Cisco Certification Guide
Learn about the different levels of Cisco certification.
There are two areas of Cisco certification: network installation and support, and network engineering and design. Each is offered at three levels of certification: Associate, Professional and Expert. Keep reading to find out which one is best for you.
Associate Level Cisco Certification
CCNA certifications are designed for those who want to be able to install, configure and operate LAN, WAN, and dial-up service for small networks. CCDA is geared towards candidates who want to be able to design these types of networks.
- CCNA
- CCNA WAN Switching
- CCDA
Professional Level Cisco Certification
At the professional level, Cisco offers CCNP and CCNP WAN Switching certification designed for those who want to install, configure and operate LAN, WAN, and dial-up service for larger networks. CCDP and CCDP LAN Switching are offered for candidates who want to design these types of networks.
- CCNP
- CCNP WAN Switching
Expert Level Cisco Certification
At the expert level, Cisco offers CCIE Routing and Switching, CCIE SNA/IP Integration, CCIE ISP Dial, and CCIE WAN switching designed for those who want to operate highly complex network environments with specific protocols. CCIE Design is offered for candidates who want to design routed and switched networks with a very high degree of specialization.
- CCIE Routing and Switching
- CCIE SNA/IP Integration
- CCIE ISP Dial
- CCIE WAN switching
Cisco Certified Professionals: Salaries
According to a salary survey conducted by Certification Magazine in 2008:
- Average salaries for Cisco certification graduates were $59,550 per year
- CCNAs earned over $59,770 per year
- CCIEs earned over $100,000 per year
An average CCNA makes $9,967 more than before earning the certification. On average, Cisco certified professionals make $10,606 more than they did before earning the certification.
Cisco Certification Exam
A Cisco certification is earned when a candidate passes one or more exams (some of the more advanced Cisco certifications also require lab work). Students can prepare for the exams in a number of ways, including instructor-led training, online training, self-study and real world experience. Check with Cisco for current exam requirements for certification.
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