Choose the Right Cisco Certification For Your Future

ByAmrita Sharma

If you want to make sure that your networking skills are up-to-date and ready for the digital age, a Cisco certification is one of the most beneficial investments in yourself. It’s applicable to those who work in IT and great for those who have an interest in computer network technology.

Cisco might be the world’s most famous networking company, and for good reasons. They offer several different certifications, so it may seem overwhelming to decide which path is best suited for someone looking to get a certification from Cisco with their career level in mind. 

Let us discuss some of the Best Cisco certifications that are available.

Roadmap For Cisco Certification

Cisco provides certification roadmaps that professionals have to take to advance their careers. Among the most common certification paths include Network Operations and Network Design. 

To achieve them, you will have to go through several different levels of Cisco certifications. Obtaining any Cisco certifications allows you to become It infrastructure leaders, network engineers, and IT Directors.

1. Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)

With Cisco’s CCENT certification taking a retirement, it is the only one certification that falls beneath the CCNA. It introduces students to field support for Cisco products and allows them to diagnose then fix any crucial system or networking devices at customer sites. 

CTT holders can provide this service not required by those with a CCNA but as an excellent introduction to network management services before advancing in skillset mastery later down the line.

2. Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA)

The Cisco CCNA certification is an associate-level certificate offered by the world’s leading networking company. It has been considered one of its most prestigious certifications. This credential can open doors for IT careers in major companies with no formal requirements or prerequisites required.

CCNA may also have a few perks that make this a perfect starter certification. It does not require any prior experience before beginning your career and is affordable enough for anyone without having to take out loans from financial institutions due to the costs involved. 

The CCNA certification cost is around USD 300 which is worthwhile for the opportunities it offers.  

You can obtain The CCNA certification in various specialties, including:

  • Collaboration
  • Cloud
  • Industrial
  • Datacenter
  • Cyber-ops
  • Industrial

CCNA training is the perfect place to start if you aim to advance towards higher-level certifications such as CCNP or CISCO. The candidates have the option to select between two exams and choose between two exams on various topics.

3. Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP)

Earning a CCNP certification can make you an expert in the field of networking. A professional-level certificate also has different specialties, all of which require at least one prerequisite to be met before attempting this test. 

You must have CCNA certification before you go for this particular certification. To obtain the credentials, you will have to successfully go through three exams that include:

  • 300-101 (Routing)
  • 300125135(Troubleshooting)
  • 300-115 (Switching)

4. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert

The certification is the benchmark for networking certifications and has a high level of prestige. You not only need to pass an exam; however, you also have to complete performance-based labs that are constantly updated with current technology in order to receive this prestigious achievement.

A CCIE requires continuous education and refresher courses for you to maintain your expert status. To enjoy the privileges of being a Cisco Certified Expert, such as increased pay or other benefits from employers like reduced work hours, it’s imperative that they stay certified with these certifications every few years.

5. Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr)

The CCAr is among the most prominent and highest level of Cisco certifications. It reckons network designers who have both architectural expertise and a deep understanding of how to leverage business strategies and turn them into real-world applications, making them able to design networks that are not only efficient but scalable in order to meet organizational needs. 

The Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) certification is the most prestigious and sought-after in all of IT.

In order to obtain this coveted credential, you must pass a rigorous exam that measures your knowledge and mastery of networking theory. The CCA has been designed for those with extensive experience in designing large networks. 

Professionals who have pursued higher education degrees and professional certifications from other vendors such as Microsoft or Red Hat are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why is achieving a Cisco certification so important? It will make you stand out from your peers, expand your knowledge base of networking technology and give you an edge in the job market.