Top 11 Cisco Network Engineer Certifications

Certifications are extremely important for a Cisco Network Engineer in the job market. Certifications provide proof of knowledge and skills, and validate an individual’s proficiency in network engineering. They give employers confidence that a potential candidate is qualified to handle their networking needs. Additionally, certifications can help differentiate one candidate from another in a crowded job market. Employers often prefer candidates with certifications because they demonstrate commitment to their profession, as well as a willingness to invest time and money into their career development. Certifications also provide networking professionals with the opportunity to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies, which can be beneficial when seeking out new opportunities or promotions.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Cisco Network Engineers and explain how they can help to advance a Cisco Network Engineer's career.

What are Cisco Network Engineer Certifications?

Cisco Network Engineer Certification is a professional certification program from Cisco Systems that recognizes a person’s knowledge and proficiency in networking technologies, products, and services. It is designed to validate an individual’s skills and provide employers with the assurance that they have personnel with the right technical expertise to design, implement, troubleshoot, and support enterprise networks.

The certification consists of various levels of certifications, ranging from entry-level to expert-level. The entry-level certifications are designed for individuals who are new to networking technologies or who are looking to expand their current knowledge base. These certifications include CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician), CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional). Higher level certifications include the CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) and the CCDE (Cisco Certified Design Expert).

Having a Cisco Network Engineer Certification can help individuals by providing them with the ability to demonstrate their technical skills, increase their marketability for job opportunities, and open up new career paths. Additionally, employers can benefit from having certified personnel on staff as it increases their credibility in the marketplace as well as provides them with qualified personnel who can quickly adapt to changing network environments.

Pro Tip: If you are planning to pursue a Cisco Network Engineer Certification, make sure to take advantage of the study materials and resources provided by Cisco. These materials can help you prepare for the certification exam and increase your chances of success.

Related: What does a Cisco Network Engineer do?

Top 11 Cisco Network Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Cisco Network Engineers today.

1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems, Inc. It is an entry-level certification for individuals working in the field of networking. The CCNA certification validates an individual's knowledge and skills related to network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CCNA certification depending on your prior experience and the amount of time you dedicate to studying for the exam. To become certified, you must pass one or more exams from the list of available exams. The cost of each exam varies but usually ranges from $200-$400 USD.

The best way to get started with the CCNA certification is to take an online course or attend a training class that covers all of the topics necessary for passing the exam. Additionally, there are many resources available online such as study guides, practice tests, and videos that can help you prepare for the exam.

2. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is a professional-level certification offered by Cisco Systems that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking technologies. It is designed to equip network engineers with the necessary skills to design, implement, configure, troubleshoot, and maintain complex enterprise networks.

To obtain the CCNP certification, one must first pass four exams: 300-101 ROUTE (Routing Protocols), 300-115 SWITCH (Switching Protocols), 300-135 TSHOOT (Troubleshooting), and 300-320 ARCH (Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures). The exams are typically taken over a period of six months or more.

The cost for each exam varies depending on the country you are taking it from. Generally speaking, the cost of each exam ranges from $200 to $300 USD per exam.

In addition to passing the four exams required for CCNP certification, applicants must also have a valid Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification or equivalent experience before they can apply for CCNP certification.

3. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is a professional certification offered by Cisco Systems. It is the highest level of certification offered by Cisco and is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved an expert-level of knowledge in the design, implementation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of complex network infrastructures.

To become a CCIE, candidates must first pass two exams: the CCIE Written Exam and the CCIE Lab Exam. The Written Exam consists of 90-110 multiple choice questions that test a candidate’s knowledge in various areas such as routing protocols, switching technologies, network security, QoS, IPv6, etc. The Lab Exam requires candidates to configure and troubleshoot a series of real-world scenarios using actual equipment in a lab environment.

The amount of time it takes to get your CCIE depends on your experience level and study habits. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more depending on how much time you dedicate to studying for the exams.

In order to become a CCIE you will need to register for both exams with Cisco and pay the associated fees. The cost for each exam varies based on location but typically ranges from $300-$400 USD per exam.

4. Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)

Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) is a certification that validates an individual's knowledge and skills in designing routed and switched network infrastructures. It is designed for Cisco Network Designers, Network Administrators, System Engineers, and Network Managers.

The CCDA certification requires the candidate to pass one exam: DESGN (Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures). This exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of network design principles and technologies used in enterprise networks. The exam covers topics such as IP addressing, routing protocols, network security, virtual private networks (VPNs), quality of service (QoS), wireless LANs, and wide area networks (WANs).

It typically takes between 2-3 months to prepare for the CCDA exam. Candidates should have a good understanding of networking fundamentals before attempting the exam. They should also be familiar with Cisco products and technologies such as routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, QoS, WANs, and wireless LANs.

To get the CCDA certification, candidates must register for the DESGN exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $150-$200 USD. After passing the DESGN exam successfully with a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points, candidates will receive their CCDA certification from Cisco Systems.

5. Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)

Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems that validates the knowledge and skills required to design, build, and manage complex networks. It is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for designing routed and switched network infrastructures and services involving LAN, WAN, wireless, security, voice, and video solutions.

To obtain the CCDP certification, an individual must first pass three exams:

1. Implementing Cisco IP Routing (ROUTE 300-101)

2. Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH 300-115)

3. Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures (ARCH 300-320).

The exams can be taken at any Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center. The cost of each exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD per exam. Depending on experience level and study time available, it may take anywhere from several months to a year or more to prepare for all three exams.

6. Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)

Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) is a certification program that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the area of network security. It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a level of expertise in the design, implementation, and management of Cisco security solutions. CCSP certifies individuals on their ability to secure networks using Cisco products, technologies, and services.

It typically takes around six months to prepare for the CCSP exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and requires a score of 700 or higher out of 1000 points in order to pass.

To get started with the CCSP certification process, you must first register for and complete the required training courses from Cisco. After completing the courses, you can then take the associated exams. You will also need to pay an application fee before taking the exam.

The cost for taking the CCSP exam varies depending on where you are located and which testing center you choose. The cost typically ranges from $300-$400 USD, plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with your location.

7. Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP)

Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP) is a certification offered by Cisco Systems that focuses on the design, implementation, and maintenance of voice networks. The CCVP certification validates an individual’s ability to implement and maintain a Voice over IP (VoIP) network. It is designed for professionals who have already achieved the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Voice certification or equivalent knowledge.

It takes approximately 6-12 months to become CCVP certified, depending on an individual's experience level. To get the CCVP certification, an individual must first pass four exams: Implementing Cisco IP Telephony & Video Part 1 (CIPT1), Implementing Cisco IP Telephony & Video Part 2 (CIPT2), Troubleshooting Cisco IP Telephony & Video (CTCOLLAB), and Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Part 1 (CUCM).

The cost of the CCVP certification varies depending on which exams you take and where you take them. The cost of each exam ranges from $125 to $300 USD. Additionally, there are various training materials available online or through local training centers that can help you prepare for the exams.

8. Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Design Specialist (DCUCD)

Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Design Specialist (DCUCD) is a certification program designed to help IT professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to design, deploy, and manage Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) solutions. This certification validates an individual’s ability to understand the concepts of UCS architecture, components, and management tools; design and implement UCS solutions; troubleshoot UCS problems; and maintain a secure environment.

The DCUCD certification requires passing one exam: 642-035 DCUCT. The exam is 90 minutes long and consists of 65-75 questions. It covers topics such as UCS architecture, components, management tools, configuration options, security considerations, troubleshooting strategies, and maintenance processes.

To get the Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Design Specialist (DCUCD) certification you must first pass the 642-035 DCUCT exam. You can register for the exam through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exam is $300 USD. Once you have passed the exam you will receive your official Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Design Specialist (DCUCD) certificate in the mail within 8 weeks.

9. Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric Design Specialist (DCUFD)

Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric Design Specialist (DCUFD) is a certification program designed to validate the knowledge and skills of IT professionals who design, implement, and maintain Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric solutions. The DCUFD certification covers the architecture, features, and functions of Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric solutions. It also includes topics such as data center network topology, fabric switching technologies, storage networking technologies, and security.

To become a Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric Design Specialist (DCUFD), you must pass two exams: the DCUFD Exam 1 (642-997 DCUFD) and the DCUFD Exam 2 (642-998 DCUFD). Both exams are available through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers.

The cost for taking the two exams is approximately $600 USD. The time needed to complete both exams varies depending on your experience level; however, it typically takes around four hours to complete each exam.

In addition to passing both exams, you must also have valid CCNA Data Center certification in order to earn the Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric Design Specialist (DCUFD) certification.

10. Cisco Wireless Design Specialist (CWDS)

Cisco Wireless Design Specialist (CWDS) is a certification program from Cisco that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in designing, deploying, and troubleshooting wireless networks. This program is designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in the design and implementation of wireless networks.

The CWDS certification requires passing two exams: one on the fundamentals of wireless networking and one on advanced topics. The fundamentals exam covers topics such as wireless standards, radio frequency (RF) design principles, network topologies, security protocols, and troubleshooting techniques. The advanced exam dives deeper into topics such as mobility services, mesh architectures, quality of service (QoS), location-based services (LBS), and network management.

It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the CWDS certification exams depending on your experience level with wireless networking. To get started you should review the official CWDS curriculum and practice exams offered by Cisco. You can also find additional resources online such as study guides, practice tests, video tutorials, etc., to help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of the CWDS certification varies depending on which exam bundle you purchase from Cisco – it can range anywhere from $100 - $500 USD.

11. Cisco IP Telephony Design Specialist (IPTD).

Cisco IP Telephony Design Specialist (IPTD) is a certification program offered by Cisco that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to design, deploy, and troubleshoot voice over IP (VoIP) networks. This certification validates an individual's ability to understand the principles of VoIP technology, design end-to-end VoIP solutions, and configure Cisco Unified Communications Manager.

The Cisco IP Telephony Design Specialist (IPTD) certification requires passing two exams:

1. Implementing Cisco IP Telephony & Video Part 1 (300-070 CIPTV1)

2. Implementing Cisco IP Telephony & Video Part 2 (300-075 CIPTV2).

Both exams are 90 minutes long and cover topics such as designing a VoIP network, configuring gateways, media resources, call routing protocols, and troubleshooting. The exams must be taken at an authorized testing center such as Pearson VUE or Prometric.

The cost of the two exams is $450 each ($900 total). The cost may vary depending on the testing center you choose. It typically takes about 4 months to prepare for both exams and obtain the certification.

Do You Really Need a Cisco Network Engineer Certificate?

Yes, a Cisco Network Engineer Certificate is an important credential for those who want to pursue a career in the field of networking. It demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex networks. It also provides proof of experience in the field and shows potential employers that you are knowledgeable in the technology they use.

Having a Cisco Network Engineer Certificate can open up numerous opportunities for advancement within the IT industry. Many companies prefer to hire individuals with this type of certification because it demonstrates that they have already achieved a high level of proficiency in the technology. The certification also helps employers evaluate applicants’ abilities more accurately and make better hiring decisions.

Moreover, having a Cisco Network Engineer Certificate can give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions. You will be able to demonstrate your knowledge of networking fundamentals and show that you understand how different components work together to create reliable networks. This will help employers make informed decisions about who is best suited for a particular role within their organization.

In conclusion, obtaining a Cisco Network Engineer Certificate is essential if you want to pursue a career in networking or gain recognition within the IT industry. Even if you have some experience in this field, having this certification will help demonstrate your expertise and set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions.

Related: Cisco Network Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Cisco Network Engineer Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Cisco Network Engineers?

Answer: The available certifications for Cisco Network Engineers include CCNA Routing and Switching, CCNP Routing and Switching, CCIE Routing and Switching, and Cisco Certified DevNet Professional.

2. How much does it cost to get a Cisco Network Engineer Certification?

Answer: The cost of the certification varies depending on the type of certification you pursue, but generally ranges from $200 - $500 USD.

3. How long does it take to get a Cisco Network Engineer Certification?

Answer: Depending on the certification you pursue, it can take anywhere from one month to two years or more to complete the necessary requirements.

4. Is there a renewal process for Cisco Network Engineer Certifications?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require renewal every three years in order to maintain current status.

5. What is required in order to obtain a Cisco Network Engineer Certification?

Answer: Generally, each certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as networking fundamentals, routing protocols, switching technologies, and troubleshooting techniques. You may also need to complete hands-on labs or other prerequisites before taking the exam.