The Cisco certification program offers a pathway for anyone interested in a career as a technology professional. Cisco constantly makes changes to ensure that its certification program is in line with current employment roles.
In 2019-20, the programme was subject to significant revisions. Two of Cisco’s most recognizable certifications, the CCNA, Cisco Certified Network Associate, and CCNP, Cisco Certified Network Professional, were also updated. This page contains current information and recent revisions.
What is the role of Cisco certifications CCNA/CCNP?
Cisco certification program offers five levels: entry, professional, expert and architect. CCNA is the associate level networking certification. To focus on a specific technology area, you can also earn a professional-level CCNP certificate. Lastly, the CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Experts) certification can be earned with CCNP.
What is a Cisco Certified Network Associate?
The CCNA is Cisco’s top networking certification. The CCNA exam covers network fundamentals, IP connection, IP connections, IP services, security basics, automation, and programmable macros.
CCNA provides a great introduction to modern networking. The CCNA provides information on both wired and wireless access. It explains packet forwarding principles (First Hop Redundancy Protocol) before it discusses IPv4/IPv6 refer, OSPFv2, FHRPs and OSPFv2. It covers several IP services such as Network Address Translation, Dynamic Host Configuration protocol (DHCP), Quality of Service (QoS), and Quality of Service. It covers topics such as private virtual networks (VPNs), access control list (ACLs), authentication authorization, and accounting, as well as network security.
The CCNA exam (software defined networking) covers new topics such as network security, controller-based topologies and the use of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) in SDN. Although CCNA covers many terrains, the most important areas are switching, routing and wireless.
What is a Cisco Certified Network Professional?
CCNP is Cisco’s professional-level network certification. It demonstrates your technical knowledge. The CCNP offers five tracks: Enterprise (think wireless routing and switching), Data Center, Security, Service Provider, Collaboration, and Data Center. You must pass both a core exam as well as a concentration exam to become a CCNP in any of the tracks.
The CCNP Enterprise is the most popular CCNP track. The CCNP Enterprise core exam tests your knowledge of implementing enterprise technologies such as dual stack (IPv4 or IPv6) architecture, virtualization infrastructure, security, automation, and network assurance. The five concentration exams for the CCNP Enterprise certification cover advanced routing, SDWAN, network design and wireless design as well as automation in enterprise networks. You must pass one concentration exam in order to earn the CCNP Enterprise certificate.
Differences and similarities between CCNA and CCNP
Associate-level CCNA certification tests your knowledge of a range of networking principles. For the professional certification CCNP, you will need to have a better understanding of networks. There are no specific CCNA tracks. Only one way to become a CCNA is to pass the 200-301 CCNA exam.
Unlike CCNA and CCNP, CCNP doesn’t have a single certification. Instead, CCNP has five tracks. To be a CCNP in any of the tracks, you must pass two exams: a core exam and a concentration test. Each program offers its own set of concentration exams in addition to the core exam.
The CCNP Enterprise track is the closest to CCNA. CCNP Enterprise focuses on wireless, routing and switching in greater detail than CCNA.
Exam complexity levels of the CCNA and CCNP
Anbasic-level CCNA is much easier than a professional-level CCNP. This is because CCNA only requires one exam to pass, while CCNP requires two. CCNP exams, for example, go into greater detail about advanced topics.
The CCNA credential is not an entry-level credential. CCT (Cisco Certified Technician) is Cisco’s entry level certification. It is equally difficult due to the wide range of technologies covered by CCNA. You must be prepared for the CCNA exam to avoid being surprised and having to take it again. Get more CCNP SP information here.
Outcome
CCNA, CCNP are two of the most popular Cisco certifications at both the basic and professional levels. The core level of CCNA covers a broad range of networking technologies. CCNP offers specialized training with five courses and greater coverage in particular fields. The CCNA exam must be passed and the CCNP exam two.
