So you’re thinking about pursuing your Cisco certification? Great choice! But which one should you go for first? CCENT, CCNA, or CCNP? In this blog post, we’ll break down the differences between each of these certifications so that you can make the best decision for your career. Stay tuned!
What is CCENT and CCNA?
CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) and CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) are two certifications offered by Cisco. CCENT is the entry-level certification, and CCNA is the next level up.
- Both CCENT and CCNA certify an individual’s ability to install, operate, and troubleshoot small enterprise branch networks. In order to become CCENT certified, an individual must pass the ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1) exam.
- In order to become CCNA certified, an individual must pass the ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 2) exam. CCNA certification is also available as a composite exam, which covers both ICND1 and ICND2 material.
- After becoming CCENT or CCNA certified, an individual may pursue additional Cisco certifications, such as CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) or CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert).
What is CCNP?
CCNP stands for Cisco Certified Network Professional. CCNP is an intermediate-level certification that is earned after successfully completing the CCNA exam. CCNP certifies an individual’s ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot enterprise-level networks. To earn CCNP certification, individuals must pass four exams: two core exams and two concentration exams.
The CCNP concentration exams allow candidates to choose which technologies they would like to focus on, such as route switching, security, voice, or wireless. After earning CCNP certification, individuals can pursue Cisco’s highest level of certification: CCIE. CCIE-certified professionals are experts in their field and are highly sought after by employers.
Difference between CCENT and CCNA and CCNP
CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) and CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) are both entry-level certifications from Cisco. CCENT certified professionals can install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. CCNA certified professionals can install, operate and troubleshoot a small to medium-sized enterprise branch network.
CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) is a professional-level certification that validates the ability to plan, implement, verify and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks. CCNP certified professionals can also work with voice, wireless, video and security applications on Cisco networks.
Conclusion
So, what’s the difference between CCENT and CCNA? The answer is that CCENT certification validates your basic understanding of networking concepts and technologies, while CCNA certification proves you have the skills required to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks. In other words, if you want to start your career in networking or move up the ladder in your current role, earning a CCNA is essential.
