Cisco certifications are universally considered the gold standard for network professionals. Whether you are an aspiring engineer or a seasoned professional- certifications like CCNA/CCNP help boost your chances of landing your coveted job. In this article, we will look at how these Cisco certifications elevate your career in computer networking. Whichever option you choose, CCNA RandS certification assesses your ability to configure, install, operate, and troubleshoot multiple networks.
Overview of Cisco Certifications
CCNA – or Cisco Certified Network Associate, and the follow-up, CCNP – or Cisco Certified Network Professional, constitute the majority of Cisco certification offerings. CCNA is more focused on testing a candidate’s knowledge on network routing and switching fundamentals and their real-life application. At a glance, this certification includes topics like CCNA Routing and Switching, CCNA Security – to name a few. In addition, candidates can opt to sit for two exams (ICND1 and ICND2) or an accelerated, single-test version (CCNAX).
CCNP, on the other hand, is much more challenging. Cisco recommends at least one year of networking experience before appearing for the exam. Professionals are tested on their ability to set up and troubleshoot LAN and WAN networks of up to 500 nodes. CCNP Security, CCNP multilayer switching, advanced routing, and scalable internetworks are also part of this 3-exam certification.
Should you wish, you can proceed even further and gain the CCIE – or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert. CCIE and its multiple specialization paths present the pinnacle of recognition of a professional’s IT infrastructure and networking knowledge.
CCNA certification costs vary depending on your approach. The sub-exams start from as low as $125. CCNP and its sub-exams cost $400 each. CCIE and similar exams can cost as much as $1600.
Role of Cisco Certifications in building your career
Cisco certifications enhance and authenticate your networking knowledge. In addition, they add the knowledge of a wide array of networking products, topologies, and protocols to your repertoire. Benefits of CCNA/CCNP certifications include:
Handle real-world tasks
A Cisco certification also arms professionals with a deep understanding of networking concepts. Moreover, hands-on experience in setting up, configuring, and troubleshooting complex LAN/WAN networks help candidates maintain existing networks better.
Career Development
Cisco certifications open up advanced avenues for career development. The worldwide recognition for Cisco Certifications ensures added visibility for your profile. You also become better equipped to land a job with a higher pay scale.
Salary Boost
As per the US Bureau of Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary of a Network and System Administrator counts up to $79,770. The highest-paid professionals, generally equipped with CCNA and CCNP certifications, command $120,000+ annually. In addition, the BLS predicts a boost of nearly 12 percent in demand for Network and system professionals between 2021-2022.
Further, as per InfoSec Institute, CCNA professionals can get paid as much as $118,830 in a year, on average.
Preference in the Market
Over time it has been observed that Employers prefer Cisco certified professionals for their infrastructure networking positions. In December 2008, International Data Corporation’s study, “Impact of Training: Functional Excellence Leads to Operational Productivity,” confirmed that prior certifications and training had a constructive upshot on increased productivity, lowered costs, and strengthened returns or investments for the employers.
Personality Improvement
As per various facts and figures, around 66% of the managers, a Cisco certification improves the comprehensive level of support and services both for the firm and the customers. Interestingly, approximately 75 percent of the managers emphasize the Cisco certifications for enhanced team performance.
To wrap up:
Certifications assist you in proving your worth, knowledge, and skills in the respective technology at a certain level because they prove your domain skills. Cisco continues to be the leading organization issuing various IT certifications worldwide. The Cisco Certification Program offers a variety of certifications tailored to your skills and abilities as an IT professional. You are more than worthy of being an engineer in various areas of IT such as network, support and systems, as well as becoming a network technician. Several firms, especially the Cisco partners, prefer to hire Cisco Certified candidates for their infrastructure and computer networking positions. If you are a network professional, CCNA and CCNP provide a tangible boost to your career and should be at the top of your priority.