CCNA vs CCNP : Difference in both Cisco Certifications

CCNA and CCNP are some of the most popular certifications in the information technology field. Today, most candidates are pursuing Cisco certification to get good job opportunities in the IT industry. Cisco certification has different options, such as CCNP, CCNA, and CCIE.

The main difference between CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) is their certification levels. CCNA is an entry-level certification focused on foundational networking skills. In contrast, CCNP is a professional-level certification that covers advanced networking topics, requiring candidates to pass a core exam and a concentration exam.

You might be confused about which certification to take. In this article, we will discover the difference between CCNP and CCNA certification, making it easy for you to choose one.

CCNA (CISCO Certified Network Associate)

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is a widely recognized entry-level certification that validates an individual's ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks. By obtaining a CCNA certification, professionals demonstrate their expertise in networking fundamentals, security, and automation.

The benefits of CCNA certification include enhanced learning, global recognition, career advancement, and salary increments. CCNA-certified professionals are in high demand across various industries, with job roles such as network engineer, systems administrator, and IT manager.

CCNA certification is a valuable asset for anyone pursuing a career in IT networking. It provides a solid foundation for further specialization in cloud networking and cybersecurity. With the rapid technological advancements, CCNA certification remains crucial in maintaining robust network infrastructures worldwide.

Check out CCNA Certification Classes to prepare for the CCNA exam.

Job roles after CCNA certifications:

Some popular Job Roles for a CCNA Certified Professional are given below:

● Network Engineer

● System Administrator

● Network Technician

● Network Associate

● System Engineer

● Network Support Engineer

Prerequisites for CCNA Certification

There are no formal requirements, but candidates are recommended to understand the exam topics before taking the exam.

● You should have 1+ years of experience in implementing and administering Cisco solutions

● Knowledge of basic IP addressing

● A good understanding of network fundamentals

CCNP – CISCO Certified Network Professional

CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) is an advanced-level certification that validates a professional's ability to plan, implement, and troubleshoot complex network solutions. It builds on the foundational knowledge acquired through CCNA certification, showcasing expertise in areas such as routing, switching, security, and network management.

You need to pass 2 exams for each track:

● A technology core exam – covers foundational and common concepts

● A concentration exam – a deeper dive into the technology

CCNP examination has 5 domains that you can choose for yourself which are given below:

1. CCNP Enterprise

2. CCNP Collaboration

3. CCNP Data Center

4. CCNP Security

5. CCNP Service Provider

Job roles after a CCNP Certification

Some popular Job Roles for a CCNP Certified Professional are given below: 

● Senior Network Engineer

● Network Specialist

● Network manager

Prerequisites for CCNP Certification

There are no formal requirements for CCNP Enterprise, but candidates are recommended to have a good knowledge of the exam topics before taking the exam.

CCNP candidates often also have three to five years of working experience in implementing enterprise networking solutions.

Difference between CCNA and CCNP

Let's look at the differences between CCNA and CCNP certifications and understand what value can they add to your career.

CCNA vs CCNP - Conclusion

The differences between CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certifications are significant, particularly regarding career paths and salary potential.

CCNA is an associate-level certification focused on foundational networking skills, leading to roles such as Helpdesk Engineer, Network Technician, and Network Support Engineer, with an average salary of around $77,000 per year in the U.S.

In contrast, CCNP is a professional-level certification that delves into advanced networking knowledge, preparing individuals for positions like Senior Network Engineer and Network Manager, with average salaries reaching approximately $101,000 per year.

While CCNA requires passing one exam, CCNP involves a core exam and an additional concentration exam. Starting with a CCNA is advisable for newcomers to the field; however, pursuing a CCNP can significantly enhance earning potential and career advancement opportunities.