What CISCO CERTIFICATION SHOULD YOU GET

A Cisco certification is a great way to jump into the world computer networking technology. There is a good chance that you will work with networking technology in some form or another.

Cisco offers many certifications that are applicable to professionals at all levels. Cisco also offers certifications in Wireless and Security, Voice, Service Provider, Data Center, and Voice. Let's look at this list of Cisco certifications, and talk about who should be looking for them based on their career level.

Cisco Certification Paths

Cisco offers certifications that allow IT professionals to progress their careers through entry, associate and professional levels. 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)

The CCT certification is now the only entry-level Cisco certification that is 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. The Cisco Certified Network Associate certification is highly respected by major organizations and can open doors to a variety of IT careers. The CCNA certification is a great 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 are looking to move up to higher-level certifications like CCNP or CCIE. You have the option to either 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 can also break this certification into other specialties, such as the CCNA. You will need to have more experience and be able to operate at a higher level of expertise in order to obtain this certification. 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 that you pass a rigorous exam and also includes a performance-based laboratory section. To keep up-to-date with current networking technology, the material is continuously updated.

The CCIE certification is ongoing. This means that you will need to recertify at certain intervals in order to maintain your expert status. Your employer will also be able to enjoy certain benefits as a Cisco Certified Expert. These benefits can be revoked if you fail to maintain your certification. Your employer has an interest in helping you keep your certification.

CCAr (Cisco Certified Architect)

CCAr is Cisco's highest achievement level. This certification recognizes network designers with the ability to 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. This is why it is so valuable.

Retired Certified Entry Networking Technician (Cisco Certified Entry Technology Technician)

CCENT was an entry-level certification that professionals would earn on 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

It is always a good idea to be able list technical certifications under your achievements section. If you're interested in a career as a network engineer, it is worth looking into a Cisco certification. This certification will make you stand out and improve your expertise in your chosen field.

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 that you need, whether you are just starting out or looking to upgrade your certifications.