Do you want to see yourself working as a successful networking administrator? If yes, then you need to say yes to certifications. A good networking certification comprises of the majority of data that aspiring IT candidates depend on to manage the daily networking services. Even though certification isn’t just the only aim, it is a valuable tool to assist the IT professionals procured the required information. Additionally, certification is a proven procedure of authenticating an aspiring candidate’s IT knowledge and skills. It is also one of the best ways to match the skills and expertise to specific jobs.
Concerning networking certifications, Cisco is one of the international leaders. A Cisco certification outlines from entry to expert level and also adds in various technologies. Even though this certification is vendor-specific, it gets commonly considered by several companies owing to the vendor-neutral data that it receives.
The best 5 Cisco Certifications
Discussed below are the top five Cisco Certifications that are highly in demand and helps aspiring IT candidates to select the best path in their career.
- Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
The CCENT is known as an entry-level certification program. It is considered to be one of the best options for the more qualified students who transition into networking as well as beginners. This certification includes network assistant skills right at the entry level and also sanctions candidates as network administrators, who possess the experience and expertise to manage, perform and develop small business networks.
The basic requirements for a CCENT certification are knowing a basic computer features, functions and also the know-how of the operating systems. The certification prepares candidates for tasks such as administrators, network technicians, system engineers, and engineers. You can use this certification program and step into other higher CISCO certifications.
- Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
Just put the CCNA certification focus on the function of network infrastructures. It is apt for the IT candidates and professionals who are keen on developing the parts required for network design that will cater to a company’s demand for a robust and tractable network. Companies also place increased importance in network design engineers for their capacity to design a new network structure and also maximize the new age ones.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing and Switching (CCNA Routing and Switching)
If you happen to be a fresher in networking, this is the best certification program you can opt-in for! Several network administrators started their profession with Cisco certification and had expanded their CCNA options. They have also generated additional tracks for instance security, cloud, data center, and wireless.
A CCNA Routing and Switching certification comprises of switching and routing notions as well as technologies of the network structure aspects. It further includes a neutral discussion of advanced networking technologies along with Cisco switches and routers operating systems.
To get this certification, interested candidates can opt in for a CCENT certification and carry on with their ICND2 examination. They can further take preparations for the CCNA Routing and Switching through the online practice exams.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate Data Center (CCNA Data Center)
You can call this a new certification. And instead of Internet connectivity and WAN, this certification focuses on the network equipment that is present within a data center. You have to sit for two examinations to obtain this certification. Also, the examination includes networking notions for conditions in the data center and even data center technologies comprising a server and network visualization as well as storage. The certification came in to use for matching the task specialization and also concentrate on specific technology sets and network architecture.
Presently, there’s an increased interest generated on individual data centers. And expert data center network administrators are in huge demand. Also, for networking newbie who want to hone up their skills and maximize the odds of being in an optimal starting position, this certification is a complete certification to opt-in for.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate Cloud (CCNA Cloud)
It is one of the most consistent certifications suited for people who are beginners in networking. The present-day IT industry is fast moving its systems to the Cloud. And hence, there is an increasing need of expert networking engineers who can understand the cloud operations better and ensure a better experience. Simply put, this certification is optional. However, Cisco proactively suggests that aspiring IT candidates and professionals should possess basic know-how on the network protocols and technologies. Furthermore, the certification requires passing a couple of exams.
Today, it’s the age of cloud computing which is opening up new vistas for technology and its applications. Hence, if an aspiring IT candidate or professional has Cisco Certification, he/she is equipped in a better way to manage and perform in the highly demanding IT ambiance and marketplace. Furthermore, there’s no specific time for an IT candidate or professional to opt-in for a Cisco certification. You can opt-in for it when you deem it fit.