Cisco Certification

Cisco certifications are some of the most highly regarded qualifications in the world. A Cisco Certification is a guarantee that a company's professionals meet the highest standards. But how many certifications does Cisco have?

Here at MeasureUp, we have been preparing students for Cisco certifications (especially CCNA) for many years, and we have everything you need to become a network specialist.

What are Cisco certifications?What are Cisco certifications?

What are Cisco certifications?

Cisco offers various services. They are one of the world’s largest telecommunications equipment companies, providing sales, maintenance and consulting services. They also offer certifications that allow you to become a specialist in these services.

In addition to developing the hardware for its equipment, Cisco Systems also develops its own corresponding management and configuration software.

Cisco certifications validate the knowledge and skills you will have acquired in the support, maintenance, and/or installation of its systems. They make for a great addition to your CV if you are entering the job market as a Cisco networking specialist and they are a fundamental element of a successful professional profile for companies in the telecommunications sector.

Obtaining any of the Cisco certifications allows the company that hires you to make the most of its investment in telecommunications networks.

What is a Cisco certification worth?

Gaining a Cisco certification can develop and validate skills for a range of highly in-demand professions, including Cybersecurity analyst, Software developer, Senior test development engineer, Senior infrastructure architect, Network automation engineer, Network engineer, Network security engineer, Senior network administrator, Infrastructure engineers, System engineer.

According to Indeed.com, these careers can offer top-level salaries in the United States, in some cases exceeding $120,000.

Why else might preparing for a Cisco certification be worth it?

With the requirement to renew every 3 years, keeping certified lets employers and clients know that you are up to date with the latest technology and also gives them the assurance and trust that you have the requisite professional knowledge and skills.

are cisco certifications worth itare cisco certifications worth it

Where should I start?

Depending on what you want to work on, it is important to know which Cisco certification you need. Cisco offers a wide variety of certifications and specializations that are specifically designed to prepare workers in different technologies, solutions, and professional profiles within the telecommunications and networking sectors.

Cisco offers certifications aimed at different levels of difficulty and experience, which are Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert, as well as Specialist. They are also classified according to a variety of technologies, including Security, Dev and Automation (DevNet), CyberOps, Collaboration and Data Center. Each Professional or Expert-level exam that you pass now also earns you a Specialist certification for the corresponding technology area. Currently, there is no Expert-level CyberOps certification.

The Expert-level certifications are considered the most high-level certifications in the networking industry, and include CCIE Security, CCIE Service Provider, DevNet Expert and CCIE Enterprise Wireless. These certifications require you to pass a qualifying exam as well as a lab or a practical exam, which vary according to the certification.

 

Entry-level certifications

Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Cybersecurity

The CCST Cybersecurity provides a first step towards the CyberOps Associate and CyberOps Professional certifications.

Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) Networking

The CCST Networking provides a first step towards the CCNA certification.

 

Associate-level certifications

CCNA Certification

CCNA is one of the most important Cisco certifications as it can provide you with your entry point to becoming a network specialist. According to Coursera.org, CCNA is the number 1 networking certification for IT professionals in 2023.

Certified professionals in Cisco CCNA acquire the basic knowledge needed to install and configure the infrastructure of the networks that connect all the devices within a company. It is a fundamental achievement for any professional profile within the information technology sector.

To prepare for this certification, there is nothing better than the MeasureUp practice Test!


Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate

The Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification can ignite your career in cybersecurity operations. To get this certification, you must pass an exam that covers the fundamentals of cybersecurity operations, skills, and procedures.

The exam is named 200-201 CBROPS Understanding Cisco Cybersecurity Operations Fundamentals (CBROPS) and if you want to pass it, we highly recommend that you prepare yourself with the MeasureUp practice test.

Passing the exam means you will level up, having earned the Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification.


Cisco Certified DevNet Associate

The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate certification proves your skills in developing and maintaining applications built on Cisco platforms. To get this certification, you must pass an exam that covers the fundamentals of software development and design for Cisco platforms.

Here's where to find our practice test that will prepare you for the 200-901 DEVASC exam.

Once you've passed, you will become a Cisco Certified DevNet Associate.

 

Professional-level Certifications

CCNP Collaboration

To earn the CCNP Collaboration certification, you must pass two exams: a core exam and a collaboration concentration exam of your choice.

The core exam (350-801 CLCOR) focuses on your knowledge of collaboration infrastructure. To get ready for it, you can use our practice tests created by Cisco experts. The CLCOR is also the qualifying exam for the Expert-level CCIE Collaboration certification, along with the CCIE Collaboration v3.0 lab.

In turn, the concentration exams focus on emerging and industry-specific topics:

  • 300-810 CLICA: Implementing Cisco Collaboration Applications (CLICA)
  • 300-815 CLACCM: Implementing Cisco Advanced Call Control and Mobility Services (CLACCM)
  • 300-820 CLCEI: Implementing Cisco Collaboration Cloud and Edge Solutions (CLCEI)
  • 300-825 CLCNF: Implementing Cisco Collaboration Conferencing (CLCNF)
  • 300-835 CLAUTO: Implementing Automation for Cisco Collaboration Solutions (CLAUI)
 
CCNP Security

To earn the CCNP Security certification, you must pass two exams: a core exam and a security concentration exam of your choice.

The core exam (350-701 SCOR) focuses on your knowledge of security infrastructure. It is also the qualifying exam for CCIE Security certification, which you can earn by also passing the CCIE Security v6.0 lab exam. Click here to prepare with our practice test, as created by experts in the field and with real questions from the official exam.

The concentration exams focus on emerging and industry-specific topics:

  • 300-710 SNCF: Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower Next Generation Firewall (SSNGFW) / Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower Next-Generation IPS (SSFIPS)
  • 300-715 SISE: Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine (SISE)
  • 300-720 SESA: Securing Email with Cisco Email Security Appliance (SESA)
  • 300-730 SVPN: Implementing Secure Solutions with Virtual Private Networks (SVPN)
  • 300-735 SAUTO: Implementing Automation for Cisco Security Solutions (SAUI)

 

CCNP Service Provider

The CCNP Service Provider certification proves your skills with service provider solutions. To earn this certification, you must pass two exams: one that covers core service provider technologies, and one service provider concentration exam of your choice, so you can customize your certification to your technical area of focus.

The core exam (350-501 SPCOR) focuses on your knowledge of service provider infrastructure. To make sure you are ready, you can find the best learning materials at MeasureUp. The SPCOR is also the qualifying exam for the Expert-level CCIE Service Provider certification, along with the CCIE Service Provider v5.0 lab.


CCNP Data Center

Earning the CCNP Data Center certification proves your skills with data center solutions.

What do you need to earn this certification?
You need to pass two exams: one that covers core data center technologies and one data center concentration exam of your choice, so you can customize your certification to your technical area of focus.

The core exam is known as 350-601 DCCOR Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies (DCCOR) and you can prepare for it with the appropriate MeasureUp practice test. The DCCOR is also the qualifying exam for the Expert-level CCIE Data Center certification, along with the CCIE Data Center v3.0 lab.

The concentration exams focus on emerging and industry-specific topics, and you can choose one of the following:

  • 300-610 DCID: Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCID)
  • 300-615 DCIT: Troubleshooting Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCIT)
  • 300-620 DCACI: Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (DCACI)
  • 300-625 DCSAN: Configuring Cisco MDS 9000 Series Switches (DCMDS)
  • 300-630 DCACIA: Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure - Advanced (DCACIA)
  • 300-635 DCAUTO: Implementing Automation for Cisco Data Center Solutions (DCAUI)

 

CCNP Enterprise

The CCNP Enterprise certification proves your skills with enterprise networking solutions.

To get this certification, you need to pass two exams: one that covers core enterprise technologies and one enterprise concentration exam of your choice, so you can customize your certification to your technical area of focus.

The core exam is known as 350-401 ENCOR: Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies (ENCOR) and you can prepare for it with these MeasureUp learning materials.The ENCOR is also the qualifying exam for both Expert-level Enterprise certifications, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure and CCIE Enterprise Wireless. Both of these have a lab exam component, in addition to the ENCOR.

The concentration exams focus on emerging and industry-specific topics such as network design, SD-WAN, wireless, and automation:

  • 300-410 ENARSI: Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (ENARSI)
  • 300-415 ENSDWI: Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (ENSDWI)
  • 300-420 ENSLD: Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks (ENSLD)
  • 300-425 ENWLSD: Designing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks (ENWLSD)
  • 300-430 ENWLSI: Implementing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks (ENWLSI)
  • 300-435 ENAUTO: Implementing Automation for Cisco Enterprise Solutions (ENAUI)
 
Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional

To earn the Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional certification, you must pass two exams: the core CBRCOR exam as well as a concentration exam (either the CBRFIR or the CBRTHD).

Possible job roles associated with this certification include Cybersecurity engineer, Cybersecurity investigator, Incident manager, Incident responder, and SOC analyst.

 
Cisco Certified DevNet Professional

To earn the Cisco Certified DevNet Professional certification, you must pass two exams: the core DEVCOR exam and a concentration exam of your choice (ENAUTO, SPAUTO, DCAUTO, SAUTO, CLAUTO, DEVOPS, DEVIOT or DEVWBX).

Possible job roles include Senior software developer, Senior network designer, Senior network automation engineer, Senior infrastructure architect, and Senior test development engineer.

The DEVCOR is also the qualifying exam for the DevNet Expert certification, along with a lab exam. 

A FEW FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CISCO CERTIFICATIONS

How to get Cisco certification?

To obtain Cisco certifications, you can follow these general steps:

  1. Choose the right exam and Certification Path for you. Cisco offers a range of different exams and certification paths, such as CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert), and more. Determine which certification aligns with your career goals and interests.
  2. Review the Prerequisites: Although most exams have no formal prerequisites, many do recommend having a certain amount of previous experience. Also, most professional-level certifications require you to pass both a core exam and a concentration exam, and expert-level certifications often include both a qualifying exam and a lab exam. Check the Cisco website or the certification guide for the specific requirements of the certification you are interested in pursuing.
  3. Prepare for the Exam: Cisco certification exams are typically challenging and require thorough preparation. There are various resources available to help you study, including Cisco Practice Tests, real exam simulations powered by MeasureUp.
  4. Schedule and Take the Exam: Once you feel adequately prepared, schedule your exam. You can register for the exam online or by phone. On the day of the exam, arrive at the testing center early and remember to take a valid ID. If taking the exam online, make sure you connect with plenty of time.
  5. Maintain Your Certification: Some Cisco certifications require recertification to ensure that your skills are up to date. To maintain your certification, you may need to pass a recertification exam or earn continuing education credits by attending approved training courses or participating in relevant activities.
  6. Explore Further Certifications: As you progress in your career, you might want to consider pursuing advanced certifications to enhance your knowledge and skills. Cisco offers a range of specialized certifications in areas such as security, collaboration, data center, and more.

Are Cisco certifications free?

No, Cisco certifications are not free. There are costs associated with obtaining Cisco certifications, including exam fees and potentially training materials or courses. The exam fees vary depending on the certification level and specific exam you are taking. The prices typically range from 360 to 600$, although expert-level lab exams can cost approximately 1600$.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the current exam fees, it is recommended to visit the Cisco website or contact Cisco directly.

Are Cisco certifications worth it?

Yes, Cisco certifications are generally considered valuable and worth pursuing for several reasons:

  1. Industry Recognition: Cisco is a well-established and respected leader in the networking industry. Their certifications are widely recognized and respected by employers and IT professionals globally. Holding a Cisco certification demonstrates your knowledge and skills in networking technologies, which can enhance your credibility and career opportunities.
  2. Career Advancement: Cisco certifications can help you stand out in a competitive job market. They can open doors to new job opportunities, promotions, and salary increases. Many employers specifically look for candidates with Cisco certifications when hiring for networking roles.
  3. Knowledge and Skill Development: The process of preparing for Cisco certifications involves deepening your understanding of networking concepts, protocols, and technologies. The knowledge gained during the certification journey can greatly enhance your expertise and make you more proficient in designing, implementing, and managing Cisco networks.
  4. Networking Community: Cisco certifications provide access to a large and active community of IT professionals, including forums, discussion groups, and events. Engaging with this community can help you expand your professional network, exchange knowledge and experiences, and stay up to date on the latest trends and developments in the networking industry.
  5. Cisco Partner Program: If you work for a Cisco partner organization or aspire to in the future, Cisco certifications are often a requirement. By obtaining the necessary certifications, you can unlock access to various partner program benefits, including sales and technical resources, incentives, and support.

Can I get a job with a Cisco certification?

Yes, obtaining a Cisco certification can significantly increase your chances of getting a job in the networking industry. Cisco certifications are highly recognized and respected and are often sought after by employers when hiring network engineers, administrators, and other IT professionals.

Having a Cisco certification demonstrates your expertise and knowledge in Cisco networking technologies and validates your skills in designing, implementing, and managing Cisco networks. It can help you stand out from other candidates and showcase your commitment to professional development.

Cisco offers a range of certifications at different levels, such as entry-level, associate, professional, and expert levels. These certifications cover various areas including routing and switching, security, wireless, collaboration, data center, and more. Depending on your career goals and the specific certification you obtain, you can pursue job roles such as network engineer, network administrator, network security specialist, or network architect.

Do Cisco certifications expire?

Yes, Cisco certifications do have an expiration period. Your Cisco certification and recertification is valid and active for three years from the date of issue. The only exception to this are the new entry-level CCST exams. There are several different ways to recertify, including the exam only method or an exam and continuing education combination. However, all requirements for recertification must be met by the certification expiration date. Individuals with expired certification(s) must complete the full examination process again to earn active status.

Renewing your active status extends the validity of all your active certifications by three years from the date of the new certification you pass.

It's advisable to stay updated with Cisco's certification policies and requirements as they may evolve over time. You can visit the official Cisco website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their certification program and renewal options.

How much do Cisco certifications cost?

The cost of Cisco certifications can vary depending on the level of certification and the specific exam you need to take. Here are some general cost ranges for different Cisco certifications as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021:

  1. Entry-level certifications (CCENT, CCT): Typically range from $125 to $165 per exam.
  2. Associate-level certifications (CCNA): The cost for the CCNA exams can vary depending on the specific track you choose. The CCNA exams generally range from $300 to $325 per exam.
  3. Professional-level certifications (CCNP): The CCNP exams usually range from $300 to $400 per exam.
  4. Expert-level certifications (CCIE, CCDE): The CCIE and CCDE exams are more complex and typically have higher costs. The CCIE written exam costs around $450, and the CCIE lab exams can cost approximately 1600$.
  5. Specialist certifications: The cost of specialist exams can vary, ranging from around $150 to $400 per exam.

 

It's important to note that these prices are approximate and subject to change. Cisco may update their pricing structure, so it's recommended to check the official Cisco website or contact Cisco for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding certification costs.

Prepare for your Cisco certification with MeasureUp

Now you know about all of Cisco's certifications and which of them are the most important. As you will have surmised, obtaining a Cisco certification guarantees you a gateway into a new career and could improve your current employment situation within the information technology sector.

Preparing for Cisco certification exams involves a major commitment in terms of time and money. With MeasureUp, why not give yourself the best chance of succeeding with our realistic exam simulations and content prepared by Experts in the relevant fields?

With our CISCO TRAINING materials, including CISCO PRACTICE TESTS, you will be sufficiently prepared to earn one of the most prestigious technology certifications in a constantly growing sector. YOUR PATH STARTS HERE!

Prepare for your Cisco certificationPrepare for your Cisco certification