CCNP, as a mid-level core certification in Cisco's certification system, connects the entry-level CCNA and the expert-level CCIE and is the core benchmark for measuring the high-end technical capabilities of network practitioners in the European and American markets.

In 2026, with the upgrading of digital infrastructure in Europe and America, the large-scale implementation of cloud network integration, and the surge in demand for cross-border enterprise networking, coupled with the popularity of Industry 4.0 and AI computing networks, CCNP has become a key credential for European and American network practitioners to achieve career advancement, salary increase, and job upgrading.
Here are the top 10 core reasons for taking the CCNP exam in the European and American markets in 2026:

1. Core entry threshold for mid to high end network positions

By 2026, over 90% of Fortune 500 companies, Cisco partners, Silicon Valley technology companies, and European multinational corporations in Europe and America will list CCNP as a necessary employment requirement for senior network engineers, network operations supervisors, cloud network integration implementation engineers, and cross-border networking technology leaders Even for medium-sized enterprises in Europe and America, the management positions of their core network modules use CCNP as a mandatory indicator.

2. The income of CCNP holders far exceeds that of CCNA holders

According to data from the European and American labor markets in 2026, in core cities such as Silicon Valley, New York, and Boston in the United States, entry-level CCNP holders generally earn an annual salary of $80000 to $120000, while senior practitioners earn an annual salary of over $180000; in European cities such as London, Munich, Amsterdam, etc., the entry-level annual salary can reach 60000 to 90000 euros, and companies will provide additional technical subsidies, project bonuses, and remote work benefits, which are the core salary chips for mid-level network talents in Europe and America.

3. Adapting exam syllabus to mainstream network technology is essential

In 2026, Cisco will complete a new iteration of the CCNP exam outline, completely eliminating traditional outdated technologies and deeply integrating the current mid to high end network needs of European and American enterprises, including cloud network integration architecture construction, SD-WAN cross-border branch networking, and zero trust network infrastructure implementation.

The process of preparing for CCNP is to master the core practical skills of high-end network positions in European and American enterprises. After obtaining the certificate, there is no need to adapt to the technical requirements of the enterprise, and the core network module work can be directly taken over.

4. Obtaining the core prerequisite springboard for CCIE

The difficulty and cost of CCIE exams in the European and American markets will further increase in 2026, especially in laboratory practical exams, which require highly systematic intermediate level network technology skills. CCNP is the official prerequisite for applying for CCIE, and its knowledge system and practical requirements are the core foundation of CCIE.

Taking the CCNP exam first can help European and American practitioners establish a complete intermediate level system, shorten the preparation period for CCIE by more than 50%, and reduce the cost of exam failure. This is also the mainstream choice for advanced expert level network practitioners in Europe and America.

5. Hard indicators for promotion of enterprise network teams

In 2026, European and American companies generally stipulate that even those with more than 5 years of basic network work experience cannot participate in the promotion competition for intermediate management positions and core technical positions without CCNP certification. Especially in large enterprises, CCNP is an important reference for salary grading and project resource allocation.

6. Break down geographical and domain barriers

Whether transitioning from Silicon Valley in the United States to Berlin and Paris in Europe, or entering high paying fields such as Silicon Valley technology and Wall Street finance from traditional manufacturing industries, CCNP can become the "universal language" for resumes. Its core methodology is applicable to all fields that require large-scale network implementation, and serves as a core competency endorsement for European and American professionals seeking employment across fields and regions.

7. Master the design and operation capabilities of large-scale high availability networks

Unlike CCNA, which can only complete basic networking and simple troubleshooting, CCNP's core assessment focuses on the independent design, construction, optimization, and troubleshooting of large-scale, high availability networks for European and American enterprises. The holder is capable of independently managing the entire network architecture of European and American small and medium-sized enterprises, or the core network modules of large enterprises, becoming an irreplaceable technical backbone in the enterprise network team.

8. Unlock mid-level resources in Cisco's European and American ecosystems

After obtaining the CCNP, one can join Cisco's official mid-level certification talent pool in Europe and America. Cisco will recommend the holder to its European and American partners, as well as global mid to high end customers.

At the same time, you can also participate in Cisco's mid to high end technology salons and industry exchange conferences held in Europe and America for free, and meet high-end contacts such as network architects and enterprise technology executives in Silicon Valley and Europe. These resources are key to obtaining mid to high end full-time positions and technical consulting part-time projects in the European and American markets.

9. In 2026, CCNP holders are in a state of "supply shortage."

In 2026, Europe and America are promoting a new round of digital infrastructure implementation, and there is a surge in demand for CCNP level talents who can independently complete mid to high end network work. According to Cisco's European and American Industry Report, there will be an annual shortage of over 80000 mid-level network talents at the CCNP level in Europe and America by 2026. Holders of certification can choose their own positions when seeking employment.

10. The optimal choice for "low-cost advancement"

Compared to CCIE's high exam costs and long preparation period, CCNP's preparation and exam costs are more controllable and the period is more moderate. The cost of the CCNP exam in the European and American markets in 2026 is approximately $400-600. It takes 3-4 months for full-time preparation and 5-6 months for part-time preparation to pass. 

And the CCNP renewal process is simple, with abundant channels for accumulating Continuing Education Units (CEUs) in Europe and America - participating in technical courses, completing enterprise network projects, and participating in industry exchanges can all be redeemed for free, with extremely low long-term holding costs.

Summary: CCNP provides multi-directional segmented certification that can adapt to the job needs of different industries in Europe and America. The application and examination process fully conforms to the habits of the European and American workplace, and registration and appointment are completed online throughout the process. Pearson VUE official examination centers are located in core cities in the United States and Europe, and the examination time is flexible.

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