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Any person interested in a career in technology has a path to follow, thanks to the Cisco certification programme. Cisco makes constant modifications to keep its certification programme in line with employment roles.
The programme underwent a significant revision in 2019–20. In addition, two of Cisco’s most well-known certifications, the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), also changed. This page offers current information that considers recent revisions.
What role do the Cisco certifications CCNA and CCNP play?
There are five levels in the Cisco certification programme: entry, associate, professional, expert, and architect. The associate-level networking certification is known as CCNA. In addition to CCNA, you can earn a professional-level CCNP certification to focus on a particular technology field. Finally, you can also earn the sought-after CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) certification with CCNP.
What exactly is a Cisco Certified Network Associate?
Cisco’s premier networking certification is the CCNA. Network fundamentals, network access, IP connection, IP services, security fundamentals, automation, and programmable macros are the subjects covered in the CCNA exam.
Modern networking is introduced in great detail by CCNA. It goes into some detail about both wired and wireless network access. Before discussing IPv4/IPv6 referral, OSPFv2, and FHRPs, it explains packet forwarding principles (First Hop Redundancy Protocol). It encompasses several IP services, such as Network Address Translation (NAT), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), and Quality of Service (QoS) (Quality of Service). In addition to covering topics like private virtual networks (VPNs), access control lists (ACLs), authentication, authorization, accounting), and secure wireless network access, it also presents network security.
Network security, controller-based topologies, and the usage of APIs (Application Programming Interface) in SDN are novel topics on the CCNA exam (software-defined networking). Although CCNA covers a lot of terrains, switching, routing, wireless, and to some extent, security is the main areas of emphasis.
What exactly is a Cisco Certified Network Professional?
Cisco’s professional-level networking certification is known as CCNP. It attests to the range and depth of your technological knowledge. There are five tracks available for the CCNP: Enterprise (think wireless and routing and switching), Data Center, Security, Service Provider, and Collaboration. To become a CCNP in any track, you must pass two exams: a core exam and a concentration exam.
The most popular CCNP track is, without a doubt CCNP Enterprise. Your understanding of implementing enterprise network technologies, such as dual stack (IPv4 and IPv6) architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security, and automation, is tested in the CCNP Enterprise core exam. In addition, advanced routing, SD-WAN, network design, wireless design, wireless implementation, and automation in enterprise networks are the topics covered by the five concentration examinations for the CCNP Enterprise certification. To earn the CCNP Enterprise certification, you must pass one concentration test in addition to the core exam.
Similarities and differences between CCNA and CCNP
The associate-level CCNA certification assesses your proficiency with a variety of networking principles. A greater understanding of networks is necessary for the professional certification called CCNP. No specific CCNA tracks exist. The 200-301 CCNA test is the only requirement to become a CCNA, and there is only one way to do so.
Unlike CCNA, CCNP does not have a single certification. Instead, there are five different tracks for CCNP. You must pass two exams—a core test and a concentration exam—to get a CCNP in any track. In addition, each programme offers a different set of concentration tests besides its core exam.
CCNP Enterprise is the CCNP track that most closely resembles CCNA. However, in far greater detail than CCNA, CCNP Enterprise concentrates on switching, routing, and wireless.
Exam complexity levels for the CCNA and CCNP
It is easier to obtain anbasic-level CCNA than a professional-level CCNP. This is because CCNA requires passing just one exam, whereas CCNP requires two. In example, CCNP exams go into much greater detail on advanced topics.
But remember that the CCNA isn’t an entry-level credential. CCT is Cisco’s entry-level certification (Cisco Certified Technician). The extensive variety of technologies covered by the CCNA makes it equally challenging. To avoid a surprise and to have to repeat your exam, you must prepare well for your CCNA exam. Well, get more CCNP SP info from here.
Outcome
At the professional and basic levels, two of Cisco’s most well-liked certifications are CCNA and CCNP. The core level of CCNA covers a wide range of networking technologies. With five courses and more thorough coverage of particular technological fields, CCNP is specialized. You must succeed in the CCNA exam and two in the CCNP exam.
The CCNA is a fantastic place to start while seeking certification. Once you have earned your CCNA, you are prepared to go to the CCNP level and beyond. For more info, visit this CCNP Security link.
