Cisco is one of the biggest names in the field of networking technology. It designs, manufactures, and sells networking equipments. Its products and networking services are used worldwide, hence certified Cisco professionals are in demand all over the world.
One has to pass Cisco’s examination to become a certified Cisco professional. Cisco certification is one of the biggest professional qualifications one can hold in the field of networking, infact these certification exams have become a requisite to get a job in many successful IT companies. In all there five stages of certification, from beginner to expert: Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert, and Architect.
The seven paths (subjects), one can choose to specialize are: Routing & Switching, Design, Network Security, Service Provider, Storage Networking, Voice, and Wireless.
Routing and switching
This subject of specialization is for technicians, who install and repair Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.
To be an expert one can clear the following exams: CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician), CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) and CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) Routing & Switching.
Design
This field of study is for professionals who, want to make a career in designing Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside. One can give the following exams: CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate), CCDE (Cisco Certified Design Expert.), CCDP (Cisco Certified Design Professional).
Network Security
You gain knowledge and skills concerning threats to a network, dealing with troubleshooting, confidentiality, and monitoring the devices.
One can give the following exams: CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician), CCNA Security, CCNP Security and CCIE Security.
Wireless
Network professionals, who configure, implement and support Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials and deal with the networks that use CISCO products should aim for this. Certifications that can be achieved are CCENT, CCNA Wireless, CCNP Wireless and CCIE Wireless.
Voice
Network professionals who work on Voice solutions over IP (VOIP) technologies should go for this path, it also includes Telepresence applications. Certifications that can be achieved are CCENT, CCNA Voice, CCNP Voice and CCIE Voice.
Storage Networking
This path of specialization is for professionals implementing and maintain storage solutions over extended network infrastructure using multiple transport options. Certifications that can be achieved are CCENT, CCNA, CCNP and CCIE Storage Networking.
Service Provider
Professionals who work with infrastructure or access solutions in a Cisco end-to-end environment primarily within the telecommunications arena can aim for this. Certifications that can be achieved are CCENT, CCNA, CCNA Service Provider Operations, CCIP Service Provider Operations and CCIE Service Provider Operations.
If you want to make a career in information technology field or want to give a push to already existing one, then Cisco certification is what you really need. These examinations are very tough to pass without It professional guidance and training before giving any exam. There are many private institutes that give formal training. From CCNA bootcamp to CCIE security bootcamp, every levels and paths are covered by these institutes.
