Cisco Certifications Explained

Cisco certifications are a great way to advance your career in IT and networking, but what exactly is a Cisco certification, and is it worth getting one?

Learn more about the benefits of upskilling in this area and find out how to get your hands on a valuable qualification.

Cisco certifications are designed for those working in the IT sector to manage and keep secure IT networks. Split into different levels of expertise, these certifications are an entry point into the world of IT network management and security and can help learners move their careers forward in this field.

Some of the typical areas Cisco certifications cover are listed below:

• Security fundamentals
• Network infrastructure
• Network security
• Troubleshooting and systems analysis
• Management of network devices

Cisco certifications are designed for those who want to either begin a career in networking and IT or are keen to be promoted to a higher level within those fields. Entry-level certifications suit IT professionals at the start of their careers, whilst associate-level and expert-level certifications suit those who already have a professional-level of experience or previous networking certifications.

Some common job roles that require a Cisco certification or can be achieved by attaining one are listed below:

• Cisco Network Engineer
• Cisco Network Specialist
• Cisco Network Analyst
• Cisco Network Consultant
• Network Engineer
• Network Field Engineer
• Network Deployment Engineer
• Network Operations Engineer
• Network Support Engineer
• Network Operations Center Engineer
• Network Consultant
• Network Technician
• Data Centre Manager
• IT Manager
• IT Consultant
• IT Support Technician
• Systems Administrator

These roles highlight the broad applicability of Cisco certifications, which are not limited to traditional network management positions but extend to various IT and consultancy roles.

Cisco certifications are split into different levels of expertise. For learners, choosing which level to start at or working your way up these levels of certification provides a clear path to their development.

Entry-level Cisco certifications are the best option for those who want to get a beginner’s understanding of networking and cybersecurity. In order to be certified at this level, you will need to acquire the following certification:

• CCT (Cisco Certified Technician)

This certification focuses on entry-level skills required to support and maintain Cisco devices and systems, laying a solid foundation for more advanced learning.

Associate Cisco certifications are the best option for those who want to get a deeper understanding of networking and cybersecurity. In order to be certified at this level, you will need to acquire the following certifications:

• CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
• CyberOps Associate
• DevNet Associate

Learn more about how to become CCNA certified through this guide. The CCNA is particularly valued because it covers a broad range of networking fundamentals, making it a versatile certification for various IT roles.

Professional Cisco certifications are the best option for those who want to choose a specific area of networking to specialise in. In order to be certified at this level, you will need to acquire one of the following certifications:

• CCNP Enterprise
• CyberOps Professional
• DevNet Professional
• CCNP Collaboration
• CCNP Data Center
• CCNP Security
• CCNP Service Provider

These certifications allow professionals to focus on specific areas such as enterprise networks, security, or collaboration, providing targeted expertise that can lead to specialised job roles and responsibilities.

Expert-level Cisco certifications are suited to those aiming to reach the highest level of expertise within this field. In order to be certified at this level, you will need to acquire one of the following certifications:

• Cisco Certified DevNet Expert
• CCDE (Cisco Certified Design Expert)
• CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
• CCIE Enterprise Wireless
• CCIE Collaboration
• CCIE Data Center
• CCIE Security
• CCIE Service Provider

Earning an expert-level certification such as the CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) is highly prestigious and demonstrates a deep, comprehensive understanding of complex networking principles.

If you’re asking yourself “how do I get a Cisco certification”, the process is simple and straightforward.

Cisco certifications can be acquired through taking online Cisco courses. Learners can become certified in as little as 30 hours of study and can choose to complete their course part-time or full-time and can complete the course in their own home.

After completing one level of certification, you can explore the next steps above your course level and take your level of expertise to a new level. Online resources and flexible study options make it easier than ever to fit certification preparation into your schedule.

When it comes to networking certifications, Cisco is one of the best professional certifications on the market. Cisco certification courses are an excellent way to further your career in IT and open yourself up to many new career opportunities.

For anyone who is interested in opening up new doors to promotions or career changes, Cisco certifications provide a reliable and exciting way to achieve those career goals.

As a world-renowned certifier, Cisco certifications can be a career-changing addition to your CV and can help you drive your professional development forward. Cisco training courses can help you get the prerequisites you need to apply for higher-level roles.

Cisco certifications are recognised globally, meaning that your skills and knowledge will be valued by employers around the world. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re looking to work for multinational companies or are considering relocating for work.

In addition to career advancement, Cisco certifications can lead to higher earning potential. Many certified professionals report significant salary increases post-certification. The investment in obtaining a Cisco certification can pay off substantially in the long run.

Another benefit of Cisco certifications is the comprehensive understanding of networking concepts they provide. The structured learning path helps professionals stay updated with the latest technologies and trends, ensuring that their skills remain relevant in the ever-evolving IT landscape.

Cisco also offers continuous learning opportunities and updates to its certification tracks, which means certified professionals can always stay at the forefront of technological advancements. This commitment to ongoing education further enhances the value of Cisco certifications in maintaining a competitive edge in the job market.