Home > Articles

Cisco Certification Programs

This chapter is from the book

Terms you'll need to understand:

  • CCNA

  • CCNP

  • CCIE

  • CCIP

  • CCDA

  • CCDP

  • CCSP

  • Cisco Qualified Specialist designation

  • Certification ladder

  • Laboratory evaluation

Techniques you'll need to master:

  • Locating training and certification information on the Cisco Web site

  • Understanding Cisco's individual certifications and its certification ladder

  • Obtaining descriptions and objectives for specific Cisco exams

  • Identifying training and self-study options related to specific Cisco exams

To maintain its position as the market leader in the routing, switching, and high-speed connectivity business, Cisco offers its Cisco Career Certifications programs, chief among them the CCIE credential. It also offers two additional levels of networking credentials, two design credentials, an internetwork credential, and a security credential for a total of seven separate certifications. All Cisco certifications require advanced skills in supporting a variety of networking topologies and technologies; as you climb the Cisco certification ladder, these requirements grow increasingly complex and demanding.

Alphabet Soup

Let's review Cisco's certification programs. After that, you'll have a chance to investigate each of the tracks and each individual certification in some detail—including the elements that lead to each one. Along the way, you'll be presented with a table that shows how the pieces fit together and learn how to sign up for tests, track certification progress, and so on.

At present, there are seven abbreviations related to Cisco certification. They describe three certifications related to network or internetwork operations, two certifications related to design, two certifications related to networking or Internet infrastructure organizations (one certification appears in two categories, in case you're counting), and one security certification:

  • CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)—This is the entry-level operational certification and is aimed at individuals who manage simple routed LANs or WANs, small ISPs, or small switched LAN or LANE environments. An applicant must pass one exam (640-607) for the Network Installation and Support track.

  • CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)—This is a middle-tier operational certification, aimed at individuals who install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot complex routed LANs, switched LAN networks, or remote access networks. An applicant must first obtain a CCNA and then take either two or four additional exams, depending on which test option he or she selects.

  • CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)—This is a top-tier operational certification, aimed at individuals who have advanced technical skills and knowledge and who must know how to configure networks for optimum performance and understand how to maintain complex, far-flung, multivendor networks. An applicant must pass only two tests for this certification: a written exam and a laboratory evaluation. No prior certification from Cisco is required to obtain a CCIE, but many individuals elect to obtain a CCNA and/or a CCNP before attempting the CCIE. CCIE credentials are available for the Network Installation and Support, Communications and Services, and Security tracks.

  • CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate)—This is the entry-level design credential; it requires individuals to be able to design and deploy simple routed and switched networks as well as configure, operate, and maintain such networks. To obtain this certification, applicants must pass one exam (640-441). This certification is available only for the Network Engineering and Design track.

  • CCDP (Cisco Certified Design Professional)—This is a middle-tier design credential that requires individuals to be able to design and deploy complex routed and switched networks that include LAN, WAN, and dial access for larger installations. Individuals must also be able to configure, operate, and maintain such networks and connections. To obtain this certification, an applicant must first obtain CCNA and CCDA credentials and must then pass two or four more exams, depending on which track he or she selects.

  • CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional)—This is a middle-tier credential that requires individuals to design and deploy secure Cisco networks, develop business solutions, and design and implement numerous levels of security structures. To obtain this certification, an applicant must first obtain the CCNA credential and must then pass five more exams.

  • CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional)—This middle-tier certification has no explicit prerequisites, and it requires individuals to operate and manage infrastructure or access solutions in a Cisco networking environment. CCIP professionals have a broad understanding of telecommunications technologies, including IP routing, IP multicast, cable, DSL, and content networking or IP telephony topics. To qualify for CCIP certification, a candidate must pass two required core exams and fulfill requirements in one elective area (seven alternatives).

A CCNA credential can lead to an entry-level design credential (CCDA) or to various Cisco Specialist certifications. The CCNA credential also leads to a middle-tier network credential (CCNP or CCSP) if the candidate takes a few additional tests. Likewise, both the CCNA and the CCDA lead to the CCDP. The CCIP stands in the middle tier, and Cisco strongly recommends that candidates obtain CCNA certification to help prepare. And although the CCIE has no explicit prerequisites elsewhere in Cisco's ladder, it is clearly the ultimate Cisco certification and is where many individuals who obtain other Cisco certifications aim their highest aspirations.

This combination of programs creates a "certification ladder," as shown in Figure 3.1.

Figure 3.1Figure 3.1 The Cisco certification ladder.

All the exam-related information that applies to obtaining a Cisco certification, plus some additional details about the exams, is summed up in Table 3.1. Note that information about the cost and the time period is for each exam for the certification, not for all exams for the certification.

Table 3.1 Cisco Certifications

Certification

Prerequisites

Required Exams

Cost

Time*

CCNA

None

1

$125

75 minutes

CCNP

CCNA

2/4**

$125–$250

75–135 minutes

CCIE

None

1 (written)

$300

120 minutes

1 (lab)

$1,250

2 days

CCDA

None

1

$125

120 minutes

CCDP

CCDA and CCNA

2/4**

$125–$250

75–90 minutes

CCSP

CCNA

5

$125

60—75 minutes

CCIP

None

3/6

$125

75–90 minutes


*Exams are computer generated, so the number of questions varies; therefore, the time allotted to take the exams changes frequently. You can verify these details prior to taking an exam by contacting Cisco at 800-829-6387.

**Information about Test Option 1/Test Option 2.

Details about specific test numbers for the various certifications are covered later in this chapter.

You can obtain information about all the certifications covered in this chapter by visiting the Cisco Career Certifications & Paths page, at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/index.html.

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020