Cisco certification program overview

Cisco Systems Inc. specializes in network and communication products and services. The company is likely known for its routing and switching products, which drive data, voice and video traffic across networks around the world. However, Cisco also offers storage networks, unified communications, telepresence and collaboration (WebEx) applications, and a variety of services, from simple product support to complete solutions for data centers and cloud management.

To ensure that IT professionals have the skills and knowledge necessary to support Cisco products and solve customer technology problems on many fronts, the Cisco Career Certification program is all-encompassing. That is, it starts at a basic level, then moves to associated, professional and expert levels and (in some areas of certification) closes things at the architect level.

Each level offers one or more credentials. Obtaining a credential generally involves passing one or more certification exams. Most Cisco exams are provided by Pearson VUE. For higher level credentials, candidates must also demonstrate that they meet the necessary prerequisites. The higher the certification level, the more credentials and prerequisites are required to meet these requirements.

Cisco certification program overview

Certifications within the Cisco portfolio include the following credentials:

Cisco Inbound Network Certified 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)

There are many certifications and paths that you can follow in the Cisco career program. Having said that, its two main paths concern the operation and design of the network. A typical Cisco network certification scale begins with CCENT entry-level credentials, switches to CCNA, CCNP, and culminates with CCIE. The targeted project could consider starting with CCENT, moving to CCDA, then to professional level CCDP, followed by CCDE and ending the program with CCAr.

Read More: ccna cert salary