Table of Contents
Networking is one the fastest-growing IT areas, and the demand for skilled employees is growing rapidly. This is the most sought-after career because it offers better job prospects, security, and job satisfaction. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT jobs will increase by 13% between 2020 and 2030.
Cisco offers a variety of networking solutions and services, as well as the corresponding certifications. Two of the most popular Cisco beginner networking certifications are the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional).
What is CCNA?
CCNA is an entry-level certification in IT for network professionals who want to validate their skills and advance their careers. It is for network support engineers, system administrators, networking specialists, and networking associates who have less than one year of experience in the field.
The CCNA certification validates your abilities in designing, managing, debugging, and managing Cisco networking technologies.
What is CCNP?
The CCNP professional-level networking certification validates and enhances your technical skills. The most popular CCNP courses are Security, Enterprise, Data Centre Collaboration, Security, and Service Provider. This certification is for network engineers, technicians, systems engineers, support engineers, and those with at least one years of experience.
The CCNP teaches how to use SD-WAN, advanced routing and network design, as well as wireless implementation and automation in business networks.
To obtain professional certification as a CCNP professional, you must pass both the core and concentration exams. Before you can take the CCNP certification exam, it is highly recommended that you pass your CCNA certification exam.
Cost of certification
The CCNA certification is $300. Different certifications have different costs. Certifications with the code 350XXXX cost US$ 400 and those with the code 300XXXX cost US$ 300.
Exam pattern
CCNA
To obtain CCNA certification, you must pass the 200-301 Cisco Certified Network Associate exam. This exam covers network basics, IP connectivity, security basics, automation, and programmability.
You must answer 100-120 questions in 120 minutes. To pass this certification, you should score 85%, or 850 out 1000.
CCNP
To become CCNP-certified you must pass the 350–401 ENCOR Installation and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies exam. This exam validates your knowledge of enterprise infrastructure, virtualization and architecture, as well as network assurance and automation.
100 questions are required to pass the CCNP 350-401 ENCOR exam. You must complete them in 120 minutes. To pass this exam, you must score 82.5%, which is 825 out 1000. After passing the core exam you can take the second exam on the concentration of your choice.
Difference between CCNA & CCNP
The CCNA associate-level certification tests your knowledge on basic network operations, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance. The CCNP certification, on the other hand, is an advanced certification that provides in-depth knowledge and expert in networking.
There are many career opportunities
CCNA
CCNA is a great certification for anyone looking to enter the networking industry.
Helpdesk technicians
First and second line support
Network support engineers
Network technicians
Service desk engineers/technicians
CCNP
This certification is ideal for people who want to improve their IT skills. There are many career options:
Third-line support
Systems engineer
Network analyst
IT team leader
Network engineer
Which is better: CCNA, or CCNP
The CCNA certification is an associate certification that must be completed before the CCNP certificate. The CCNP certification, which is more advanced than the CCNA, delves deeper into the workings and security of wireless options, networking, and security.
NetCom Learning will help you prepare for the CCNA/CCNP certifications
NetCom Learning offers the best courses and top-class lectures by qualified professionals to help you pass the CCNA or CCNP certifications. NetCom will help you to improve your skills and increase your chances of getting a job in the networking industry.
