Cisco Certification 101: Guide to Understanding Cisco Certifications By the IT Pros from TrainSignal
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). TrainSignal offers our 15 hour Cisco CCENT / ICND1 video training course. This course is taught by a Cisco CCIE, Chris Bryant, and includes the Transcender practice exam simulator.
What Cisco Certifications Might Interest Me, What is Required, and How Can TrainSignal 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:
Cisco CCENT Certification
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, Entry-Level
- Requirement: Pass Cisco Exam 640-822
- TrainSignal Recommended Course: Cisco CCENT / ICND1 Video Training Course
Cisco CCNA Certification
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
- Requirement: Two Options
- Option 1: Obtain the CCENT by passing Cisco Exam 640-822 then passing CCNA/ICND2 Exam 640-816
- Option 2: Pass Cisco CCNA Exam 640-802
- TrainSignal Recommended Course: Cisco CCNA Video Training Package - 29 Hour 4 DVD video training course, which includes iPod/MP3 files and a Transcender full exam voucher
Cisco CCNA Security Certification
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: Cisco CCNA Certification
- Requirement: Pass Cisco IINS Exam 640-553
- TrainSignal Recommended Course: Cisco CCNA Security Video Training Course - 13 Hour 2 DVD video training course, which includes iPod/MP3 files and a Transcender full exam voucher
Cisco CCNP Certification
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: Cisco CCNA Certification
- Requirement: Two Options
- Option 1: Pass Four Exams - BSCI 642-901, BCMSN 640-812, ISCW 642-825 and ONT 642-845
- Option 2: Pass Composite Exam 642-892, then ISCW 642-825 and ONT 642-845
- TrainSignal Recommended Course: Cisco CCNP Video Training Package - 54 Hour 8 DVD video training course, which includes iPod/MP3 files and 4 Transcender full exam voucher