Cisco Certification 101 Train Signal's Guide to understanding Cisco's certifications
By the IT Pros from Train Signal
Who is Cisco Systems?
Cisco Systems is the largest network manufacturer in the world. Their network routers and switches are used in roughly 80% of the world's business networks. They offer a wide variety of certifications programs and all have to do with using their network hardware or software. Because of this, strong networking interests and foundational knowledge will be very useful when obtaining a Cisco certification.
What levels of certification does Cisco offer?
Cisco has typically offered 3 levels of certification- Associate, Intermediate, and Expert. Traditionally, these three levels matched up with the CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE. Today, Cisco offers a new entry-level certification - the CCENT. Cisco also offers certifications and specializations in a variety of topics (called "tracks"). Besides the most popular Routing and Switching track, Cisco also offers certification tracks in Network Design, Network Security, Service Provider, Storage Networking, and Voice.
What is Cisco's entry-level networking certification?
The Cisco Certified Entry-level Networking Technician (CCENT) is Cisco's most entry-level certification. This certification covers the skills needed to install, operate, and troubleshoot small enterprise branch networks and basic network security. By obtaining the CCENT, you are half way to achieving a Cisco CCNA. To obtain a CCENT all you have to do is to pass a single certification exam - 640-822 (ICND1). Train Signal offers our 15 hour Cisco CCENT / ICND1 video training course. This course is taught by a Cisco CCIE, Chris Byrant, and includes the Transcender practice exam simulator.
What Cisco Certifications might interest me, what is required, and how can Train Signal help?
Cisco offers a nice hierarchical path of certification- from the CCENT, to the CCNA, to the CCNP, and beyond. Let's cover what each of these certifications has to offer, what is required and how you can get certification training:
CCENT - as mentioned above, the CCENT is Cisco's most entry level certification and it is one half of the CCNA. The CCENT covers small network installation, operation, configuration, and security. The CCENT is the start for all other Cisco certifications.
CCNA: - as mentioned above, the CCENT is Cisco's most entry level certification and it is one half of the CCNA. The CCENT covers small network installation, operation, configuration, and security. The CCENT is the start for all other Cisco certifications.
- Prerequisites - None
- Required: Option 1) obtain the CCENT by taking exam 640-822 then pass CCNA/ICND2 test 640-816 OR Option 2) Take a single CCNA test, exam 640-802
- Train Signal Recommended Course: our 29 hour 4 DVD video training course -Cisco CCNA video training package - which includes iPod/MP3 files and a Transcender full test voucher
CCNA Security: - demonstrates your ability to secure Cisco networks. The latest requirements include developing a security infrastructure, recognizing threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and mitigating security threats in medium-size, routed and switch networks.
- Prerequisites - you must already have the Cisco CCNA certification
- Required: one exam, Cisco IINS 640-553
- Train Signal Recommended Course: our over 13 hour 2 DVD video training course - Cisco CCNA Security video training - which includes iPod/MP3 files and a Transcender full test voucher
CCNP: - validates a network professional's ability to install, configure, operate and troubleshoot local and wide-area networks with 100-500+ nodes. The CCNP focuses on router and switch management and edge applications such as voice, wireless, and security.
- Prerequisites - you must already have the Cisco CCNA certification
- Required: Option 1) pass four exams- BSCI 642-901, BCMSN 640-812, ISCW 642-825, ONT 642-845 OR Option 2) pass composite exam 642-892, then ISCW 642-825 & ONT 642-845
- Train Signal Recommended Courses: CCNP video training package - includes over 54 hours of training, 8 DVDs, 4 full Transcender exam simulators. Note that you can also buy each of the course DVDs individually.