Cisco is the largest provider of networking devices, such as routers or switches, in the world. Cisco devices are used worldwide with more than 70% market share. Cisco offers a wide range of Cisco certifications at different levels. Each track is designed to help individuals gain skills and knowledge in order to work with these devices. Cisco Certifications are widely recognized, globally recognized, and one of the most respected career certifications in the IT industry. IT professionals can choose from a variety of Cisco certifications depending on their industry experience. CCNA is the most popular Cisco certification. Then there’s CCNP (medium-level) and CCIE (expert level) certifications.
This image will help you understand the levels of Cisco Certifications.
What is CCNA?
As shown in the above image, CCNA is an associate Cisco certification. It provides core networking skills and knowledge about routers and switches. The CCNA certification gives you the fundamental IP networking skills and knowledge needed to operate, troubleshoot, and configure layer 1-3 networks. This certification is for core network engineers and professionals with 1-3 years experience in networking. They can upgrade their skills to manage and install LAN and Wide-area networks for small and medium-sized networks.
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Passing the Cisco exam is required to earn the CCNA certificate. Those who want to earn CCNA certification must pass a rigorous training and testing program that covers installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Cisco devices in networks. This will strengthen your fundamental networking concepts.
CCNA certification allows aspirants to connect to remote sites, such as WAN, while also ensuring network security. Common networking problems can be identified and fixed by CCNA certified professionals.
What is CCNP?
CCNP is a professional level Cisco certification that validates candidates’ ability to plan, implement and verify local and large-area networks. CCNP is the next level of certification after CCNA. This certification is for network professionals with at least two years of experience in the field and who are willing to learn new skills and work independently on complex networks.
CCNP certification will give you professional skills and understanding of ROUTE, SWITCH, and TSHOOT. It also gives you advanced knowledge about routers and switches that are required for voice, wireless and data enterprise networks.
The Basic Difference Between CCNA & CCNP
Different CCNA Certification CCNP Certificate Certification Level Associate Level Professional Level Exams for Pass Option 1: 200-125 CCNA (Required).
OR
Option 2: 100-105 ICND1 and 200-105 ICND2 (Both Required). 300-101 ROUTE (Required).
300-115 SWITCH (Required).
300-135 TSHOOT (Required). Prerequisite: No Prerequisites CCNA Routing & Switching Skills and Knowledge. You get Foundation level networking skills. This course will give you the skills and knowledge necessary to work on advanced LAN/WAN networks. Exam fees 325 USD 300USD for each examJob RolesA CCNA-certified professional can work with Network Engineers, Network Support Engineers, Help Desk Support Engineers, Network Technicians, Help Desk Engineers, Network Technicians, Help Desk Engineers job profiles. CCNP certified professionals get similar job profiles to CCNA with other profiles like Network Specialists, System Analysts, System Engineers, and others. Expected SalaryAspirants might get 12/month (variable).
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CCNA VS CCNP – Techn