Guide to Cisco Certification

Network professionals and Cisco partners can reap big rewards from being Cisco certified

By Judy Artunian, Freelance Writer

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Cisco certification paths for IT professionals

The road to a general IT certification consists of picking a Cisco certification path and level, studying the relevant materials and passing one or more certification exams.

I recommend: Select a Cisco certification path that will not only enhance your skills at your current job but will also help you advance in your industry. The paths include Routing and Switching, Design, Network Security, Service Provider, Storage Networking and Voice. Next, choose a certification level. Your choices are Associate, Professional and Expert. A note about the Expert level: This is the CCIE territory, the Cisco certification that signifies the highest degree of network expertise. If you make it this far, you’re in rarified company. Fewer than three percent of all Cisco certified professionals earn a CCIE.

Graduate to Specialist Cisco certification

After you have earned Associate or Professional Cisco IT certification, you can add more depth to your networking know-how with Specialist certifications.

I recommend: Review the descriptions of the Specialist Cisco certification paths, which include Advanced Routing and Switching, Data Center, IP Communications, VPN and Security and Wireless LAN.

Cisco certification for channel partners

The 20,000 independent value-added resellers, systems integrators and network consultancies in Cisco Channel Partners Program can become Cisco certified to help them take their business to the next level. Resale partners earn incentives with each level of Cisco certification they achieve.

I recommend: Take a look at the Cisco’s certified partner overview and the resale partner certification program summary. Partners can be Cisco certified in Advanced Unified Communications, Advanced Routing and Switching, Advanced Security, Advanced Wireless LAN, Express Foundation, Express Unified Communications and SMB, which covers skills for providing Cisco solutions to small and medium-sized businesses.

Tools to help you get Cisco certified

Cisco certification training for IT professionals and Cisco partners includes an extensive inventory of free education and training tools as well as information on certification exams and other facts you need to know.

I recommend: Learn about Cisco’s certification resources and training opportunities, including the CCNA Prep Center for those working to become a Cisco Certified Networking Associate. A number of computer training schools offer online courses in Cisco certification, including E-Learning Center and StaffKit Computer Training. Search for additional Cisco training schools at ComputerTrainingSchools.com.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  After you earn your first Cisco certification, you get access to The Certifications Community at Cisco.com, where you can swap suggestions with colleagues about preparing for your next certification.
• •  The Cisco IT certification process for the CCIE designation includes a hands-on lab exam. But don't expect to improve your skills by studying. According to Cisco, experience is the best preparation for this grueling exam.
• •  If you're studying for your CCNA certification, tune in to CCNA-TV, one of the Cisco certification training resources available at Cisco.com.