or rich media. There are two main categories of Cisco specializations: one for technical specialists and another for digital transformation specialists. There are currently 15 specializations available to IT professionals.
The Technical Specialist category encompasses specializations in six subcategories.
- Collaboration
- Data Center (FlexPod).
- Network Programmability
- Operating System Software
- Service Provider
- Internet of things (IoT).
The Digital Transformation Specialists credential includes Business Architecture and Customer Success.
A specialist credential requires you to pass one or more exams. Specific certifications may also require prerequisites.
The professional, associate, and entry-level credentials are valid for three years. CCIE and specialist certifications last two years. The CCAr certificate is valid for five years. Cisco professionals must recertify to keep their credentials current by passing a recertification examination or moving up in the Cisco certification hierarchy.
Cisco's entry-level certifications
Cisco offers two entry-level credentials. Technician. Candidates must pass one exam to be awarded either the CCENT credential or the CCT credential.
CCENT-certified professionals can install, troubleshoot and maintain small networks or branches of enterprise networks and implement basic network security. The CCENT credential can be used to obtain some associate-level CCNA solution track credentials and the CCDA.
CCTs are onsite at customers' locations to diagnose problems and repair or replace network-related equipment. A CCT can choose from one of the many specialty tracks that are currently available, which includes Data Center or Routing & Switching.
Certification Exams Time to Completion CCENT 100-105 ICN1 45-55 90 min CCT Data Centre 010-151 DCTECH 65–75 90 min CCT Routing and Switching 640-692 60-70 90 minute
Cisco associate-level certifications
Cisco offers associate-level certifications, including the Cisco Certified Network Associate ( CCNA and the Cisco Certified Design Associate( CCDA). Depending on your chosen track, you will need to pass one or more certification exams to earn a CCNA or CCDA credential.
The CCNA recognizes basic skills for installing, supporting, troubleshooting, and troubleshooting wired or wireless networks. You can choose from various tracks, including Cloud, Collaboration, Cyber Ops, Data Center, Routing and Switching, Security, Service Provider, and Wireless. The professional-level CCNP certification is only possible with the CCNA. The prerequisites for the CCNA depend on the solution track and the number of exams required. Each solution track requires either one or more exams.
Cisco created the CCDA to identify people who can design virtual wired or wireless networks and include security and voice solutions. The CCDA is a prerequisite to the CCDP certificate. Candidates must have a valid CCENT, CCNA Routing & Switching (or any CCIE) certification to qualify for the CCDA. They also need to pass a single additional exam.
Obtaining Your Next Cisco Certification
Consider getting your Cisco certification if you are interested in a career working as a network engineer. This certification will help you stand out and increase your knowledge. It's a good idea for your achievements to include technical certifications.
Are you interested in obtaining your next Cisco certification? SPOTO can help you learn more about Cisco networking technology. Whether you're just starting or looking to improve your credentials, we have the necessary technical resources.
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