Finding the Right Cisco Certification Path: Options and Learning Methods
Posted on 03/28/2023 by Niko Venev
In many circles, Cisco is synonymous with advanced technologies that keep every aspect of the digital world up and running. For several industries, Cisco's technologies provide the backbone for flawless connectivity. Whether you're a new student, an established engineer, or an experienced software developer, Cisco has a certification that can catapult your career to the next level, especially within a corporate environment. But choosing the right path for you is a crucial part of the process, which is why it's important to take some time to consider your options before diving into a training program.
Live Cisco Instructor-led Courses |
||
| Course Title | Length | Price (USD) |
| Cisco CCNA Prep | 5 days | $3,165 |
Self-Paced Cisco eLearning |
||
| Course Title | Length | Price (USD) |
| Cisco CCNA - Bundle | 5 courses | $475 |
How Much Do You Know About Cisco? Learning by Level
Cisco is notorious for offering numerous certification levels, specializations, and areas of study. Beginners will first have to identify which certification level best meets their professional goals. These include:
- Entry
- Associate
- Professional
- Expert
- Architect
Those who are fairly new to the information technology (IT) industry or who want to initiate a career change often choose to pursue a basic Entry or Associate certification, while those with more experience might pursue certification at a higher level.
Cisco Training Areas
Students who want to earn a Cisco certification can find that several of the available training areas appeal to them. While some of these areas can appear similar, it's important to learn the differences between each to determine which one will best advance your particular career. They include:
- Collaboration
- CyberOps
- Data Center
- Design
- DevNet
- Enterprise
- Security
- Service Provider
While each of these areas of focus offers credential possibilities, students should be aware that not all areas offer an Entry or Associate certification. In cases where only Professional and Expert certifications exist, Cisco may suggest that a credential-seeker have multiple years of experience in related areas before taking an exam. This can be true even in the absence of formal prerequisites.
In addition, Cisco offers some specialized certifications that fall outside of the standard certification pathways. These include:
- Cisco Certified Technician Collaboration
- Cisco Certified Technician Data Center
- Cisco Certified Routing & Switching
- Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist
- Cisco Customer Success Manager
- Cisco Renewals Manager
Each of these certifications can require slightly different approaches to preparation for earning the credential, so students should research recommended study strategies and any prerequisites associated with them.
Be Prepared for Changes to Cisco Training
Since technology advances every day, the Cisco certification path that you choose can undergo changes as you progress through it. Cisco realizes the importance of apprising students of new requirements or modifications to certification pathways. That's why the company maintains updated certification roadmaps, which credential-seekers can regularly check to ensure that they're taking the right steps along their educational journey.
Typically, Cisco gives students ample time to understand anticipated changes to pathways and prepare for them. The company reviews every Cisco certification path on a quarterly basis. It also provides students with at least three months of advance notice before changing certification blueprints and publishing new exams. Cisco offers students the convenient option of receiving automatic notifications when certification pathways change. As Cisco certifications may need to be re-certified every few years, receiving these updates can ensure that you remain qualified to perform your job
Cisco Learning Made Easy: Sign Up for High-Quality Training Courses
Studying to earn a Cisco certification can be a daunting experience, but one of the easiest ways to prepare for these exams is to enroll in Cisco training classes. At Certstaffix Training, we provide everything that a great training option should offer: comprehensive course material and a live instructor to guide you through the class from beginning to end. Among our most popular offerings is Cisco Certified Network Associate training, as this is a highly sought-after entry-level certification. While our CCNA course can be taught online or on-site, a self-paced option is available for those who want more time to refer to materials as they work through the class. Depending on your preferred learning style, this flexibility can increase the odds of success for those who are truly new to these ubiquitous technologies. Choose the right option for you and sign up today!