Cisco Certification Showdown - CCNA and CCNP
Cisco certifications have been extremely popular over the last several years. Cisco certifications are regarded as one of the most important certifications in the IT sector. There are many options when it comes to Cisco certifications.
You need the right certifications to advance your career and find better opportunities in your field.
It is worth noting that the standard Cisco certification concept was first introduced in 1998. This was the year Cisco introduced professional and beginner networking certifications. The certifications were created to complement the Cisco Certified Internetwork Experts (CCIE). Cisco has since expanded its certifications to offer a variety of certifications for professionals at all levels.
What is CCNA?
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), credential is one of the most prestigious entry-level certifications in networking. The CCNA certification is for people with 1 to 2 years experience in network engineering. The best thing about CCNA training? It's very affordable.
Aspirants who are interested in CCNA certification will also have the chance to gain more knowledge about the basic concepts and principles of Cisco networking. The certification provides a solid foundation for beginners in operating IT equipment. The material is specialized for Cisco environments, but it can also be used at a basic level. Those who have this certification are able to use their knowledge in many situations and increase marketability across different platforms.
What is CCNP?
CCNP stands for Cisco Certified Network Professional. This certification is for IT professionals who have at least one year experience in professional networking. It is mandatory to have a high school diploma or an equivalent.
CCNP Exam Details
You must have a CCNA certificate to take the CCNP certification test. There are three exams that make up the CCNP certification.
- 300-101 ROUTE Cisco IP Routing Implementation (ROUTE
- 300-135 TSHOOT Troubleshooting Cisco IP Networks (TSHOOT).
The differences between CCNA and CCNP
The CCNA certification, which is an associate-level certification, tests professionals on routing and switching fundamentals. The CCNP certification is a more advanced certification, which requires a greater level of knowledge and understanding about WANs and LANs as well as how they interact.
The CCNP certification, which is the higher of the two Cisco certification levels available, is considered to be the most senior. It focuses on more technical aspects of networking and related content like security and wireless options.
CCNA vs. CCNP Career Differences
Each certification leads to a different career path because of the differences in training levels between CCNA/CCNP.
CCNA Career Path
This certification is ideal for those who are looking for entry-level careers such as:
- Network Support Engineer
- Network Technician
- Helpdesk Engineer
- Service Desk Engineer/Technician
- First and second line support
CCNP Career Path
IT professionals looking to advance their careers can apply for the CCNP certification. It includes the following:
- Support for the Third Line
- Network Engineer
- Network Analyst
- IT Team Leader
- Systems Engineer
- Network Specialist
Similarities between CCNA & CCNP
Two of the most sought-after Cisco certifications are CCNA or CCNP. These certifications are great for networking professionals. But what do they have in common? Let's take a closer glance.
First, both CCNA/CCNP are intermediate levels of network knowledge. If you are just beginning in networking, your CCENT certification will be required before you can apply for either of these. CCNA and CCNP are great options for those who have already earned their CCENT.
Although the CCNA/CCNP are two different tracks in Cisco's certification program they share a lot of similarities. To earn both certificates, you must pass two exams. Both the CCNA/CCNP quizzes take 90 minutes and include multiple-choice questions and simulation questions.
What is the difference between CCNA/CCNP? The main difference lies in the exam focus. The CCNA exam covers a wide range of topics including IP addressing and routing protocols, switching and security. The CCNP exam is more focused and focuses primarily upon Cisco routers, switches, and other topics.
The CCNA is also considered to be a lower-level certification than CCNP. The CCNA is more general and requires less experience than CCNP. If you are just beginning your career in networking, the CCNA may be a better choice. The CCNP may be a better option if you already have some experience and are looking to concentrate on Cisco routers or switches.
Both the CCNA or CCNP certifications can help you advance your career in networking. It is important to select the right certification for you. The CCNA is a good choice if you are just starting out. The CCNP may be a better option if you are more experienced.
