For individuals looking to progress in their computer professions, Cisco certifications have become the gold standard as the company is the world leader in networking and cybersecurity training.
With more than 4 million certifications already granted globally, Cisco is working to close the IT skills gap and promote diversity in the tech sector by training and empowering an additional 10 million people over the next 30 years.
Were you aware? According to 81% of employers, credential holders make better and more valuable contributions. This perception will help one to get a job soon after passing an elite certification exam from Cisco.
Take the first step toward changing your career and having an influence in the rapidly changing IT industry by becoming one of the millions of professionals who have obtained their Cisco certifications.
Cisco Certification is a series of industry-recognized credentials offered by Cisco Systems, a global leader in networking and telecommunications technology. These certifications are designed to validate the knowledge and skills of IT professionals.
It isn't just another line on your resume—it's a powerful badge of your technical expertise in the technologies that drive modern enterprises. These globally recognized credentials prove your ability and skills for managing Cisco solutions.
Earning a Cisco certification is a journey that involves four key steps. The following are reasons why getting certified is a good idea:
● Knowledge Mastery and Upskilling: Gaining in-depth expertise in networking, security, and automation is possible through the Cisco certifications.
● Skill Development: Building hands-on, job-ready technical abilities is another added advantage. The Certifications help in job transition, even from military service to IT.
● Industry Validation: Earning globally recognized proof of your skills is also another merit. A CyberOps cert may get you your first cybersecurity job.
● Career Credibility and control: Establishing trust with present and future employers and clients. Cisco certs may even help you launch your own IT company someday.
● More Responsibility: Qualifying for higher-impact roles will become a cakewalk. After CCNA, you can become the go-to network expert.
If you’re looking to advance in a tech career that involves networking, IT infrastructure, or cybersecurity, Cisco certification is the key to standing out. Cisco is widely used by global enterprises, and a certification tells employers that you have the practical skills needed to manage their network infrastructure.
Professionals who would benefit from Cisco certification include:
1. Network Administrators
2. System Engineers
3. Security Analysts
4. IT Support Technicians
5. Cloud Engineers
Did You Know?
CCNA certification ranks as one of the top 20 highest-paying certifications for IT professionals. By getting certified, you increase your earning potential while also gaining access to some of the most sought-after positions in the tech industry.
Cisco offers industry-recognized certifications across all major technology domains, providing structured learning paths from foundational to expert level. Cisco's certification hierarchy allows professionals to:
● Start with fundamental concepts (Entry)
● Build core competencies (Associate)
● Develop specialized expertise (Professional)
● Achieve mastery (Expert)
● Demonstrate focused skills (Specialist)
Cisco currently provides certifications in the domain of networking and cybersecurity. Below is the list of Top 20 Cisco Certifications in 2025:
Entry-Level Certifications are designed for individuals who are just starting their careers in IT and networking. The following are the entry-level certifications:
The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) certification is an entry-level credential. The syllabus includes basic networking concepts, routing and switching fundamentals, network security, and IT support skills. It is ideal for entry-level IT roles such as customer support technician, help desk support, IT support analyst, etc.
Get CCST Certification Training.
The Cisco Security Ethical Hacking certification is designed for cybersecurity professionals and covers key topics like ethical hacking fundamentals, network security concepts, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing techniques, and incident response. Ideal for roles such as penetration testers, security analysts, and network engineers etc.
Below are three key Associate certifications offered by Cisco, each designed to enhance your expertise in specific areas of networking and IT operations.
The CCNA (exam code: 200-301 CCNA) is a foundational certification focused on networking fundamentals, security, automation, and programmability. It teaches key concepts like routing, switching, network management, and security, which are essential for supporting and maintaining modern network infrastructures. It is ideal for roles such as Network Engineer, IT Support Specialist, etc.
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The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (exam code: 200-901 DEVASC) is designed for professionals interested in software development and network automation. It covers programming skills, APIs, cloud computing, and the use of Cisco products for automation and application development. This certification is suitable for DevOps Engineers, Software Developers, etc.
Get Cisco DevNet Certification Training
The Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate (exam code: 200-201 CBROPS) provides foundational knowledge in cybersecurity operations. It covers topics like security architecture, attack strategies, and how to respond to and mitigate security incidents in a Security Operations Center (SOC). This certification is ideal for Security Analysts, SOC Analysts, and Incident Responders.
Get CyberOps Associate Certification Training
The following are the professional certifications that will help one grow in the Cisco career path:
The CCNP Enterprise certification (350-401 ENCOR + concentration exam) validates expertise in enterprise networking, including dual-stack architectures, SD-WAN, and network automation. Professionals can specialize in areas like advanced routing (300-410 ENARSI) or wireless (300-430 ENWLSI). This certification prepares you for roles such as Senior Network Engineer or Network Architect with salaries ranging $90K-$130K.
Get CCNP Enterprise Certification Training
Cisco's DevNet Professional (350-901 DEVCOR) focuses on network automation, API integration, and infrastructure-as-code using Python and DevOps tools. With concentration exams like 300-435 ENAUTO (Automation), it leads to careers as DevOps Engineers or Cloud Automation Specialists earning $100K-$140K. The curriculum covers CI/CD pipelines and cloud-native development.
The CyberOps Professional certification (350-201 CBRCOR + 300-215 CBRFIR) develops advanced skills in threat hunting, digital forensics, and cloud security. It prepares security professionals for high-level SOC roles, Incident Response positions, and Threat Hunter careers with salaries typically between $95K-$130K in cybersecurity operations.
This certification (350-801 CLCOR + 300-810 CLICA) focuses on Cisco's collaboration technologies, including Webex, call control systems, and unified communications. IT professionals can become Collaboration Engineers or UC Architects, with earning potential of $85K-$115K, by mastering enterprise collaboration deployments and security.
Get CCNP Collaboration Certification Training
Covering service provider technologies (350-501 SPCOR + 300-510 SPRI), this certification validates skills in MPLS, 5G networks, and service provider security. Network professionals can advance to roles like ISP Network Architect or Telecom Solutions Expert with salaries ranging $100K-$135K in the service provider sector.
Get CCNP Service Provider Certification Training
The CCNP Security (350-701 SCOR + 300-710 SNCF) certifies expertise in zero trust architecture, next-gen firewalls, and cloud security. Security engineers with this certification often earn $100K-$140K working as Security Consultants, Penetration Testers, or specializing in email/web security solutions.
Get CCNP Security Certification Training
Focusing on data center technologies (350-601 DCCOR + 300-610 DCID), this certification covers Cisco UCS, ACI, and HyperFlex solutions. Data Center Engineers and Cloud Infrastructure Specialists with this credential typically earn $95K-$130K, working with virtualization and software-defined data center architectures.
Cisco's expert-level certifications represent the highest achievement in networking, validating mastery of complex infrastructure design, deployment, and optimization. They are :
The CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification validates expert-level skills in designing and managing complex enterprise networks. Candidates must pass a rigorous written exam (400-101) and an 8-hour hands-on lab covering SD-WAN, automation, and multi-domain solutions. This elite credential prepares professionals for high-paying roles like Principal Network Architect ($140K+).
This certification demonstrates mastery in wireless network design, deployment, and optimization. After passing the written exam (400-351) and practical lab, professionals qualify for senior wireless roles, including Wireless Network Architect ($130K+). The program covers the full wireless lifecycle from planning to troubleshooting.
Get CCIE Enterprise Wireless Certification Training
Earning the CCIE Data Center certification proves expertise in Cisco UCS, ACI, and modern data center technologies. The challenging exam process (400-601 written + lab) prepares candidates for high-level positions like Data Center Architect ($150K+). The curriculum focuses on automation, virtualization, and cloud integration.
Get CCIE Data Center Certification Training
This premier security certification validates skills in designing and managing comprehensive security solutions. Professionals must pass the 400-251 written exam and hands-on lab to earn this credential. It leads to senior roles like Security Architect ($145K+) with a focus on zero trust, cloud security, and threat defense.
Get CCIE Security Certification Training
The CCIE Service Provider certification demonstrates mastery of carrier-grade networking technologies. After completing the 400-501 exam and practical lab, professionals qualify for roles like Service Provider Architect ($135K+). The program covers MPLS, 5G, and service provider security.
This certification proves expertise in enterprise collaboration solutions, including Webex and calling platforms. Candidates must pass the 400-051 written exam and hands-on lab. It prepares professionals for senior roles like Collaboration Architect ($140K+) with a focus on automation and security.
Get CCIE Collaboration Certification Training
The Cisco Certified Design Expert certification validates strategic network design skills for complex business environments. The unique exam format assesses both technical and business acumen. CCDE holders typically work as Principal Network Designers ($160K+) creating large-scale infrastructure solutions.
This elite certification demonstrates mastery in network automation and programmability. The exam (350-901 + lab) focuses on API-driven infrastructure and DevOps. DevNet Experts qualify for top roles like Automation Architect ($155K+) in cloud and software-defined environments.
Cisco has several other types of certifications as well. These include:
The CCT certification validates hands-on skills for troubleshooting and repairing Cisco hardware. Available in Data Center, Routing & Switching, and Collaboration tracks, it prepares technicians for field support roles ($50K-$70K), maintaining network infrastructure.
This certification (500-220 exam) focuses on deploying and managing cloud-based Meraki networks. Professionals learn SD-WAN, wireless, and security solutions through the Meraki dashboard, qualifying for cloud networking roles ($80K-$110K).
The DTCSM certification (820-605 exam) teaches strategies for driving customer adoption and value realization. It's ideal for customer-facing professionals ($90K-$130K) managing technical accounts and business outcomes.
This certification (820-425 exam) covers subscription management and customer retention for Cisco solutions. Renewals specialists ($70K-$100K) use these skills to optimize contract lifecycles and customer experience.
Cisco certifications are valid for three years, and to keep your skills up to date, you can recertify through continuing education or by retaking exams. Cisco’s continuous learning programs allow you to stay current with the latest innovations, ensuring your knowledge stays relevant and competitive.
Certified Cisco professionals consistently earn higher salaries compared to their non-certified peers. Here’s a look at the average salaries for Cisco-certified roles in India and the US
Certification Level | India Avg. Salary (INR) | US Avg. Salary (USD) |
---|---|---|
Entry-Level (CCST) | 3-6 LPA | $45,000−$60,000 |
Associate (CCNA) | 5-12 LPA | $60,000−$85,000 |
Professional (CCNP) | 10-25 LPA | $80,000−$120,000 |
Expert (CCIE) | 20-40 LPA+ | $110,000−$180,000+ |
Cisco certifications open doors to a wide variety of IT roles across many industries. Here are some positions you can pursue:
Here's all the necessary information in a table format:
Certification Level | Certifications | Roles |
---|---|---|
Entry-Level Roles | Cisco Certified Technician (CCT), Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) | IT Help Desk Support, Tier 1 Network Support, Customer Support Technician |
Associate-Level Roles | CCNA, Cisco Certified DevNet Associate, Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate | Network Engineer (CCNA), DevNet Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst |
Professional & Expert Roles | CCNP, CCIE | Network Architect, Cybersecurity Engineer, Cloud Solutions Architect |
Choose Cisco for networking expertise, AWS for cloud careers, or CompTIA for foundational IT skills—each path offers unique advantages based on your career goals.
Here’s a table comparing Cisco with its competitors:
Category | Cisco | AWS | CompTIA | Juniper |
---|---|---|---|---|
Best For | Enterprise networking, security infrastructure | Cloud architecture, DevOps, serverless computing | Entry-level IT, foundational cybersecurity | ISP/carrier networks |
Salary Range (Global) | 60K−180K (₹5L-₹40L) | 90K−200K+ (₹8L-₹50L+) | 50K−120K (₹3L-₹15L) | Varies by region and niche |
Exam Difficulty & Cost | Hands-on exams (300−1,600 per exam) | Focus on cloud concepts (100−300 per exam) | Theoretical exams, affordable (250−400 per exam) | Specialized exams (cost varies) |
Recertification Requirements | Every 3 years (exam or continuing education) | Every 2 years (must retake current exam) | Every 3 years (CEUs or higher exams) | Varies by certification |
Geographic Demand | Dominates traditional enterprises (banks, government) | Leads in tech hubs (Silicon Valley, Bangalore) | Popular in North America and entry-level markets | Niche demand in ISP/carrier networks |
Emerging Tech Focus | Strong in SD-WAN, Zero Trust, IoT networking | Leads in serverless, AI/ML cloud services | Adding more cyber analytics content | Focuses on carrier and ISP technologies |
Job Role Versatility | Leads to specialized roles in networking and security | Enables both technical and solutions roles | Provides cross-industry mobility | Specialized roles in networking |
The path to Cisco certification is relatively easy and quick if one is focused and clear about their goals. The following are various steps involved in certification:
1. Reviewing: Familiarize yourself with exam topics to identify key areas for focus.
2. Studying & Training: Choose the study method that suits your learning style (self-paced, instructor-led, etc.).
3. Practice with Hands-on Approach: Use practice tests, labs, simulation tools, and sandboxes for real-world experience.
4. Scheduling the Test: Schedule your exam online or at a Pearson VUE center to set a clear goal.
5. Certifying: After passing, claim your digital certification kit and celebrate your achievement.
6. Recertifying: Stay updated through the Continuing Education program to maintain your certification.
The statistics speak for themselves—boost your career with Cisco certifications.
81% of employers associate IT certification holders with higher quality work and greater value. Furthermore, 92% of certified individuals report feeling more confident in their abilities, showcasing the personal growth and professional advancement that certifications can bring.
By advancing through Cisco's certification levels, you unlock opportunities for higher-paying roles, career progression, and the ability to specialize in areas like cloud infrastructure, data security, and network automation.
He is a senior solution network architect and currently working with one of the largest financial company. He has an impressive academic and training background. He has completed his B.Tech and MBA, which makes him both technically and managerial proficient. He has also completed more than 450 online and offline training courses, both in India and ...
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