Cisco Certifications Roadmap

The Cisco certification program is one of the most respected IT certification programs.Cisco offers three levels of general certification from Associate to Professional to Expert, representing the highest level of achievement available in various paths (or tracks) and designations. A typical explanation to the general approach is the pyramid:

The first step in general Cisco Career Certifications begins with associate-level certifications CCDA and CCNA?which show expertise with networking foundations. The CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate) indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking. While, the CCDA certification (Cisco Certified Design Associate) indicates a foundation or apprentice knowledge of network design for the Cisco Internetwork Infrastructure.

The second level in general Cisco Career Certifications is professional-level certifications such as CCNP, CCDP, CCIP and CCSP. The CCNP certification (Cisco Certified Network Professional) that indicates advanced or journeyman knowledge of networks. This course is designed to impact on how to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot complex routed LAN, routed WAN, switched LAN networks, Remote Dial Access Services and the like.

The CCIE program, being the third and final level in general Cisco career certifications, is designed to help individuals, companies, industries and countries succeed in the networked world by distinguishing the top echelon of internetworking experts.

Competencies at the Professional Level

Many candidates who achieve CCNA certification choose to continue to professional certification. At the professional level, individuals need to identify a specific area of focus, such as network design, network support or communications. Cisco calls these areas of interest tracks,and they provide a choice of content areas relevant to specific skill sets.

Individuals who acquire a professional-level certification from Cisco Systems are able to manage and deploy complex networks. Professional-level Cisco certification prepares candidates to assume a project leadership role in a networking setting. Professional certifications are offered in three areas:

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is offered under the Network Support track and focuses on campus networking.

• Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) is offered under the Network Design track and focuses on design principles.

• Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP) is offered under the Communications and Services track and focuses on telecom or communications solutions.

Below Table illustrates the requirements and recommendations for each of these certifications.

Home | Skip to Content | Skip to Search | Skip to Navigation | Skip to Footer |