Cisco Certification Overview

Cisco Systems Inc. specializes in networking and communications products and services. The company is probably best known for its enterprise switching and routing products, which route data, voice and video traffic over networks around the world. However, Cisco also offers storage networking, unified communications, telepresence and collaboration (WebEx) applications, and a range of services ranging from simple product support to comprehensive cloud and data center management solutions.

To ensure that IT professionals have the skills and knowledge to support Cisco products and solve customer technology problems on many fronts, the Cisco Career Certification program is all-encompassing. That is, you start at the entry level, then work your way up to the associate, professional, and expert levels, and (in some certification areas) close things out 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, applicants must also demonstrate that they meet the necessary prerequisites. The higher the certification level, the greater the credentials and prerequisites required to meet these requirements.

Cisco Certification Program Overview

Certifications within the Cisco portfolio include the following credentials:

Cisco Certified Entry Network 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 pathways that can be taken in the Cisco career program. That said, its two main routes cover the operation and layout of the network. A typical Cisco network certification ladder begins with the entry-level CCENT credential, moves up to CCNA, CCNP, and culminates with the CCIE. Those oriented to design might instead consider starting with CCENT, moving on to CCDA, then professional grade CCDP, followed by CCDE, and finishing the program with CCAr.

The Cisco certification program also includes a number of specializations. These certifications recognize the skills of a professional in a specific Cisco technology, such as data center application services, voicemail and messaging, or rich media. Cisco specializations are organized into two main categories: one for technical specialists and one for digital transformation specialists. Between these two categories, there are currently 15 specializations that IT professionals can choose from.

The Technical Specialist category includes specializations in six subcategories:

Cooperation

Data Center (FlexPod)

Network programmability

Operating system software

Service provider

Internet of Things (IoT)

Digital transformation specialists include credentials geared toward enterprise architecture and customer success.

Obtaining a specialist credential generally requires passing an exam or two. Some credentials also have prerequisites.

Entry-level, associate, and professional credentials are valid for three years, CCIE and specialty certifications are valid for two years, and the CCAr is valid for five years. To keep certifications up to date, Cisco professionals must recertify by passing a recertification exam or advance to a higher level in the Cisco certification hierarchy.