Cisco Certifications: CCNA Vs. CCNP

Over the last decade, the credibility of certifications in terms of job search, career advancement, and obtaining optimum salary compensation has increased exponentially, as evidenced by recent surveys on the subject. When it comes to certifications, Cisco carries a lot of weight in terms of recognition. 

Cisco, as the leading manufacturer of switches and routers used in the establishment of an efficient network, has introduced numerous certifications that test professionals on hardware and networking. This was done to ensure that their clients receive expert assistance in dealing with and troubleshooting hardware issues. 

CCNA 200-301 and CCNP Cloud are listed as the most valuable certifications on several websites. IT experts rank these certifications second only to four-year programmes in terms of job performance predictions. Let's look at what these two popular courses have in common, and why they have such strong credibility.

CCNA: Why is it the best bet?

Cisco Certifications Network Associate (CCNA 200-301) is one of the industry's most well-known and popular networking certifications. By obtaining this certification, a professional gains the same level of expertise as someone with a few years of network engineering experience. The fundamentals involved in the introduction of this certification were designed to supplement basic certifications such as CCIE. 

It provides aspiring professionals and beginners with an overview of the networking sector, as well as scholars with a thorough understanding of the Cisco networking environment. Along with these fundamentals, CCNA teaches professionals how to operate IT equipment without encountering problems. Another reason why CCNA is the most popular is that it requires very little training to obtain the certification and is very inexpensive. 

CCNA now offers certifications in a variety of specializations, including Wireless, Security, Voice, WAN, Data Center, and Service Provider, among others. CCNA certification ensures that any professional who obtains it is capable of installing, operating, and configuring switches and routers, as well as implementing connections to remote sites such as WAN and keeping the network secure from malicious attacks. Professionals who have received certification are also capable of resolving network issues.

Know more about CCNA Online Training

CCNP: Hone Your Skills 

The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP Cloud) certification is appropriate for professionals with 1-2 years of networking experience or who have already qualified for the CCNA certifications. Professionals with CCNP certification are experts in troubleshooting, installation, and maintenance of Wide Area Network and Local Area Network systems. 

CCNP candidates gain extensive knowledge and experience in a wide range of network features and protocols such as Access Lists, Ethernet, Route Redistribution, and AppleTalk. The certification examinations assess an aspirant's comprehension, knowledge, and implementation of Cisco's IP switched network and IP routing technologies, as well as their ability to test, maintain, and troubleshoot a variety of new technologies. 

CCNP, like CCNA, offers modules in specific specializations such as Voice, Data Center, Service Provider, Wireless, Security, and Routing & Switching. In order to obtain a CCNP, one must connect networks in order to optimize data speed and prevent choke points from forming.

Obtaining CCNP allows a professional to work as a network engineer, network technician, support engineer, or systems engineer. The knowledge gained from this certification will help to establish a strong networking institution, as these abilities are applicable both in today's world and in the future. 

Furthermore, CCNP certification provides you with a solid foundation in the design and operation of Cisco wireless networks and mobility infrastructures. Its wireless module focuses on wireless networking principles and theory, as well as identifying technical proficiency in professionals capable of assessing and translating networks in the field. 

The security module of the certification explains the concepts of security in routers, networking devices, switches, as well as supporting and troubleshooting Firewalls, IDS/IPS, and VPNS solutions for networking. The certification's cloud specialization is appropriate for cloud engineers, administrators, designers, and architects working in data centers. It also provides the skills needed for designing, automating, and managing cloud and infrastructure as a service.

CCNA 200-301 and CCNP Cloud: Which One To Choose?

When it comes to deciding which certification to pursue, a professional's career status is completely irrelevant. Because CCNP is a more advanced level of certification than CCNA. To obtain CCNP, you should first obtain CCNA certifications, then the professional level CCNP certification. Another option is to gain a few years of experience in the field before attempting to obtain a CCNP certification.

FAQs 

Q1. Can I directly go for CCNP certification?

Ans. No, having CCNA certification is no longer required for obtaining CCNA certification. However, CCNA certification is recommended because it is an entry-level certification, whereas CCNP is a professional certification.

Q2. How many types of CCNP certifications are there?

Ans. There are seven types of CCNP certifications including:

1. CCNP CLOUD
2. CCNP COLLABORATION
3. CCNP DATA CENTER
4. CCNP ENTERPRISE
5. CCNP ROUTING AND SWITCHING
6. CCNP SECURITY
7. CCNP WIRELESS

Q3. Which one is better: CCNP R&S or CCNP Security?

Ans. Anyone who wants to start a career in IT can start with CCNP security. However, in order to dive into security, you must first understand routing and switching. A good strategy would be to start with CCNA R&S, then CCNP R&S, then CCNA security, and finally CCNP security.

Q4. What are the different types of CCNA Certifications?

Ans. There are nine different types of CCNA certifications including:

1. CCNA Routing and Switching
2. CCNA Security
3. CCNA Cloud
4. CCNA Design
5. CCNA Collaboration
6. CCNA Cyber Operations
7. CCNA Data Center Technologies
8. CCNA Industrial Plants
9. CCNA Service Provider

Q5. CCNA vs. CCNP certifications: what are the basic differences?

Ans. CCNA certifications are at the associate level, whereas CCNP certifications are at the professional level. A CCNA certified professional can work as a Network Support Engineer, Helpdesk Engineer, Network Technician, Service Desk Engineer/Technician, and First and Second Line Support.

A professional with CCNP certification, on the other hand, can pursue jobs such as Third Line Support, Network Analyst, Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, IT Team Leader, and Network Specialist.

To summarize, a CCNP certified professional is more qualified for senior-level jobs than a CCNA certified professional.

Q6. How can you acquire certification in CCNP enterprise?

Ans. To obtain a CCNP Enterprise certificate, you must pass two exams: a core exam and an enterprise concentration exam of your choice. Individual specialist certification will be awarded for each CCNP enterprise program.