Cisco Certification Guide Overview and Career Pathways Cisco is one the most respected and well-respected communications and networking companies in the world. Cisco certifications are a great tool for professionals who want to get into computing. They cover a wide range of topics in networking that will prepare you for different roles. Let's look at the Cisco certifications route to find out if it might be for you. Cisco Certification Path Overview Cisco has put a lot of effort into creating a list of certifications that covers everything you need to know about networking. To get a job or advance to the next level in networking, you don't need to have all their certifications. The path to Cisco certifications is modular. This allows you to either specialize in one area or branch out to learn as much as possible. Below is a list of Cisco 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) Below is a detailed explanation of each certification and the skill level. Cisco gives you the tools you need to make your skills a network expert. The Entry-Level Certifications Only two Cisco certifications are available that can be taken without any prerequisites: Cisco Certified Entry-Network Technician (CCENT), and Cisco Certified Technician CCT. These certifications are easy to obtain and provide a solid foundation for your next step in becoming a network engineer. Cisco Certified Entry-Networking Technician (CCENT). CCENT will allow you to take on the role of maintaining, troubleshooting, and managing installations on smaller networks or segments within larger networks. Cisco Certified Technicians (CCT). You will be able to perform repairs and replacements at customers' locations to ensure their network equipment is working properly. Cisco Associate-Level Certifications Cisco offers two Associate-Level certifications. Cisco Certified Network Associate and Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA), can be your next steps in your network journey. You may need to take up to two exams to obtain them. Cisco Certified Network Associate - (CCNA).CCNA focuses primarily on basic installation, support, and troubleshooting of wired and wireless networks. With a CCNA certificate, you can go down multiple tracks, including switching & routing and data center management. Cisco Certified Design Associate - CCDA: CCDA focuses on designing and building wired networks and voice certifications. Before you can get this certification, you will need to have a valid CCENT, CCNA Routing & Switching, or any other CCIE certification. You also need to pass a single exam. Cisco Professional-Level Certifications You will notice a rapid increase in difficulty as you progress to Cisco's professional-level certifications. Cisco Certified Network Professional and Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP), are Cisco's professional certifications. They require more exams than other certificates. Cisco Certified Network Professional - Much like CCNA and CCNA, CCNP offers a variety of tracks that allow you to focus even more. The CCNP certificate is intended to help professionals plan, deploy and troubleshoot networks in local and large areas. It can also be a stepping stone to a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certificate. Cisco Certified Design Professional - CCDP: CCDP teaches professionals how to design and deploy scalable networks. This is the ideal step before you take the Cisco Certified Design Expert exam. Cisco Expert-Level Certifications Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert and Cisco Certified Design Expert CCDE are the next steps for many professionals. These certificates are Cisco's top-level certifications. These certifications will make you a network expert and distinguish you from your peers. Cisco Certified Internetwork Experts (CCIE). Having a CCIE certificate could make a big difference in your career prospects. CCIE, like CCNA or CCNP, is designed to teach about Cisco's CCIE technical tracks, such as Collaboration, Data Center, Routing, Switching, Security, and Service Provider. Cisco Certified Design Specialist (CCDE). CCDE equips you with the knowledge and skills required to design large-scale infrastructure solutions in large enterprise environments. This includes all aspects of a project such as this. Cisco's Architect-Level Certification The Cisco Certified Architecture (CCAr), is the highest-level Cisco qualification currently available. This certification is the most difficult tech certification you will find. It gives you the ability to design and build enterprise-level network infrastructures while catering to specific business needs. You will need to create a network example based on the coursework you have completed before you can present it to a Cisco panel. This certificate could allow you to become an actual network architect. Cisco certifications are the standard for networking professionals. These certifications can be a quick way to get into this field. They also provide you with the opportunity to learn from the best in the industry about networking. SPOTO offers courses and practices exams of Cisco. Please contract with us!

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. This Cisco certification provides an associate-level certification to beginners and enthusiasts who have experience in networking. The CCNA program requires that students are tested and trained in the use, maintenance, and troubleshooting medium Cisco networking devices. SPOTO also offers training in troubleshooting and installing end-to-end network devices. 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. There are some exam tests and courses of CCNA and CCNP of SPOTO, which helps you to pass exams quickly!

5 SECURITY CORPORATIONS THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR CAREER Security certification can be a great asset to your IT career. Earning an in-demand certification will increase your salary significantly if you put in the effort. It may also open up doors to new opportunities. How can you decide which one is best for you? The key factors that will determine which security certification you pursue should be related to your career goals, job market, and personal goals. The most recent salary data and job data show that five certifications are worth your time, regardless of whether you are just starting or looking for a new career. These certifications are: CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional The CISSP has been long considered the "gold standard" for security certifications. It is a highly sought-after certification among security professionals. The CISSP certification is vendor-neutral and demonstrates an individual’s knowledge of a variety of security functions. You must have at most five years of experience in one of the following subject areas to earn the CISSP certification: Security and risk management; communications and network security. Even if your experience is less than five years, you can still pass the CISSP exam with the associate designation. CISSP certificate holders earn an average salary between $73,627 and $119,184 annually. To maintain the CISSP, continuing education credits must be taken each year. Cisco CCNA Security Individuals who have the Cisco CCNA credential (which demonstrates their ability to configure, operate and maintain Cisco devices safely) can move on to the Cisco CCNA security if they want to work in network security administration. To begin the certification process you must meet the requirements for the Cisco CEN certification. You also need to have at least one to three years of experience in networking. This certification covers education and training in network security. It focuses on testing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Cisco security solutions. To earn your certificate, you will need to pass two exams: one for the CCENT and another for the CCNA Security. This credential can earn you anywhere from $53,514 to $90 642, depending on your location. Get ready for the Security exam by SPOTO today. CISA: Certified Information Systems Auditor This is the oldest security certification, which was introduced in 1978, and is for people who are responsible for IT audits, monitoring, assessment, and control. CISA professionals ensure compliance with current standards and best practices. You must have at most five years of experience in IS monitoring and control to earn this certification. Only three exams are offered each year. This exam covers topics such as auditing, asset management, and IT governance and management. You must continue to learn to maintain your certification. This certification could lead to a salary of approximately $122,326 per year. CEH: Certified Ethical Hacker Hacking is a common way to protect vulnerable networks. Many companies have started to hire ethical hackers, or "white hat", to help them test their security systems and identify any potential weaknesses. How can companies be sure that the individuals they hire to test their networks won't be "bad guys"? Here's where CEH certification comes into play. The Certified HTMLical Hacking certification is required for anyone who wants to work in this highly-demanding field. This exam measures an individual's ability to find security holes using the same methods hackers use. CEH-certified professionals have highly sought after. An ethical hacker's annual salary can reach $111,502 annually. CompTIA Security+ The CompTIA security+ certification validates the foundational security knowledge in IT security concepts. CompTIA's vendor-neutral certification is recognized all over the world. CompTIA Security+ recommends that individuals obtain the CompTIA Network certificate. They must have at least two years of experience in IT with a focus on security and pass an exam. This exam covers topics such as network security, compliance and identity, access management, data security, and host security. According to the InfoSec Institute, individuals who have this credential are eligible for a $95,829 annual salary. Your current skills, market, and personal goals should all be considered when choosing a certification.The training of Cisco can help you to pass the exams in 1st. time. SPOTO's online IT training classes will refresh your skills and provide official testing materials. Get ready to take your career to new heights.

The certifications of Cisco Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) You will need to complete one of these things in order to recertify for CCNA: Take the associate exam again Any professional specialty exam can be taken. Pass the core technology exam Pass the expert-level written exam Pass the Lab/Practical exam Earn 30 CE Credits Cisco Certified Network Professional You will need to complete one of these things in order to recertify for CCNP: Pass any professional concentration exam by retaking it Pass one core technology exam Pass one expert-level written test One expert-level Lab/Practical exam Earn 40 CE Credits Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) You will need to do the following in order to recertify for CCIE: Cisco's expert-level exam written by Cisco Pass the Cisco expert-level Lab/Practical exam Pass any of the three professional (CCNP-) concentration exams Pass one core technology exam and one professional concentration exam. Total 120 CE credits Earn 40 CE credits and pass a technology core exam Two professional concentration exams are required to earn 40 CE credits Earn 80 CE credits by passing a professional concentration exam Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) You will need to do the following in order to recertify for CCDE: Pass the Cisco expert-level written exam Pass one Lab/Practical expert-level exam Three professional concentration exams are required Pass one core technology exam and pass any professional concentration exam. Earn 120 CE Credits Earn 40 CE credits and pass a technology core exam Two professional concentration exams are required to earn 40 CE credits. Earn 80 CE credits by passing a professional concentration exam Which Cisco Certification Path is Best? To be certified in Cisco networking technologies, the most important incentive is to develop your career. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), or Cisco Certified Professional (CCNP Enterprise), are two of the best ways to reach your professional goals. Cisco certification shows that you are competent in the job. Your CCNA certification may be useful for network engineers, systems administrators, and information technology (IT) directors. These specialists are paid the most compared to entry-level certification jobs on a national level. The average yearly income for specialists is $87,000. Top earners make more than $111,000 per year. This certificate can increase earnings by as much as 20% for those who have it. The CCNA Career Path For those who are interested in computer network operations, the CCNA is a good entry point. Even if Cisco gear isn't your primary focus, chances are you will come across it occasionally. Many companies require certification. You may not be eligible to fill a job if you don't have the right industry credential. Even if you don't need it, it's still helpful when applying for a job. CCNA-level professionals will have a greater market share, mainly because of Cisco Networking Academy's training. However, not all people get the credential. However, the CCNA is advised to understand the basics before they move on to the next level (e.g., how to get the CCNP or CCIE levels). Cisco recommends that professional-level exams are taken only if you have a lot of expertise. It's much easier to pass certification exams if you have already participated in SPOTO's practice tests system. Is the CCNA Certification Worth it? Most people will answer that Cisco Certified Network Associate is absolutely worth it. It stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate and is the entry point to the company’s certification program. The exam to earn CCNA certification is called Creating and Maintaining Cisco Solutions. In 2020, the CCNA and most Cisco certifications were revised. A paper confirms that you understand basic networking concepts. These topics include routing and switching technologies as well as WANs (wide-area networks) and wireless network security. This new version only requires you to pass one exam. Cisco sponsored credential, the CCNA. The company has been in business for nearly 30 years and produces a variety of network equipment, standards and protocols. They have a strong brand and have dominated the networking switching and routing industry for many years (since 1984). The CCNA certification was previously available in two formats: a hard exam or two separate tests. The new version only has one test. It is easier to use and more transparent. You might take several other paths after your fundamental certificate (security, voice, wireless, etc.), but you were still at the CCNA level. The associate level has only one curriculum. There is at least one exam. If you have a deeper understanding of specific subjects, you can take additional courses at the CCNP level. This new approach is designed to make it easier for network engineers not yet certified by CCENT to choose the right certification. They want software developers to be able to collaborate and communicate more effectively with network engineers with CCNA credentials. Network engineers will need to acquire new skills as technology evolves. The new CCNA curriculum addresses of SPOTO.

Cisco Certification: The Complete Guide Many companies choose Cisco to manage their network needs. Most of these businesses will require Network Engineers, System Engineers and Security Analysts in order to maintain their infrastructure. Future CBKs will therefore be highly sought-after. Cisco certifications can be a powerful tool to increase your job prospects and skills. However, they are subject to expiration dates. Cisco Certified Network Associate, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Cisco Certified Network Expert (CCIE), Cisco Certified Design Experts (CCDE), and Cisco Certified Network Professional are just a few examples of the many certifications offered by Cisco. You have many options for Cisco certifications that will allow you to be a better person and make a real difference in your job. SPOTO offers the Cisco Certified Network Associate credential in its cybersecurity expert training. Cisco is the most important network routing and switching company in the world. This training will help you establish a career as an Information Technology professional. Contact us for more information! Cisco certification is the best way for you to start your career. Cisco certifications are available for high-paying positions such as network engineer and network architect. Employers use Cisco certifications to assess the skill level of their employees. There are four steps to Cisco certification: Preparation (learning more about Cisco products). Assessment (taking tests) Validation (using Cisco skills while on the job) Recertification (renewing credentials). This article will provide you with helpful information about how to get certified by Cisco. Why do people choose Cisco certifications? Cisco Systems, Inc. provides a range of communication and networking technology products and services. Cisco Systems, Inc. is best known for its business routing and switching solutions. These solutions route data, voice and video across global networks. Cisco offers a range of services, including storage networking solutions, unified communication applications (WebEx), and telepresence and collaboration (WebEx). Cisco Career Certification is extensive to ensure that IT professionals are equipped to support Cisco products as well as address customer technology problems on multiple fronts. It begins at the entry level, moves through professional, expert, associate and expert levels and, in some areas, reaches architect levels. These Cisco certifications are available: Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) Cisco's entry-level certification for IT professionals. This certification certifies that you can perform basic network installation and troubleshooting skills using Cisco routers, switches, and access points. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cisco Certified Network Associate Certification is Cisco's most sought-after and highly valued qualification. This certification validates entry-level network engineers' skills in managing and troubleshooting medium-sized switched and routed networks. Cisco Certified Network Professional Cisco Certified Network Professional is Cisco's second most-respected qualification. This certification validates entry-level network engineers' ability to plan, create and manage small and large networks using Cisco equipment. It also includes security appliances and wireless access point capabilities. Candidates can also design switched and routed networks using Cisco products. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert is one of the highest Cisco qualifications. This certification validates the holder's mastery of advanced routing and switching, network security, service provider technologies, and other requirements to create efficient Cisco routers, switches operating systems (IOS), IPv/IPmulticast solutions. Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) Cisco Certified Designer Expert Cisco certification, is the highest level of technical qualification offered by Cisco. This certification is for those who have mastered complex network design and implementation. They also have in-depth knowledge of security operations, such as Cisco Unified Wireless Network, Cisco DNA Center, Cisco Prime Infrastructure, and Cisco Unified Service Monitor. How long do Cisco certifications last? After you have earned your Cisco certification, they are valid for three years. Each certificate's validity is extended by three years after it has been earned if you complete the recertification requirements. During this period, there are no obligations to keep the credential activated. Candidates need to recertify in order to maintain their certification for three more years. Cisco recertification credits or the same Cisco certification exam can be used to obtain Cisco recertification credit. Your job requires certifications. Your employer may require that you pass or retake certain Cisco certification tests as a condition for employment. This will vary depending on the industry and company policy. It's easy to recertify for Cisco certifications. It's even simpler with Cisco's continuing education credits. Recertify for Cisco Certifications Candidates must renew their certification before the expiration of their certificate. To regain their active status, individuals who have expired certificates must retake the entire examination process. Individuals can recertify anytime during the active period. They can either move up to the next level or obtain continuing education credits. Obtaining Your Next Cisco Certification Are you interested in a career working as a network engineer? Get your Cisco certification. SPOTO is able to help you with your next Cisco certification.

Table of Contents1. Certification Levels & Career Pathways2. Updated 2025 Changes & Corrections Cisco certifications remain the industry standard for networking and IT professionals. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking expert‑level mastery, Cisco’s multi‑level certification program maps clear career pathways—from entry‑level technician roles all the way to elite architect and DevNet expert credentials. This guide corrects outdated tracks, integrates the latest May 2025 updates, and aligns with your top Google Search Console queries like “cisco career certification”, “cisco career path”, and “cisco certification tracks”. 1. Certification Levels & Career Pathways Entry & Associate Levels Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Focus: On‑site hardware/network device support Exams: 100‑140 CCST (IT Support), 100‑150 CCST (Networking), 100‑160 CCST (Cybersecurity) Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Focus: Core networking fundamentals—IP services, security, automation Exam: 200‑301 CCNA Cisco Certified DevNet Associate Focus: Basic software development and automation on Cisco platforms Exam: 200‑901 DEVASC Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate Focus: Security operations center skills—monitoring, detection, response Exam: 200‑201 CBROPS Career tip: Entry‑level associates often transition into network administrator, SOC analyst, or automation engineer roles. Professional Level Professional certifications combine a core exam plus one concentration in your chosen track. Core exams also serve as qualifiers for corresponding CCIE lab exams. CCNP Enterprise Core: 350‑401 ENCOR Concentrations (choose one): ENARSI, ENSDWI, ENSLD, ENWLSD, ENWLSI, ENAUTO, ENCC, ENNA CCNP Security Core: 350‑701 SCOR Concentrations: SNCF, SISE, SESA, SWSA, SVPN, SAUTO, SCAZT, SDSI (new) CCNP Data Center Core: 350‑601 DCCOR Concentrations: DCID, DCIT, DCACI, DCACIA, DCAUTO CCNP Collaboration Core: 350‑801 CLCOR Concentrations: CLICA, CLACCM, CLCEI, CLAUTO CCNP Service Provider Core: 350‑501 SPCOR Concentrations: SPRI, SPVI, SPAUTO, SPCNI Additional professional paths: Cisco Certified DevNet Professional (350‑901 DEVCOR + one automation concentration exam) Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional (350‑201 CBRCOR + one SOC concentration exam) Career tip: CCNP holders often advance to senior engineer, solutions architect, or automation specialist roles. Expert & Specialist Levels CCIE (Expert) Labs: Hands‑on lab exam following the corresponding core exam (e.g., ENCOR + Enterprise Infrastructure lab) Tracks: Enterprise Infrastructure, Enterprise Wireless, Data Center, Collaboration, Security, Service Provider CCDE (Design Expert) Exams: 400‑007 written + practical design exam Cisco Certified DevNet Expert Requirements: Pass DEVCOR (350‑901) and complete the hands‑on lab Specialist & New Badges Designing Cisco Security Infrastructure Specialist (new as of May 20, 2025) Cisco Certificate in Ethical Hacking Career tip: Expert‑level credentials prepare you for network architect, principal engineer, and IT leadership roles. 2. Updated 2025 Changes & Corrections Retired CCDA & CCDP – these design and routing/switching associate certifications were consolidated under CCNA and CCNP Enterprise in February 2020. New CCST Tracks – now includes IT Support, Networking, and Cybersecurity entry‑level exams. SDSI Concentration – added to CCNP Security for specialized design skills. Ethical Hacking Certificate – vendor‑agnostic offensive security badge launched May 2025.

What CISCO CERTIFICATION SHOULD YOU GET? A Cisco certification is a great way to jump into computer networking technology. You will likely work with networking technology in some form or another. Cisco offers many certifications that apply to professionals at all levels. Cisco also provides certificates in Wireless and Security, Voice, Service Provider, Data Center, and Voice. Let's look at this list of Cisco certifications and discuss who should be looking for them based on their career level. The network and organizational infrastructure are becoming more complex to support business functions. You will learn how to manage and set up the systems that support your organization's daily operations and communications. Cisco certifications and skills are highly sought-after by professionals in technology. Global Knowledge is the world's largest and most trusted Authorized Cisco Learning Solutions Partner. We can help you improve your skills, prepare for certification, and help your company build the best Cisco solutions. Cisco Certification Paths Cisco offers certifications that allow IT professionals to progress their careers through the entry, associate, and professional levels. Network Design and Network Operations are the most popular certification paths. Both require different levels of Cisco certifications. You can get a job as a network engineer, IT infrastructure leader, or IT director by pursuing one of the Cisco certification paths. CTT (Cisco Certified Technician) CTT-certified technicians are qualified to repair and replace critical Cisco networking devices at customer sites. The CCT certification is now the only entry-level Cisco certification lower than the CCNA, following the retirement of CCENT. Although not required to obtain the CCNA certification, this certification provides a great introduction to field support for Cisco products. CCNA (Cisco Certified Networking Associate) The CCNA certification is an associate-level Cisco certification. It is the most sought-after Cisco certification. The Cisco Certified Network Associate certification is highly respected by influential organizations and can open doors to various IT careers. The CCNA certification is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to get into IT.  There are several specialties in the CCNA certification program: cloud, collaboration, and cyber-ops. This certification is essential if you want to move up to higher-level certifications like CCNP or CCIE. You can take one exam or split the work into two on different topics. CCNP (Cisco Certified Networking Professional) The CCNP is a professional-level certificate. You will need to have more experience and be able to operate at a higher level of expertise to obtain this certification. You can also break this certification into other specialties, such as the CCNA. You must already have a CCNA to be eligible for the CCNP certification. To obtain the CCNP certification, you will need to pass three exams: 300-101 (Routing), 300-112 (Switching), and 300-135(Troubleshooting). CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) This certification is recognized worldwide as the highest standard in networking certifications. It is a highly prestigious achievement in networking. The certification requires you to pass a rigorous exam and includes a performance-based laboratory section. To keep up-to-date with current networking technology, the material is continuously updated. Your employer has an interest in helping you keep your certification. A CCIE certification is ongoing. You will need to recertify at specific intervals to maintain your expert status. Your employer will also enjoy certain benefits as a Cisco Certified Expert. These benefits can only be revoked if you keep your certification. CCAr (Cisco Certified Architect) CCAr is Cisco's highest achievement level. This certification recognizes network designers who can design, build, and maintain global networks. This certification recognizes the ability to translate business strategies into real-world applications. CCAr certification is difficult. The applicant must present their network solution to a panel of members appointed by Cisco. This is similar to defending your thesis while pursuing higher education degrees. This certification is difficult to get, as you may have guessed.  Retired CCENT (Cisco-Certified Entry Networking Technician) CCENT was the first certification entry-level professionals could obtain as part of their Cisco certification journey. This certification allowed professionals to set up, maintain and fix small networks that provided basic security. This certification has been retired by Cisco as of February 24, 2020. Obtaining Your Next Cisco Certification If you're interested in a career as a network engineer, consider getting a Cisco certification. This certification will make you stand out and improve your expertise in your chosen field. It is always a good idea to list technical certifications under your achievements section. Are you looking to earn your next Cisco certification? Or are you curious about Cisco networking technology in general? Contact SPOTO. We have the technical resources you need, whether you are just starting or looking to upgrade your certifications.

CCNA Certification Course Curriculum Students have four options for training: e-learning and classroom training; digital subscription; private group training; These are the topics you need to study for the CCNA exam. Network fundamentals account for 20% of the exam. It would help if you first described the purpose and function of network devices, such as routers, layer two and layer three switches, next-generation firewalls, access points, intrusion detection systems (IPS), controllers, endpoints, and servers. In the second section, network basics will describe the characteristics of different network topology architectures, such as spine-leaf (two-tier), three-tier, spine-leaf, wide-area network (WAN), small offices/home offices, cloud, and power over Ethernet (PoE). Network access is 20% of the exam. This curriculum component evaluates students' ability to establish and verify a typical VLAN range that spans many switches. It includes access ports and connection ports as well as default VLAN settings. The Cisco Discovery Protocol and LLDP mechanisms are used to evaluate the ability of students to set up and confirm layer two discovery techniques. Next in the CCNA curriculum is EtherChannel configuration and validation. The CCNA exam tests your ability to explain and identify the basic operations of Rapid PVST+ Spanning tree Protocol. This includes the root port, root bridge (primary/secondary), other port names, statuses, and PortFast benefits. The exam will ask you to compare access point (AP) modes with Cisco Wireless Architectures.  Also, you will be asked to describe Telnet, SSH, and HTTP, HTTPS terminals, as well as TACACS+/RADIUS administrative access connections for APs. Finally, you will be evaluated on your ability to configure wireless LAN access to client connectivity using graphical interfaces. This includes WLAN setup, security settings, and advanced WLAN settings. IP connection is 25% of the exam. The CCNA exam curriculum will test your knowledge of default forwarding decisions made in routers. This includes the routing protocol metric, longest match, administrative fare, and routing distance. You will be assessed on your ability to read and decode the routing table's elements such as prefix, network mask next-hop, the administrative distant, metric, gateway of last resort, routing protocol code, routing protocol code, routing protocol code, routing protocol code, routing protocol, network mask, routing protocol code, routing protocols, routing protocol codes, routing protocol codes, routing protocol, metric, the gateway of last resort, and routing method code. Next, you'll be asked questions about configuring and testing IPv4 static routing. This includes the default, network, and host options, as well as floating static options. The next step is to assess your ability to configure and verify single-area OSPFv2, including router ID, point/point, broadcast (DR/BDR select), and neighbor adjacencies. Also, you will need to explain the role of the first-hop redundancy protocol for an IP connection. IP services account for 10% of the exam. Your ability to configure and verify within source Network Address Translations (NAT) using static and pool configurations will be evaluated. Next, you will be tested on your ability to configure and verify the client and server modes of Network Time Protocol (NTP)'s operation.  The CCNA curriculum will test your knowledge of SNMP in network operations. Also, you will be required to explain how Syslog features such as levels or capabilities, are used. You will be tested on your skills in setting up and verifying DHCP relays and clients. Forwarding per-hop behavior (PHB) will be tested. This includes categorization and marking, queuing and congestion, and shaping. You will be assessed on your ability to set up network hardware for remote accessibility using Secure Shell Protocol. 15% of the exam will be devoted to security fundamentals This section of the CCNA curriculum will require you to identify essential security concepts, such as vulnerabilities, attacks, and mitigation techniques. You will also be asked to list security software components. You will be asked to set up local passwords for device control. This means you must be able to describe the details of security password rules, such as complexity, management, and alternative passwords. Your understanding of remote access and site-to-site private networks (VPNs) will also be evaluated. This module is crucial in that it includes verification and configuration of access control lists. Next, you will need to configure layer two security features. Next, you'll need to differentiate between authorization, authentication, and accounting topics. You will also need to discuss wireless security protocols, WLAN configuration using Wi-Fi Protected Access 2-Pre-Shared Key (WPA2 PSK). Automating and programming, which accounts for 10% of the exam Automation is a significant influence on network management today. Also, you will be asked to compare controller-based network management with traditional networks. Next, you'll need to explain the differences between software-defined and controller-based designs. These are distinct application programming interfaces (APIs). The final step is to compare traditional device management with Cisco DNA Center-supported device management. You will need to know how to identify the characteristics of REST APIs that can be used for tasks such as "create, read and update and delete (CRUD), HTTP verbs and data encoding" as part of the CCNA curriculum. You will also need to be able to read JSON-encoded data, recognize the capabilities of Puppet and Chef configuration management tools, and be ansible. Takeaway Companies need certifications like CCNA to enhance their IT infrastructure. Cisco continues to innovate. Recently, Cisco U. launched a digital learning center. Here candidates can receive an artificial intelligence-recommended learning pathway for CCNA and other certifications. Current and future technical professionals can use these opportunities to enhance their careers. You can click it to learn more about CCNA.

Table of ContentsWhat is a CCNA Certification?CCNA Certification CostCCNA SalaryTakeaway CCNA Certification Exam Cost, Salary in 2025 Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is an IT certification exam that technical professionals take at entry-level and associate levels to show their knowledge of the Cisco technology environment, including cybersecurity basics, network fundamentals, as well as system fundamentals. This article will explain the CCNA certification requirements and what you can expect to earn in 2022. What is a CCNA Certification? Technical professionals at entry-level and associate levels can take the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), an IT certification exam that tests their knowledge of Cisco technology. Cisco, a networking hardware manufacturer, offers CCNA. It's designed to test your knowledge of the core networking principles that are commonly used in IT networking positions. It will help you prepare to work in networking roles such as network administrator, network expert, or network engineer. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is one of the most highly sought-after entry-level IT credentials. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) exam tests a network professional's knowledge and ability to manage small-sized networks. You can start your career on any path you choose by passing the CCNA test and training course. This certification will help you to learn about LAN/WAN and switches, as well as network utilities (ping tracert arp), IP address and subnetting, VLANs, trunking, and more. Cisco's five-level career path starts with the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification. There were ten CCNA specializations. Each one focused on a different aspect of cloud computing or collaboration. Security, data centers, and wireless were all other topics. In February 2020, Cisco unified all its core networking certifications to create a single CCNA certification. Cisco Networking Academy is made up of universities and colleges that offer Cisco training. All certifications of expert status have a two-year validity. Cisco decides whether recertification requires taking a higher-level test or retaking an exam. According to a Robert Half survey of over 3,000 senior managers, the CCNA is one of the most sought-after technical certifications. Here are some benefits of passing the CCNA exam. Basic knowledge: Those who pass the exam will understand how to manage a network well. Developing new skills: The CCNA exam provides extensive practice in various jobs and abilities. Building credibility: Potential employers might notice that a candidate is certified by Cisco and has a good knowledge of a variety of Cisco networking equipment if they look at a resume with the CCNA certification. CCNA Certification Cost Except for learning expenses, the cost of CCNA certification is $300, excluding taxes. Candidates can take the exam once they have completed the required preparations by learning by themselves, participating in third-party courses, or joining the Cisco Learning Network. The exam is available online or via Pearson, Cisco's partner. To update your certification status, log in to Cisco Certification Tracking System after you have completed the exam. Candidates will be issued a digital kit after completion. Cisco Learning Credits can also be used to purchase the test. These are prepaid credits an employer can obtain to allow its employees to use the credits on different Cisco learning portals. You can get CCNA certification instruction and testing through Cisco Learning Partners such as SPOTO. The Cisco Learning Partner of SPOTO that provides learning support services determines the cost of passing a CCNA exam. Exam candidates who feel CCNA certifications could benefit their company can discuss a shared cost model. Some employers allow CCNA training expenses to be included in compensation as deductibles. CCNA Salary As of June 8, 2022, the average yearly salary for a technical professional in the United States with CCNA certification is $89,000. It comes out to $42.80 an hour. According to ZipRecruiter data, this works out to $1,712 per week or $7,418 monthly. CCNA is a crucial certification as a majority of Fortune 500 companies use Cisco networking equipment. A Cisco Certified Network Associate receives an average bonus of $8,291 per year or 7% of their annual income. 100% of workers report receiving a dividend every year. Different certifications will result in different salaries. The average salary for a CCNA-certified IT support professional in the US is $53,051, while the average for network specialists is $64,430. For network administrators, it is $69,243. Senior network engineers are $116,165. The CCNA certification salary is affected by many variables. Notable is the fact that the average CCNA salary in the United States is higher than the national average. Barnstable Town (MA) is the most highly ranked, followed by Sunnyvale and Santa Cruz (CA), in that order. Takeaway Certifications such as CCNA are essential for companies to improve their IT infrastructure. Cisco continues to innovate, recently launching the Cisco U. digital learning center. Here candidates can receive an artificial intelligence-recommended learning pathway for CCNA and other certifications. Current and future technical professionals can use these opportunities to boost their careers. Know more about information of CCNA, you can Click it!