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Cisco Training

Training type: E-learning (online)
Language: English
Online access: 24/7, 365 days after activation
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Cisco Certifications
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Certificate of Participation included

What is Cisco?

Cisco Systems Inc. specializes in networking and communications products and services. The company is probably best known for its business routing and switching products, which route data, voice and video traffic over networks around the world. However, Cisco also offers storage networking, applications for unified communications, telepresence and collaboration (WebEx) and a range of services, from simple product support to complete data center and cloud management solutions.

To ensure that IT professionals have the skills and knowledge needed to support Cisco products and solve customers' technology problems on many fronts, the Cisco Career Certification program is comprehensive. That is, it begins at the entry level (entry-level), then progresses to associate, professional and expert levels, and concludes (in some certification areas) at the architect level.

Each level offers one or more certifications. Obtaining a certificate usually requires passing one or more certification exams. Higher level certifications also require candidates to demonstrate that they meet necessary prerequisites. The higher the level of certification, the more certifications and requirements one needs to meet the higher certification requirements.

How does Cisco work?

There are many certifications and paths one can take in Cisco's career program. However, the two most important ones are network management and network design. A typical Cisco network certification path begins with the entry-level CCENT certification, then moves up to CCNA, then on to CCNP and ends with CCIE. Designers may consider starting with CCENT, then moving up to CCDA, then CCDP at the professional level, followed by CCDE, then finishing the program with CCAr.

The Cisco Career Certification program also includes a number of specializations. These certifications recognize an IT professional's skills in specific Cisco technology, such as data center application services, voicemail and messaging or rich media. The Cisco specializations are divided into 2 main categories: one for technical specialists and one for digital transformation specialists. Between these 2 categories, there are currently 15 specializations from which IT professionals can choose.

Certifications in Cisco's portfolio include the following certifications:

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)
Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr)

Taking Cisco exams

Each Cisco qualification has one or more associated exams. These usually contain a mix of multiple-choice and performance-based questions, with the aim of testing both the knowledge and skills of each candidate.

The exams can be taken offline at a dedicated Cisco exam site or via a Cisco online exam. For the latter option, candidates are advised to perform a system test to verify that their own setup matches the requirements of the exam.

Students are also advised to visit individual Cisco course pages for information on specific certification exams.

Here's how Cisco can help your company

Companies prefer Cisco because of its continued innovation and commitment to their customers. Cisco has a budget of more than $4 billion dedicated to technology, and develops most of its product line internally in more than 10,000 labs. Cisco has always considered its customers its greatest asset and is committed to their success. Customer service is available 24 hours a day and is supported by more than 1,300 technicians. Satisfaction levels are carefully measured and monitored.

Cisco considers the entire network as a whole, rather than as a separate system, and can provide overall business benefits. Advanced technologies, such as VoIP, operate on intelligent networks, with encryption and QoS. Cisco consistently supports and preserves these features, enabling high-quality delivery regardless of user location. Cisco Networking Application Analysis or NAPA also provides a complete overview as it analyzes and monitors the entire network, optimizing resources and performance.

In terms of network security, Cisco provides protection against all malware and Trojan applications. Moreover, the solution ensures that sensitive data does not leave the corporate network. Choosing Cisco as your network partner will therefore allow you to align your business with the latest developments and technologies while reducing the learning curve of your IT staff. Both your network and your data are protected, and your employees can enjoy maximum productivity.

Cisco training

Cisco courses are suitable for any IT professional, whether private or business. According to your already acquired training and knowledge, you choose which Cisco course you want to start with or continue with. Do you need advice? Then we are at your service via phone, chat and email.

For each online course purchased, you have 1 year of access. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for up to 365 days. So you decide when and how long you learn for the training. Is the daytime not convenient? The evening and night are available to you. Even if you go on vacation for a few weeks, this is no problem and you simply pick it up again after your well-deserved vacation.

Cisco certification by skill level

Certificates in Cisco's portfolio:

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)
Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr)

The Cisco Career Certification program also includes a number of specializations. These certifications recognize a professional's skills in a specific Cisco technology, such as data center application services, voice mail and messaging or rich media. The Cisco specializations are divided into two main categories: one for technical specialists and one for digital transformation specialists. Between these two categories, there are currently 15 specializations from which IT professionals can choose.

The Technical specialist category includes specializations in 6 subcategories:

Collaboration
Data Center (FlexPod)
Network Programmability
Operating System Software
Service Provider
Internet of things (IoT)

Digital Transformation Specialists includes certifications focused on Business Architecture and Customer Success. Specialist qualifications typically require one or two exams to be passed.

Entry, associate and professional-level qualifications are valid for three years, CCIE and specialist certifications are valid for two years and the CCAr is valid for five years. To keep certifications current, Cisco professionals must recertify by passing a recertification exam or advance to a higher level in Cisco's certification hierarchy.

Cisco Roadmap

Cisco entry-level Certifications

Cisco has two entry-level certifications: the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and the Cisco Certified Technician (CCT). No prerequisites are needed to earn either the CCENT or CCT certification, and candidates must pass one exam to earn both certifications.

CCENT certified professionals install, maintain and troubleshoot small networks or a branch of an enterprise network, and implement basic network security. The CCENT certificate is a prerequisite for some associate-level CCNA solution track certifications and the CCDA.

CCTs work on-site at customer sites, diagnosing problems and repairing or replacing network equipment. A CCT can choose from several specialty tracks, including currently Data Center and Routing and Switching.

Cisco associate-level Certifications

Cisco's associate-level certifications include the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and the Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA). To earn a CCNA or CCDA certification, one must pass one or two exams.

The CCNA recognizes basic skills in installing, supporting and troubleshooting wired and/or wireless networks. One can choose from several tracks, including Cloud, Collaboration, Cyber Ops, Data Center, Industrial, Routing and Switching, Security, Service Provider and Wireless. The CCNA is a prerequisite for CCNP certification at the professional level. Requirements for the CCNA vary depending on the solution track chosen, as does the number of exams required. All solution tracks require one or two exams.

Cisco created the CCDA to identify individuals who can design basic wired and wireless networks and integrate security and voice solutions. The CCDA is a prerequisite for the CCDP certification. To earn the CCDA, candidates must have a valid CCENT, CCNA Routing and Switching (or a CCIE certification) and pass one additional exam.

Cisco Certifications and Exams

CCDA - Exam 200-310 (DESGN)
CCNA Cloud - Exam 210-451 (CLDFND)
CCNA Cloud - Exam 210-455 (CLDADM)
CCNA Collaboration - Exam 210-060 (CICD)
CCNA Collaboration - Exam 210-065 (CIVND)
CCNA Cyber Ops - Exam 210-250 (SECFND)
CCNA Cyber Ops - Exam 210-255 (SECOPS)
CCNA Data Center - Exam 200-150 (DCICN)
CCNA Data Center - Exam 200-155 (DCICT)
CCNA Industrial - Exam 200-601 (IMINS2)
CCNA Routing and Switching* - Exam 200-125 (CCNA)
CCNA Routing and Switching* - Exam 100-105 (ICND1)
CCNA Routing and Switching* - Exam 200-105 (ICND2)
CCNA Security - Exam 210-260 (IINS)
CCNA Service Provider - Exam 640-875 (SPNGN1)
CCNA Service Provider - Exam 640-878 (SPNGN2)
CCNA Wireless - Exam 200-355 (WIFUND)

* Candidates for the CCNA Routing and Switching can take exam 200-125 OR exam 100-105 + 200-105.

Cisco professional-level Certifications

Cisco's professional-level certifications include two main programs: the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and the Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP). To obtain the CCDP, one must pass 3 certification exams and hold both the CCDA and CCNA Routing and Switching certifications or a Cisco CCIE or CCDE certification.

For all CCNP certifications except Routing and Switching, candidates must pass four exams. For the CCNP: Routing and Switching certification, only three exams are required. Requirements for all CCNP solution pathways include either the lower-level CCNA credential or a CCIE credential. For the CCNP: Service Provider credential, the Cisco Certified Internet Professional (CCIP) is also accepted as a requirement (it was withdrawn in 2012).

The CCNP certification recognizes professionals who plan, implement and troubleshoot local area networks and wide area networks. The CCNP tracks are the same as those for the CCNA, with the exception of Industrial and Cyber Ops, which are not offered in the CCNP track. The CCNP is recommended to move up to the next step on the certification ladder - the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert.

The CCDP identifies proficiency in designing and implementing scalable networks and multilayer switched networks. From the CCDP, you can advance to the Cisco Certified Design Expert.

Cisco Certifications and Exams

CCDP - Exame 300-101 (ROUTE)
CCDP - Exam 300-115 (SWITCH)
CCDP - Exam 300-320 (ARCH)
CCNP Cloud - Exam 300-460 (CLDINF)
CCNP Cloud - Exam 300-465 (CLDDES)
CCNP Cloud - Exam 300-470 (CLDAUT)
CCNP Cloud - Exam 300-475 (CLDACI)
CCNP Collaboration - Exam 300-070 (CIPTV1)
CCNP Collaboration - Exam 300-075 (CIPTV2)
CCNP Collaboration - Exam 300-080 (CTCOLLAB)
CCNP Collaboration - Exam 300-085 (CAPPS)
CCNP Data Center* - Exam 300-175 (DCUCI)
CCNP Data Center* - Exam 300-165 (DCII)
CCNP Data Center* - Exam 300-170 (DCVAI)
CCNP Data Center* - Exam 300-160 (DCID)
CCNP Data Center* - Exam 300-180 (DCIT)
CCNP Routing and Switching - Exam 300-101 (ROUTE)
CCNP Routing and Switching - Exam 300-115 (SWITCH)
CCNP Routing and Switching - Exam 300-135 (TSHOOT)
CCNP Security - Exam 300-208 (SISAS)
CCNP Security - Exam 300-206 (SENSS)
CCNP Security - Exam 300-209 (SIMOS)
CCNP Security - Exam 300-210 (SITCS)
CCNP Service Provider - Exam 642-883 (SPROUTE)
CCNP Service Provider - Exam 642-885 (SPADVROUTE)
CCNP Service Provider - Exam 642-887 (SPCORE)
CCNP Service Provider - Exam 642-889 (SPEDGE)
CCNP Wireless - Exam 300-360 (WIDESIGN)
CCNP Wireless - Exam 300-365 (WIDEPLOY)
CCNP Wireless - Exam 300-370 (WITSHOOT)
CCNP Wireless - Exam 300-375 (WISECURE)

* CCNP Data Center candidates can take the 300-160 or 300-180 exam.

Cisco expert-level Certifications

Cisco's expert-level qualifications include two primary certifications: the coveted Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) and the Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE). There are no prerequisites for either certification, but one must pass a written exam and a rigorous practical exam to earn one of these certifications.

As of July 2016, Cisco updated its expert exams to include a domain of evolving technologies. This new domain focuses on cloud, network programmability and the IoT, and accounts for 10 percent of the total exam score. Cisco can adapt the topics in this domain to emerging technologies as they reach sufficient commercial interest, potential and presence to make them exam-worthy. The company describes this mechanism as a way to future-proof its certifications so that employers can assume that those who hold current certifications are also up to date on important new networking technologies.

For many networking professionals, earning the CCIE is the highlight of their careers. A CCIE possesses expert technical skills and knowledge of Cisco networking products and solutions in one of the CCIE technical tracks, including Collaboration, Data Center, Routing and Switching, Security, Service Provider and Wireless.

The CCDE identifies experts who design infrastructure solutions for large enterprise environments, covering technological, operational, business and budgetary aspects of a project.

Cisco architect-level Certifications

For individuals aspiring to a position as a network architect or data center architect, it is wise to obtain the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) certification. The CCAr is like the Ph.D. of the Cisco Career Certification program. It is the highest level of certification offered by Cisco. This qualification validates the skills of a senior network infrastructure architect; someone who can plan and design IT infrastructures based on business strategies. Many people consider the CCAr to be the most difficult technical certification to achieve.

To earn the CCDE certification, you must design a network solution to implement an assigned strategy. You must then appear before a Cisco-designated panel to explain and defend your solution.

Jobs and career-related Cisco certifications

Whether you choose a career in network administration or network design, Cisco certifications are ideally suited to prepare IT professionals for a variety of Cisco-related positions. Regardless of your chosen career path, there are plenty of job openings for experienced Cisco professionals.

Job openings vary by factor, such as experience, whether you are focusing on network operations or network design. The list below is by no means exhaustive, but it illustrates some common job openings by certification:

CCENT: Help desk or technician roles
CCT: Engineer (field, network, application support) or systems administrator
CCNA: Engineer (network, telecommunications), technician (network, network operations) or analyst (network, network operations center)
CCDA: Engineer (network, system, design, lead), analyst (interface), interface developer or technical specialist
CCNP: Network administrator, engineer (support, network) or advanced technician, and senior-level roles
CCDP: Senior-level roles; senior network design engineer, senior analyst, cyber protection analyst or network designer
CCIE: Expert-level roles; network architect, engineer (lead, systems, network) or senior network administrator
CCDE: Expert-level roles; systems engineer, senior network engineer, network architect, network design engineer or IT infrastructure team lead
CCAr: Architect (lead, network, enterprise, voice data and more)

History of Cisco

Cisco Systems, American technology company operating worldwide and best known for its computer networking products. In the second decade of the 21st century, it was one of the largest companies in the United States. Cisco was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in San Jose, California.

The founders of Cisco Systems were Leonard Bosack and Sandra Lerner, a married couple (later divorced) who had met while studying at Stanford University. After graduating in 1981, they worked at the school, managing the computer facilities of two different departments. Bosack found a way to connect their respective computer networks using technology that other Stanford employees had devised in the 1970s. He and Lerner recognized that router technology, as it was called, could be adapted very cost-effectively for widespread use outside the university. In December 1984, the two founded Cisco Systems (originally written as "cisco Systems"), taking the company name from the city of San Francisco. Stanford eventually licensed its own software to Cisco.

In 1985, Cisco sold its first product, a network interface card for computers from Digital Equipment Corporation. The first big success, a router capable of multiple network protocols, came the following year. The founders needed money for expansion and turned to a venture capital firm, Sequoia Capital. Sequoia effectively took control of the company in late 1987 and installed John Morgridge as president and CEO in 1988. He led well, but did not get along with the founders. In 1990, shortly after Cisco sold its first shares to the public, Lerner was forced out of the company and Bosack subsequently stepped down.

Cisco Systems grew rapidly in the early 1990s. The company introduced the improved 7000-model router in 1993, and that same year it began acquiring other companies. Its first acquisition, Crescendo Communications, enabled Cisco to make a decisive move into the field of network switching equipment. In 1994, the company moved its headquarters from Menlo Park, California, to San Jose, and the following year John T. Chambers replaced Morgridge as CEO. Chambers continued the strategy of growth through acquisitions. In 1998, Cisco bought Selsius Systems, a company with expertise in Internet telephony that helped Cisco establish a dominant position in VoIP technology.

In 2006, Cisco introduced TelePresence, an elaboration of video conferencing that allows people in different locations to communicate with each other as if they were in the same place. Cisco's networking expertise made the company a leading provider of products for the Internet of Things, a concept often said to have originated at Cisco. Chambers retired in 2015 as the company increasingly shifted its emphasis from hardware to software.

In 2012, Cisco acquired NDS, a company that develops software for television sets, a deal set at $5 billion. A year later, in 2013, Cisco sold Linksys to Belkin, which meant they wanted to focus on selling to businesses rather than ordinary home users.

In 2013, Cisco acquired Sourcefire, a deal worth $2.7 billion, and cut 4,000 jobs, a result of the NSA allegedly putting backdoor software into Cisco's routers and other networking products.

Internet-of-Things concepts were all the rage in 2014, and Cisco publicly stated that it wanted to take full advantage of them. This marked yet another restructuring that resulted in another 8% of employees being laid off, some 6,000 workers.

Today, Cisco is a tech-giant that also provides training through its Cisco Networking Academy program. Its fastest-growing business is cybersecurity, and Cisco has expanded dramatically on that front with major investments. In 2019, Cisco has a market share of more than $170 billion, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world.

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