October 6, 2026
If you are building a career in IT, you have probably come across Cisco certifications. But once you start researching them, another question quickly appears:
There is no single answer. Cisco offers certifications for people at different stages of their careers and across areas such as networking, cybersecurity, data centres, wireless technology, automation and collaboration. (Cisco)
The right choice depends on what you already know, the type of IT work that interests you and where you want your career to go. Here are some of the main Cisco certification paths and questions to consider before choosing an exam.
IT is a broad field. Someone may work with networks, cloud systems, cybersecurity, software, technical support or many other technologies.
A certification gives you a way to demonstrate knowledge and skills in a particular area. Cisco's certifications range from support technician credentials through Associate, Professional and Expert-level certifications.
Before choosing one, think about your goal. Are you trying to get started in IT? Do you already work in networking and want to move forward? Are you interested in cybersecurity? Or do you want to specialize in a particular technology? Your answers can help narrow down the options.
If you are at the beginning of your IT career, Cisco's Certified Support Technician (CCST) certifications are worth exploring.
Current options include CCST IT Support, CCST Networking and CCST Cybersecurity.
These certifications can be useful for people who are building foundational skills before moving into more advanced areas. For example, someone interested in networks could begin with networking fundamentals, while someone more interested in protecting systems and information might explore the cybersecurity path.
You do not necessarily have to start here, however. Your existing education and experience should help determine the appropriate level.
One of Cisco's best-known credentials is the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA).
The CCNA covers a broad range of IT and networking knowledge, including:
Candidates earn the CCNA by passing the 200-301 CCNA exam. Cisco lists no formal prerequisite for the exam, and the certification is valid for three years. (Cisco)
CCNA may be worth exploring if you already have some IT knowledge and want to develop or demonstrate a broader understanding of networking.
It can also make sense if you are not yet sure which advanced networking area you want to specialize in. Because the exam covers several core areas, it can provide a foundation for further learning.
Networking is not the only Cisco path. Cisco also offers CCNA Cybersecurity, which focuses more specifically on cybersecurity operations. The certification covers areas including security concepts, security monitoring, host-based analysis, network intrusion analysis, and security policies and procedures.
To earn it, candidates currently need to pass the 200-201 CCNACBR exam. Cisco lists no prerequisite for this exam. So how do you choose between CCNA and CCNA Cybersecurity? Ask yourself what type of work interests you most.
If you want broad networking knowledge, CCNA may be the more relevant option. If investigating threats, monitoring systems and responding to security incidents sounds more interesting, a cybersecurity certification may better match your goals.
If you have moved beyond the fundamentals, Cisco offers Professional-level certifications, commonly known as CCNP certifications. Current professional paths include Enterprise, Cybersecurity, Data Center, Security, Service Provider, Wireless, Automation and Collaboration. Unlike the CCNA, which is earned through one exam, a CCNP certification generally requires two exams:
One core exam + one concentration exam
This structure lets you demonstrate knowledge of a broad technology area while also choosing a specialization that matches your interests or work.
For example, someone pursuing CCNP Cybersecurity completes a core cybersecurity exam and then chooses a concentration such as forensic analysis and incident response or threat hunting and defending. That flexibility is useful for experienced IT professionals who have started to identify where they want to specialize.
At the advanced end of Cisco's certification system are Expert-level credentials such as the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE).
These are not usually the starting point for someone new to IT. Expert certification involves advanced written and practical testing. Cisco states that its Expert lab and practical exams are delivered in person. If you are early in your career, you do not need to worry about reaching the Expert level immediately. Certification can be approached step by step as your knowledge and experience grow.
Yes, this is something candidates should consider.
Cisco certifications generally need to be maintained. For example, Cisco states that its CCNA and CCNP Cybersecurity certifications are valid for three years. Cisco provides different recertification pathways, including certification exams and Continuing Education activities.
Certification is therefore not necessarily a one-time event. Technology changes, and keeping your knowledge current is part of working in IT.
Once you know which certification you want, start with the official exam information.
Cisco publishes exam details and topics so candidates can see what knowledge will be tested. It also offers learning resources through Cisco U., and some certifications have practice exams and other preparation options. A practical study plan could include reviewing the official exam topics, identifying your weaker areas, completing hands-on practice and giving yourself enough time to prepare.
Avoid choosing an exam simply because its name is familiar. First understand what it tests and whether those skills match your career plans.
Many candidates prefer writing an important certification exam in a professional testing environment rather than at home.
Cisco says its Associate, Professional and Expert written exams are available in person as well as online. Proctored exams are timed and delivered in a secure testing environment. Written Cisco certification exams are scheduled through Cisco's certification system and Pearson VUE.
For candidates in British Columbia, Ashton Testing Services (ATS) in downtown Vancouver is a Pearson VUE testing centre where Cisco certification exams can be taken in person.
Before booking, check the requirements for your specific Cisco exam and make sure you understand the identification, scheduling and exam-day requirements.
The important question is: “Which Cisco certification is best for the IT career I want?”
You can explore Cisco's current exams and certification tracks on the official Cisco certification exam list.