The Cisco certification plays a crucial role in boosting an individual’s IT networking career. This certification helps IT, professionals, to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the networking domain.
5 Tips For Success on How to Get Cisco Certification: Secrets Revealed
Cisco is one of the most renowned and reputed names globally that offers fantastic features for carrying out business operations efficiently.
Therefore, possessing a Cisco certificate enables individuals to find a better job or promote the current workplace. Cisco Certifications are categorized into five different levels – Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert, and Architect. Let’s take a detailed look at these levels.
Cisco Certifications
1. Entry-Level
The entry-level certification is the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT). This certification covers the most fundamental aspects of networking and doesn’t include intricate ones.
2. Associate-Level
The Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) is an associate-level certification, which is also the starting point for IT professionals. Therefore, there are no requirements to appear for the examination. This associate-level certification has eight different specializations –
- CCNA Routing and Switching certification includes all the essential expertise required to manage all devices on medium and small-sized networks.
- CCNA Cloud helps Network Engineers, Cloud Developers, and Engineers to help the organization meet the vogue business requirements using cloud skillsets.
- CCNA Collaboration helps IP Network Engineers and Telephony Engineers to enhance their video and collaboration skills.
- CCNA Security tests professionals for their expertise in securing Cisco networks.
- CCNA Industrial Certification is intended for Control System Engineers, Network Administrators, and traditional Network Engineers.
- CCNA Service Provider helps service provider Network Technicians and Engineers to develop Cisco’s next-generation IP networks.
- CCNA Data Centre Certification is intended for IT professionals who wish to start their careers as Cybersecurity Analysts.
- CCNA Wireless validates applicants for their skills in monitoring, configuring, and troubleshooting wireless LAN’s fundamental tasks.
The CCNA certification cost varies depending upon the above specializations and training centers. Another associate-level certification is the Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA).
3. Professional-Level
The professional-level certifications are the Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) and Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP). To pursue the Cisco Certified Networking Professional Certification, one has to obtain the respective associate-level certification.
This certification has six specializations – CCNP Routing and Switching, CCNP Collaboration, CCNP Data Centre, CCNP Service Provider, CCNP Wireless, and CCNP Security.
4. Expert-Level
The highest level of certification by Cisco is Expert-level. Expert-level certifications are considered the most advanced IT certifications, and individuals possessing them are paid higher salaries.
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) and Cisco Certified Design Expert are two expert-level certifications.
The first credential consists of six specializations – CCIE Routing and Switching, Collaboration, Data Centre, Service Provider, Security, and Wireless.
5. Architect-Level
Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) is the architect-level certification intended for IT professionals who desire to have their careers as a Data Centre Architect or a Network Architect.
In this course, professionals learn how to design and develop IT Infrastructures as per the business requirements or models.
Five Successful Tips To Earn Cisco Certifications
Earning any of the above Cisco Certifications requires training and planning. Individuals have to appear for the respective exam and score the passing marks to pursue the certification. For example, one has to appear for the CCNA exam to pursue the Cisco Certified Networking Associate Certification.
1. Set Goals
Setting a goal of earning the certification at a particular time is essential because, many times, procrastination holds people back. As there are several Cisco specializations, one has to set a goal of pursuing the specific one. In major cases, ill planning results in failure.
2. Rely On Multiple Study Materials
Preparing for any Cisco course requires the proper and appropriate study material. Studying from only one source is not sufficient.
One has to refer to heterogeneous sources and multiple books to prepare for the examination. The combination of books, websites, and forums will help individuals to achieve success.
3. Get Official Training
It entirely depends on applicants whether to get official training or prefer self-study. Some candidates can pass the examination with self-study, whereas some require official training. It is quite challenging for working professionals to follow the self-study option. In such cases, they can head over to a leading online training organization like Koenig Solutions.
4. Practice Frequently
Practice brings perfection. Therefore, practicing in labs is an essential factor in earning Cisco certifications. Individuals appearing for the associate-level examination should use the Packet Tracer network simulation program for practicing. For professional-level and expert-level examination, one must practice on the GNS3 tool.
5. Focus On Fundamentals
Along with core concepts, individuals should also concentrate on fundamentals. For example, the associate-level networking certification requires in-depth knowledge of subnetting.
Conclusion
Earning any Cisco Certificate needs a well-structured study plan, time, commitment, and dedication. Koenig Solutions is a global leader that provides IT certification training, including the CCNA certification training.
As most enterprises use Cisco systems and architectures in their IT infrastructure, Certified Cisco Professionals are in great demand. Koenig Solutions offers effective and successful training for the CCNP course and CCNA course.
