Getting Cisco certification means being part of an exclusive club where fast-track networking careers are the norm. But these career paths are hard and the exams to get certified harder still. Exams are held for certificates on 5 levels covering eight different subject areas.
The Entry level CCENT certificate is the best place to start, especially for those new to networking or Cisco products. Candidates can choose to climb up the ladder as certified associates, professionals, experts and architects. The eight subject areas are broadly categorized under four categories.
Voice as subject comes under the collaboration category, and data centers are under storage networking. SP and SP operations come under service provider solutions. Wireless, design, routing & switching, and security are all categorized under borderless networks solutions.
The certified architect (CCA) exam has only design as the subject choice. But candidates at the other 4 levels can choose any one of the 8 subjects mentioned above. So there are 33 exams available across 5 levels.
Apart from the 8 entry-level CCENT exams, there are 8 network associate (CCNA) exams. There are another 8 network professional (CCNP) exams, 7 internetwork expert (CCIE) exams and one design expert (CCDE) exam. In addition to these 33 career path exams, separate exam sets and certificates are available for specialists and technicians.
Cisco certification exams are administered by Pearson Vue. Candidates can choose a convenient center, and register online or by telephone to schedule a date for taking an exam. The exam fee can vary from $150 to $350, depending on the exam level and length.
Retaking an exam requires the fee to be paid again. Note that these are fees for the written tests. Some exams at the architect and expert levels additionally need practical exams and lab tests, which will cost $1,500 excluding the lodging and travel costs.
Needless to say, very few people are bold or experienced enough to attempt these exams without adequate training or preparation. A good place to start is Cisco's Learning Network. Candidates preparing for the exams will find a treasure trove of study material, a helpful community and plenty of practice exams on the Learning Network website.
However, a lot of candidates prefer formal training and courses. Cisco certification training is a big business, and there are accredited training partners worldwide offering courses designed for each exam, level and subject. It's a long, hard slog. But on the other side of the door is an exciting networking career.
The Entry level CCENT certificate is the best place to start, especially for those new to networking or Cisco products. Candidates can choose to climb up the ladder as certified associates, professionals, experts and architects. The eight subject areas are broadly categorized under four categories.
Voice as subject comes under the collaboration category, and data centers are under storage networking. SP and SP operations come under service provider solutions. Wireless, design, routing & switching, and security are all categorized under borderless networks solutions.
The certified architect (CCA) exam has only design as the subject choice. But candidates at the other 4 levels can choose any one of the 8 subjects mentioned above. So there are 33 exams available across 5 levels.
Apart from the 8 entry-level CCENT exams, there are 8 network associate (CCNA) exams. There are another 8 network professional (CCNP) exams, 7 internetwork expert (CCIE) exams and one design expert (CCDE) exam. In addition to these 33 career path exams, separate exam sets and certificates are available for specialists and technicians.
Cisco certification exams are administered by Pearson Vue. Candidates can choose a convenient center, and register online or by telephone to schedule a date for taking an exam. The exam fee can vary from $150 to $350, depending on the exam level and length.
Retaking an exam requires the fee to be paid again. Note that these are fees for the written tests. Some exams at the architect and expert levels additionally need practical exams and lab tests, which will cost $1,500 excluding the lodging and travel costs.
Needless to say, very few people are bold or experienced enough to attempt these exams without adequate training or preparation. A good place to start is Cisco's Learning Network. Candidates preparing for the exams will find a treasure trove of study material, a helpful community and plenty of practice exams on the Learning Network website.
However, a lot of candidates prefer formal training and courses. Cisco certification training is a big business, and there are accredited training partners worldwide offering courses designed for each exam, level and subject. It's a long, hard slog. But on the other side of the door is an exciting networking career.
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