Cisco certification is the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is designed for entry-level network professionals and is considered the starting point for most Cisco certifications.
It covers a wide range of networking topics and provides a solid foundation for more advanced Cisco certifications. Another popular Cisco certification is the CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional).
This certification is designed for more experienced network professionals and is considered the next step after the CCNA. It covers more advanced networking topics and requires a deeper understanding of Cisco technologies.
Certificate CCNA
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is one of the international certifications in computer networks issued by Cisco Systems, a leading information technology equipment company in the world.
This certification is most in demand throughout the world because of having this certification. One can be recognized as a computer network expert competent in installing, configuring, and troubleshooting a computer network infrastructure.
CCNA Benefits
As previously explained, a certificate is one thing that has real benefits in building your career. Whether it’s being an employee, consultant, entrepreneur, or whatever. Because the certification proves that you already have written acknowledgment from the source, namely the certificate issuing organization.
So, here are the reasons why you should have a CCNA certificate:
1. Understanding Routing and Switching as the Core of Computer Networks
Routing and switching are the backbones of a computer network. When talking about computer network infrastructure, two things that are always remembered are: routing and switching.
Simply put, routing is the process of choosing the direction of traffic between computer networks. While switching is the activity of receiving data, processing it, and sending it back into the grid.
These two devices are commonly known as routers and switches. These two are the most essential parts of a computer network.
For those of you who already have a CCNA certificate, you are certainly an expert in these two things. Your skills will not be doubted.
2. CCNA Certified – It means it has been certified by Networking Leader
Although there is a lot of debate about which vendor is the best. But still, Cisco certification is the most priority at this time.
This is proven by the requirements for applying for work as a Network Engineer. Almost all require candidates to be CCNA certified.
In other words, CCNA is a high-class certification, and its quality has been recognized. Of course, today, the majority of large companies use Cisco devices.
Even so, if it is required to deal with other devices, a CCNA Certified will be clear one day.
3. Open Opportunities for Salary Increases
A CCNA certificate will increase your chances of being accepted to work in the companies you desire. Especially the opportunity to be taken at a company that has become Cisco’s gold partner.
For those of you who want to work in a company that you wish to, especially if you are a fresh graduate, studying CCNA is a powerful way to boost your career.
The benefits of having a CCNA certificate are not only for those looking for work but also for those who currently work and want to earn more income.
CCNP Certification
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification is a professional-level certification for IT professionals with at least one year of experience in professional networking.
The CCNP certification is intended for professionals seeking specialized training programs in implementing, maintaining, and planning Cisco’s wide range of high-end network solution products.
The CCNP certification curriculum consists of several different courses, which cover the basics of IT networking and a wide range of network features and protocols, including Route Redistribution, Access Lists, Ethernet, and AppleTalk.
With this certification, professionals are trained to troubleshoot, install, and maintain both wide area networks (WAN) and local area networks (LAN) for systems between 100 and 500 nodes.
The CCNP certification is a valuable asset for those looking to advance their careers in the field of networking and gain expertise in Cisco’s technologies.
CCNP Benefits
The CCNP certification is designed to provide specialized training in implementing, maintaining, and planning Cisco’s range of high-end network solution products.
The certification curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including Cisco remote access, advanced routing, multilayer switching, converged network optimization, and scalable internetworks.
Holding a CCNP certification can bring several benefits to an IT professional, including:
1. Improved career prospects: The CCNP certification is highly respected in the industry and is a recognized indicator of an individual’s expertise in Cisco networking technologies. This can help professionals advance in their careers and secure better job opportunities.
2. Increased earning potential: CCNP certified professionals often command higher salaries than their non-certified counterparts.
3. Enhance knowledge and skills: The CCNP certification program provides hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of Cisco networking technologies, which can help professionals stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the field.
4. Recognition by employers: Many employers prefer to hire professionals with Cisco certifications as they are seen as experts in their field.
5. Global Recognition: Cisco is a multinational company, CCNP certification is globally recognized, it will help you to get job opportunities worldwide.
CCNA vs CCNP
Since the levels of training between CCNA and CCNP are different, each of these certifications leads to different career paths.
CCNA Career Path
This certification is best suited for individuals looking to gain an entry-level career such as:
- Network Support Engineer
- Network Technician
- Helpdesk Engineer
- Service Desk Engineer/Technician
- First and Second Line Support
CCNP Career Path
The CCNP certification suits IT professionals who want to go further with their career and can include the following:
- Third Line Support
- Network Engineer
- Network Analyst
- IT Team Leader
- Systems Engineer
- Network Specialist
CCNA and CCNP Exam Requirements
To become a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), you must pass one exam. The current CCNA exam topics are:
- Exam 100-105: ICND1 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1
- Exam 200-105: ICND2 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2
To become a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), you must pass two exams. The current CCNP exam topics are:
- Exam 300-101: ROUTE Implementing Cisco IP Routing
- Exam 300-115: SWITCH Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks
- Exam 300-135: TSHOOT Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks
The CCNA and CCNP exams are both multiple-choice format and consist of various question types. The CCNA exam is 90 minutes in duration, while the CCNP exam is 120 minutes long.
Both exams are offered in multiple languages and are proctored either in-person at Pearson VUE testing centers or online through the Cisco Online Exam Portal.
Cisco suggests that individuals have at least one year of experience working with Cisco networking products and a basic understanding of IP networking and the Cisco IOS command line interface before attempting the CCNA or CCNP exams.