What Is Needed For Cisco Certification

There are three levels of Cisco certification:

  • Associate: an apprentice or foundation of level of networking certification.
  • Professional: is an advanced or journeyman level of networking certification.
  • Expert (CCIE): the highest level of certification. IT professionals gain an expert or master's level in networking certification.

In addition to the three levels of Cisco certification, there are six different paths an IT worker can take:

  1. Routing and Switching is for those who install and provide support for networks where there are LAN and WAN routers and switches.
  2. The Design Path is for those who design Cisco technology in networks where there are LAN and WAN routers and switches.
  3. Network Security is targeted at IT professionals who design and implement Cisco Secure networks.
  4. Service Provider is a path targeted toward IT professionals who work in a Cisco end-to-end situation mostly within the telecommunications sectors.
  5. And Storage Networking is for those who use multiple transport options with storage solutions over an extended infrastructure.
  6. In addition, there are a variety of targeted certifications that show knowledge in specific technologies, solutions, or job roles. For example, CNNA® (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is for IT professionals who choose to work with Cisco network domain products. It is one of the most prestigious Cisco certifications. There are several benefits to taking this level of certification. Cisco Certification increases professional credibility by ensuring high levels of expertise. This level of certification also shows that the IT professional can work in small networks with less than 100 nodes, such as the small office/home office (SOHO) market.
    Someone with CNA Certification can do the following:
    • Install, configure and operate LAN, WAN and dial access for small networks of less than 100 nodes. Show expertise in the use of IP, IPX, EIGRP, Serial, AppleTalk, Frame Relay, IP, RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, and Access Lists Protocols.
    • Configure and install switches and routers.
    • Deal with Level 1 troubleshooting.
    • Be able to improve the performance and security of networks.

CCVP® certification shows that the IP professional has an excellent skill set that includes implementing, operating, configuring, and troubleshooting converged IP networks. This is the most sought after Cisco certification. It also brings the professional that much closer to the much sought after CCIE ® Voice Certification.

Cisco Firewall Specialists have the high level of security skills that are needed to protect a network from security attacks. You can only get to this level if you already have a valid CCNA®