Cisco Systems Inc. specializes in communications and networking products and services. The company's business routing and switching products direct data, voice, and video traffic across global networks. Cisco also provides storage networking, applications for unified communications, telepresence, and collaboration (WebEx), and a variety of services ranging from basic product support to comprehensive data center and cloud management solutions.

The Cisco Career Certification program is comprehensive to ensure that IT professionals have the skills and knowledge necessary to support Cisco products and address a variety of technology problems for customers. In other words, certification begins at the entry level, progresses through the associate, professional, and expert levels, and (in some certification areas) culminates at the architect level.

Each tier provides multiple credentials. Typically, earning a credential requires passing one or more certification exams. The majority of Cisco exams are administered by Pearson VUE. In order to obtain higher-level credentials, candidates must also demonstrate that they satisfy the prerequisites. The greater the level of certification, the greater the credentials and prerequisites that must be met.

Cisco certification curriculum overview
Cisco's portfolio of certifications includes the following credentials:

CCENT - Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician
Certified Cisco Technician (CCT)
CCNA is the Cisco Certified Network Associate
Associate, Cisco Certified Design (CCDA)
Professional Certified in Networking (CCNP)
Professional Cisco Certified in Design (CCDP)
Expert in Cisco Internetwork Technologies (CCIE)
Expertise in Cisco Design Technologies (CCDE)
Certified Cisco Architect (CCAr)
There are numerous certifications and career paths available through Cisco's career program. Consequently, its two primary tracks include network operation and network design. A typical Cisco networking certification progression begins with the entry-level CCENT certification, then advances to the CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE. The design-oriented should instead consider beginning with the CCENT, advancing to the CCDA, then the professional-level CCDP, the CCDE, and concluding with the CCAr.

In addition to a variety of specializations, the Cisco Career Certification program offers a number of certifications. These certifications recognize a professional's proficiency with a particular Cisco technology, such as data center application services, voicemail and messaging, or rich media. There are two primary categories for Cisco specializations: one for technical specialists and the other for digital transformation specialists. IT professionals can presently choose from 15 specializations across these two categories.

The Technical Specialist category comprises six subcategories with the following specializations:

Collaboration Data Center (FlexPod) Network Programmability Operating System Software Service Provider Internet of Things (IoT) Digital Transformation Specialists include Business Architecture and Customer Success-related credentials.

Typically, obtaining a specialist credential requires passing one or two examinations. Some credentials also impose prerequisites.

Entry-level, associate-level, and professional-level certifications are valid for three years, while CCIE and specialist certifications are valid for two years and CCAr certifications are valid for five years. Cisco professionals must recertify by passing a recertification exam or advancing to a higher level in Cisco's certification hierarchy in order to maintain their certifications.

Entry-level Cisco certifications
Cisco offers two certifications at the entry level: Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and Cisco Certified Technician (CCT). Candidates must pass a single exam to acquire either the CCENT or CCT credential, for which no prerequisites are required.

Install, maintain, and troubleshoot minor networks or a branch of an enterprise network, as well as implement fundamental network security. CCENT certification is required for associate-level CCNA solution track certifications and the CCDA.

On-site at customer locations, CCTs diagnose problems and replace network-related equipment. A CCT can select from a variety of specialty paths, including Data Center and Routing and Switching.

Certification Examinations Quantity of Questions Time Required to Complete CCENT 100-105 ICND1 45 to 55 minutes 90 minutes CCT Data Center 010-151 DCTECH 65-75 90 minutes 640-692 RSTECH CCT Routing & Switching 60-70 90 minutes

Udemy provides information about Cisco ICND1 training.
Udemy provides information about CCIE Routing & Switching.
Cisco's associate-Level Certifications
Cisco's certifications at the associate level consist of the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and the Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA). Depending on the chosen route, CCNA and CCDA certifications require passing one or two certification exams.

The CCNA certifies fundamental abilities to install, support, and troubleshoot wireline and/or wireless networks. Cloud, Collaboration, Cyber Operations, Data Center, Industrial, Routing and Switching, Security, Service Provider, and Wireless are among the available tracks. The CCNA is a prerequisite for the CCNP certification at the professional level. Prerequisites for the CCNA and the number of required exams differ based on the solution track selected. Every solution route necessitates either one or two exams.

Cisco developed the CCDA to identify individuals who are capable of designing fundamental wired and wireless networks, as well as integrating security and voice solutions. The CCDP certification requires the CCDA as a prerequisite. To earn the CCDA, candidates must possess a valid CCENT or CCNA Routing and Switching certification (or any CCIE certification) and pass one additional exam.

Certification Exams Quantity of QuestionsTime to Finish
CCDA 200-310 DESGN 55-65 75 minutes
CCNA Cloud 210-451 CLDFND 55-65 90 minutes
210-455 CLDADM 55-65 90 minutes
CCNA Collaboration 210-060 CICD 55-65
210-065 CIVND 55-65 75 minutes
CCNA Cyber Operations 210-250 SECFND 55-60 Ninety minutes
210-255 SECOPS 60-70 90 minutes
CCNA Data Center 200-150 DCICN 55-65 90 minutes
200-155 DCICT 65-75 120 minutes
CCNA Industrial 200-601 IMINS2 65-75 90 minutes
200-125 CCNA Routing and Switching**60-70 90 minutes
100-105 ICND1 45-55 90 minutes
200-105 ICND2 55-65 90 minutes
CCNA Security 210-260 IINS sixty to seventy minutes
CCNA Service Provider Certification Exam 640-875 SPNGN1 65-75 90 minutes
640-878 SPNGN2 65-75 90 minutes
CCNA Wireless 200-355 WIFUND sixty to seventy minutesCCNA Routing and Switching candidates may take either exam 200-125 OR exams 100-105 and 200-105.

Udemy offers additional Cisco CCDA information.
Learn additional information about Cisco CCNA Cyber Ops Udemy
Udemy provides information about iPexpert's CCNA DCICN.
Cisco's professional-level certifications
There are two main professional-level certifications offered by Cisco: the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and the Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP). To obtain the CCDP, one must pass three exams and hold the CCDA, CCNA Routing and Switching, or any Cisco CCIE or CCDE certification.

Except for Routing and Switching, all CCNP solution paths require candidates to pass four exams. Only three examinations are necessary to earn the CCNP: Routing and Switching certification. All CCNP solution paths require either the lower-level CCNA certification or any CCIE certification. Also accepted as a prerequisite for the CCNP: Service Provider certification is the Cisco Certified Internet Professional (CCIP) certification (which was retired in 2012).

The CCNP certification is awarded to individuals who plan, deploy, and troubleshoot local and wide area networks. The CCNP tracks are identical to the CCNA tracks, with the exception of Industrial and Cyber Ops, which are not available in the CCNP track. The CCNP is required to advance to the next certification level, the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert.

The CCDP certifies competence in designing and deploying scalable and multilayer-switched networks. The CCDP can be followed by the Cisco Certified Design Expert certification.

Certification Exams Quantity of QuestionsTime to Finish
CCDP 300-101 ROUTE 45-65 120 minutes
300-115 SWITCH 30-40 120 minutes
300-320 ARCH 60-70 75 minutes
CCNP Cloud 300-460 CLDINF 55-65 90 minutes
300-465 CLDDES 55-65 90 minutes
300-470 CLDAUT 55-65 90 minutes
300-475 CLDACI 55-65 90 minutes
CCNP Collaboration 300-070 CIPTV1 sixty-five to seventy-five minutes
300-075 CIPTV2 50-60 75 minutes
300-080 CTCOLLAB 55-65 75 minutes
300-085 CAPPS 55-65 75 minutes
CCNP Data Center** 300-175 DCUCI 55-65 90 minutes
300-165 DCII 55-65 90 minutes
300-170 DCVAI 55-65 90 minutes
300-160 DCID 55-65 90 minutes
300-180 DCIT 70-80 90 minutes
CCNP Routing and Switching 300-101 ROUTE 45-65 Time Allowance: 120 minutes
300-115 SWITCH 30-40 120 minutes
300-135 TSHOOT 15-25 120 minutes
CCNP Security Exam 300-208 SISAS Questions 55-65 90 minutes
300-206 SENSS 65-75 90 minutes
300-209 SIMOS 65-75 90 minutes
300-210 SITCS 65-75 90 minutes
CCNP Service Provider Certification Exam 642-883 SPROUTE 65-75 90 minutes
642-885 SPADVROUTE 65-75 90 minutes
642-887 SPCORE 65-75 90 minutes
642-889 SPEDGE 65-75 90 minutes
CCNP Wireless 300-360 WIDESIGN 55-65
300-365 WIDEPLOY 55-65 90 minutes
300-370 WITSHOOT 55-65 90 minutes
300-375 WISECURE 55-65 90 minutes **CCNP Data Center candidates have the option of taking either the 300-160 or 300-180 exam.

Expert-level certifications from Cisco
Cisco's credentials at the expert level consist of two primary certifications: the prestigious Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) and the Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE). To earn either of these credentials, one must pass a written exam and a rigorous practical exam, but neither requires prerequisites.

Beginning in July 2016, Cisco revised its expert-level examinations to include a domain for evolving technologies. This new domain focuses on cloud, network programmability, and the Internet of Things, and comprises 10% of the total exam score. Cisco may modify the topics included in this domain to reflect emerging technologies once they demonstrate sufficient commercial interest, potential, and presence to be exam-worthy. The company describes this mechanism as a method to help future-proof its certifications, allowing employers to assume that those who hold current credentials are also up-to-date on crucial new networking technologies.

Obtaining the CCIE is the pinnacle of careers for a number of network-track professionals. A CCIE possesses expert technical skills and knowledge of Cisco network products and solutions in one of the current CCIE technical disciplines, which include Collaboration, Data Center, Routing and Switching, Security, Service Provider, and Wireless.

The CCDE designates professionals who design infrastructure solutions for large enterprise environments, taking into account technological, operational, business, and budgetary factors.

Cisco architect-level credentials
Obtaining the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) certification is a wise decision for individuals seeking positions such as network architect and data center architect. The CCAr is the greatest level of certification that Cisco offers, comparable to a Ph.D. in the Cisco Career Certification program. This certification verifies a senior network infrastructure architect's ability to plan and design IT infrastructures in accordance with business strategies. Many consider the CCAr to be the most difficult certification to attain.

To obtain the CCDE certification, you must design a network solution to implement an assigned strategy and then defend that solution in front of a Cisco-appointed panel.

related careers and employment
Whether you are pursuing a career in network operations or network design, Cisco certifications are uniquely positioned to help IT professionals prepare for various Cisco-related career responsibilities. Regardless of your selected career path, skilled Cisco professionals have ample employment opportunities. A straightforward search on SPOTO  for Cisco CCNA professionals yielded between 7,500 and 9,500 job postings each.

Opportunities for employment differ based on factors such as experience and focus on network operations or network design. Although not exhaustive, the following list identifies some common certification-based employment opportunities:

Help desk or technician roles require a CCENT
Engineer (field, network, and application support) or systems administrator.
Engineer (network, telecommunications), technician (network, network operations), or analyst (network, network operations center) with the CCNA certification.
Engineer (network, system, design, lead), Analyst (interface), Developer (interface) or Technical Specialist
CCNP: Network administrator, engineer (support, network), or advanced technician, in addition to senior positions.
Senior-level positions; senior network design engineer, senior analyst, cyber protection analyst, or network designer.
Expert-level positions; network architect, engineer (director, systems, network), or senior network administrator.
CCDE: Expert-level positions, including systems engineer, senior network engineer, network architect, network design engineer, and IT infrastructure team leader.
CCAr: Architect (chief, network, enterprise, voice data, etc.).
Instruction and Resources
Cisco maintains an exhaustive list of training and independent study resources. These resources include various forms of online learning, practice exams, and learning laboratories, links to which can be found on the web page for each certification. Free fundamental membership to the Cisco Learning Network grants candidates access to exam topics, live seminars, IT training videos, study groups, forums, study materials, and much more. The subscription-based SPOTO Platinum Learning Library offers professionals access to over 400 courses, hands-on vLabs, the support library, and more. SPOTO additionally offers supplementary training materials.