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Cisco Training Can Put You Ahead of the Pack

August 22, 2005
by Martin A. David
martin.david@hqpublications.com
Technology Columnist

Cisco training is among the most highly respected certification area in the information technology industry. IT professionals know that certificates in Cisco networking skills are valuable to them, to their teams, and to their companies.

Cisco Training is not Just for Senior Engineers

The thought of entering a Cisco Networking Academy program can be intimidating for experienced IT people as well as for beginners. It doesn't have to be. It is possible to enter a Cisco technology career and receive certification on at least three different levels and six different paths. There are a variety of certifications available within those levels and paths. Each credential shows that you have gained specific knowledge in one of the Cisco technology based areas of expertise. They also add new certifications to the list on a regular basis.

The levels offered in the world of Cisco certification and Cisco training are associate, professional, and expert. The associate certifications are valuable and highly respected, but most people use them as a starting point on the road to the professional level. The expert certifications represent the highest level of achievement in Cisco technology.

The major paths or tracks in which credentials are offered include network security, network service provider, and the whole area of Cisco routers and switches. It is also possible to gain further certification in specialty areas such as wireless networks and Internet telephony.

Where to Begin

Many engineers begin with Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) training. This elementary level credential indicates that the professional who has earned it has a basic foundation knowledge of networking and can administer small to medium sized local or wide area networks. The logical next step of Cisco study is the CCNP or Cisco Certified Network Professional certification.

About the Author Martin David is a Technology Schools columnist who lives in Santa Clara, CA.