General Certifications and Focused Certifications

Cisco offers three levels of general certification representing increasing levels of expertise: Associate, Professional, and Expert (CCIE). Different tracks across these levels align with varying career needs. A variety of focused Cisco Qualified Specialist certifications are available as well to show knowledge in specific technologies, solutions or job roles.

CCNA

The CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate) indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.

CCNP

The CCNP certification (Cisco Certified Network Professional) indicates advanced or journeyman knowledge of networks. With a CCNP, a network professional can install, configure, and troubleshoot local and wide area networks for enterprise organizations with networks from 100 to more than 500 nodes. The content emphasizes topics such as security, converged networks, quality of service (QoS), virtual private networks (VPN) and broadband technologies.

CCSP

The CCSP certification (Cisco Certified Security Professional) indicates advanced knowledge of securing Cisco networks. With a CCSP, a network professional can secure and manage network infrastructures to protect productivity and reduce costs. The content emphasizes topics such as perimeter security, virtual private networks, intrusion protection as well as how to combine these technologies in a single, integrated network security solution.

CCIP

The CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional) provides individuals working in service provider organizations with competencies in infrastructure IP networking solutions. CCIP professionals have detailed understanding of networking technologies in the service provider arena including IP routing, IP QoS, BGP, and MPLS.

CCIE R&S

CCIE certification in Routing and Switching indicates expert level knowledge of networking across various LAN and WAN interfaces, and a variety of routers and switches. Experts in R&S solve complex connectivity problems and apply technology solutions to increase bandwidth, improve response times, maximize performance, improve security, and support global applications. Candidates should be able to install, configure, and maintain LAN, WAN, and dial access services.

Becoming a CCIE requires passing a set of exams

There are no formal prerequisites for CCIE certification. Other professional certifications and/or specific training courses are not required. Instead, candidates are expected to have an in-depth understanding of the subtleties, intricacies and challenges of end-to-end networking. You are strongly encouraged to have 3-5 years of job experience before attempting certification. To obtain your CCIE, you must first pass a written qualification exam and then a corresponding hands-on lab exam.

CCIE Security

CCIE certification in Security indicates expert level knowledge of IP and IP routing as well as specific security protocols and components.

Becoming a CCIE requires passing a set of exams There are no formal prerequisites for CCIE certification. Other professional certifications and/or specific training courses are not required. Instead, candidates are expected to have an in-depth understanding of the subtleties, intricacies and challenges of end-to-end networking. You are strongly encouraged to have 3-5 years of job experience before attempting certification. To obtain your CCIE, you must first pass a written qualification exam and then a corresponding hands-on lab exam.

CCIE VoIP (350-030)

CCIE certification in Voice indicates expert level knowledge of VoIP solutions in the enterprise. Candidates should be able to install, configure and maintain Voice solutions over IP networks. The CCIE Voice track, however, does not certify an understanding of the infrastructure over which VoIP solutions are implemented. This contrasts with the CCIE Service Provider-IP Telephony track which certifies an individual as a core IP expert with a high degree of VoIP literacy.

CCIE Storage

CCIE certification in Storage Networking indicates expert level knowledge of intelligent storage solutions over extended network infrastructure using multiple transport options such as Fibre Channel, iSCSI, FCIP and FICON. Storage Networking extensions allow companies to improve disaster recovery, optimize performance and take advantage of network services such as volume management, data replication, and enhanced integration with blade servers and storage appliances.

General Certifications: Three Levels of Certification

Associate. The first step in Cisco networking begins at the Associate level. Think of this as the apprentice or foundation level of networking certification.

Professional. This is the advanced or journeyman level of certification.

Expert. This is CCIE, the highest level of achievement for network professionals, certifying an individual as an expert or master.

General Certifications: Four Different Paths

Network Installation and Support. This path is for professionals who install and support Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.

Network Engineering and Design. This path is for professionals who design Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.

Service Provider. This path is aimed at professionals working with infrastructure or access solutions in a Cisco end-to-end environment primarily within the telecommunications arena.

Network Security. This path is directed toward network professionals who design and implement Cisco Secure networks.