CCNA vs CCNP A Complete Certification Guide | iCert Global

Cisco certifications have been extremely popular in recent years. In fact, they are among the most sought-after certifications in the IT industry today. There are numerous different Cisco certifications to choose from.

If you want to move up in your career and get better job options, the right certification can help you. Find online certifications here. Review our top industry certifications to boost your career.

Cisco launched its official certification program in 1998. It was the time when they offered beginner and professional-level network certifications. The prime objective was to complement the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) program. Cisco added more certifications, offering options for professionals at all skill levels.

What is CCNA?

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is the most popular entry-level networking certification. It's for people with 1 to 2 years of experience as network engineers. CCNA training is also affordable when compared to other certifications.

The primary aim of the CCNA certification is to equip starters and networking fans with basic networking skills. In order to get this certification, students have to undergo training and pass exams on the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of Cisco's medium networks. They are also taught to install and repair end-to-end networks.

Related Read: 5 Study Tips to Pass the CCNA Certification Exam

The Importance CCNA certification also assists students in learning the fundamentals of Cisco networking. It informs them about the use of IT hardware and solving technical issues. This certification is centered on Cisco systems. It also addresses general networking concepts. Getting a CCNA helps people use their skills in many IT jobs. It can also boost their career opportunities.

What is CCNP?

The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification is for IT professionals with one year of experience in networking. A high school diploma or its equivalent is also needed.

The CCNP certification is for IT professionals who need advanced training on installing, operating, and planning Cisco's advanced-level networking solutions.

 The program teaches many relevant IT networking concepts, such as:

•Cisco remote access

•Advanced routing

•Multilayer switching

•Network optimization

•Scalable internet networks

CCNP-trained professionals learn to troubleshoot, install, and administer both local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) with 100 to 500 devices. They also develop expertise in network protocols such as Route Redistribution, Access Lists, Ethernet, and AppleTalk.

CCNP Exam Details

Before you can take the CCNP exam, you need to have a CCNA certification first. There are three exams included in the CCNP certification:

• 300-101 ROUTE – Implementing Cisco IP Routing

• 300-115 SWITCH – Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks

• 300-135 TSHOOT – Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks

 What's the Difference Between CCNA and CCNP?

The CCNA is a basic certification. It checks your knowledge of networking, like routing and switching. The CCNP is an advanced certification. It covers LANs, WANs, security, and wireless networking in more detail.

CCNP is a higher level than CCNA. It requires more networking knowledge and related technologies.

CCNA vs. CCNP Career Differences

The certificates require different knowledge levels, so they correspond to various job positions.

CCNA Career Path

CCNA will suit fresher candidates in quest of IT beginning jobs like:

• Network Support Engineer

• Network Technician

• Helpdesk Engineer

• Service Desk Engineer/Technician

• First and Second Line Support

CCNP Career Path

CCNP is more suitable for veteran IT professionals who want to advance to higher-level roles, for example:

•Third Line Support

•Network Engineer

•Network Analyst

• IT Team Leader

•Systems Engineer

•Network Specialist

Both CCNA and CCNP are well-liked Cisco certifications that assist professionals to develop in networking professions. The following are some things that they share:

• Both need two exams to achieve the certification.

• Both exams are 90 minutes long and feature multiple-choice and simulation questions.

• Both demand networking skills, but CCNP is advanced.

Key Differences Between CCNA and CCNP

• CCNA involves a general set of networking concepts, such as IP addressing, routing, switching, and security.

• CCNP deals specifically with Cisco routers and switches in more technical terms.

• CCNA is suitable for starters, while CCNP is more suitable for those with a bit of experience.

Which One Do You Want?

• If you are new to the field of networking, begin with CCNA.

• If you are already experienced by a few years, CCNP is the correct option to proceed in your career.

Both certifications can boost your career. But your choice depends on your experience and goals.

CCNA and CCNP Exam Requirements

For achieving the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, you need to pass a single exam. The new CCNA exam topics are as follows:

• Exam 100-105 (ICND1) – Network basics and Cisco devices

• Exam 200-105 (ICND2) – Advanced networking and troubleshooting

To obtain the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification, you need to pass three exams:

• Exam 300-101 (ROUTE) – Cisco IP routing

• Exam 300-115 (SWITCH) – Cisco switching networks

• Exam 300-135 (TSHOOT) – Troubleshooting Cisco networks

Cisco also provides specialized certifications, such as the Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) and Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP), for professionals who want to specialize in a particular area.

Exam Format and Timing

• The CCNA test is 90 minutes.

• The CCNP test is 120 minutes.

• The tests both feature multiple-choice and drag-and-drop questions.

• The tests are available in English, Spanish, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese.

• You may take the test at a Pearson VUE test site or online at the Cisco Online Exam Portal.

Cisco recommends that candidates have at least one year of experience working with Cisco networking products before taking the exams. Know the Cisco IOS command-line interface (CLI) and understand IP networking basics.

CCNA vs. CCNP Exam Difficulty

The CCNA test is easier because it covers less material. The CCNP exam requires advanced concepts, like network security and IP routing. These topics make the exam more difficult.

Another reason the CCNA exam is easier is that students can use a network simulator during it. The simulator enables students to practice with Cisco devices. The CCNP exam doesn't allow simulators. This rule makes it harder for some students.

The exam difficulty usually depends on your experience and understanding. If you are inexperienced in networking, CCNA is a good place to begin. If you are experienced, CCNP can further lead you to advancement.

How to obtain Cisco certification? 

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Conclusion

If you wish to develop your IT career, Cisco certifications can put you on the right track. iCert Global offers various IT training courses like CCNA and CCNP. These are taught by certified experts.

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