In recent years, Cisco certificates have risen in popularity, and many people now have them. Cisco certificates are often regarded as some of the most important credentials available in the information technology sector today. When it comes to Cisco certifications, there are a variety of options.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is better and easier to obtain if you only want to work in an office or operate routers on your home network; but, if you want to install and operate advanced enterprise-level networks, the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification can be ideal for you.
We are all aware that Cisco is a massive corporation that offers a wide range of networking equipment. However, which Certification should you obtain depending on whether you are a beginner or an expert? Which is better, CCNP or CCNA? This article will assist you in determining whether or not you should pursue the more advanced Certification.
Is CCNP a more difficult certification to obtain than CCNA?
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) credential is one of the most widely recognized information Technology. It’s an important qualification that might take years to obtain, but the result is well worth the effort.
So, how does the CCNP differ from the CCNA? The first thing you should know about CCNP versus CCNA is that there are a variety of various pathways you may take to obtain them. CCNP is the more advanced Certification.
Since you can achieve your Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) before moving on to get your Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), the two certifications aren’t truly comparable because they have distinct prerequisites.
While the two certifications are distinct, there are some significant similarities between them – both require networking knowledge, as well as troubleshooting skills, which are essential for any network professional today – and so, if you are just getting started in the field of networking, going for the CCNA certification may be a wise choice for you.
What is CCNA?
CCNA is an abbreviation for the Cisco CCIE certification. The (CCNA) certification has quickly risen to become one of the most well-regarded entry-level networking credentials available in today’s market.
The CCNA certification is intended for those who have one to two years of networking engineering expertise under their belt. The most significant advantage of CCNA training is the fact that the CCNA certification is quite reasonably priced.
The primary goal of this Cisco certification is to give an associate-level certification for networking enthusiasts and newcomers who already have some expertise with networking technologies and procedures.
Students interested in the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) program must pass tests and get instruction in installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting Cisco’s medium-sized networking devices.
It also gives applicants the chance to learn more about the fundamentals and principles of the Cisco network environment via their pursuit of the CCNA certification.
Additionally, the Certification offers newcomers a significant amount of knowledge on using information technology equipment without encountering any difficulties.
Even though the content has been tailored to the Cisco environment, it is also valuable on a more fundamental level: people who obtain this Certification may use their knowledge in various circumstances and enhance their marketability across various platforms.
What is CCNP?
The (CCNP) is an abbreviation for Cisco Certified Network Professional. The (CCNP) certification is a network-related credential. It is open to IT experts with a minimum of one year of field experience in networking who meet the requirements. In addition, a high school degree or comparable qualification is required.
Achieving the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification is intended for experts interested in specialized training programs in installing, managing, and planning Cisco’s extensive range of high-end network solutions.
The CCNP credential curriculum comprises several distinct courses that teach the fundamentals of information technology networking.
This certification program trains professionals to troubleshoot, install, and maintain wide area networks (WAN) and local area networks (LAN). Students also gain knowledge of a wide range of network characteristics and protocols, such as Access Lists, Route Redistribution, Apple Talk, and Ethernet.
The major focus of the certificate program is on educating professionals for the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) test. A series of practice tests are administered during the course to assess the student’s understanding and expertise of Cisco’s Internet Protocol switching network and Internet Protocol routing technologies.
These exams also assess the student’s competence to diagnose, test and maintain various procedures and systems.
In what ways are CCNP and CCNA distinct from one another?
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a beginner-level certification that tests an individual’s understanding of routing and switching principles.
As opposed to this, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is considered a lot more sophisticated and advanced Certification requiring far more in-depth knowledge.
It would also need a thorough grasp of Local Area Network and Wide Area Network concepts and how these ideas interact with one another.
CCNP Certification is ranked second in importance over CCNA Certification, which is ranked first in importance according to the number of Certifications earned; nevertheless, CCNP is considered a far more knowledgeable certification.
Specifically, it would be evaluating the better comprehension of the Security and Networking elements of a certain network.
Based on this, it would also appear that the CCNA Certification may be offered without any prerequisites being required.
After the modifications were implemented, an individual may obtain a CCNA Certification by passing a single test, whereas a CCNP Certification would need passing at least four examinations.
Difficulty Level: CCNP vs. CCNA
After the first point, it is generally accepted that the CCNP certification tests are tougher to achieve than CCNA certification exams.
There are several reasons for this, including the fact that you must cover more material. Still, Cisco may also create subjective questions, for example, questions mentioned in a certification manual or data page someplace.
This difference in complexity is represented in the exam amount and timing of questions, which are both different from one another. CCNA Switching and Routing composite exams (currently 200-125) are Ninety minutes long and contain sixty to seventy questions.
CCNP Switching and Routing credential (ROUTE 300-101) is 120 minutes long and has 50 to 60 questions. It implies that on the CCNP test, Cisco offers you more time and asks you fewer questions than on the CCNA exam.
Career Difference Between CCNA and CCNP:
Following the information provided in the preceding sections, you should have a good understanding of what the CCNA and CCNP certifications are all about.
Based on the information provided above, there would be a substantial difference in the possibilities you would obtain depending on the accomplishment of these Certifications. To put it bluntly, obtaining each of these Certifications would open the door to a variety of various career opportunities.
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification can lead to positions such as Tech support Engineer, First and the Second Level Service Engineer, Networking Engineer, or Network Technician.
In addition to helping you advance in your profession, earning a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification will enable you to pursue positions such as Third Level Support, Network Specialist, and Systems Engineer. As a result, while the CCNP is more difficult than the CCNA, it also offers certain distinct advantages.
What are the benefits of acquiring CCNA Certification?
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is required for every networking professional. It’s an excellent approach to build your résumé and skill set while also focusing your attention on a certain subject that interests you the most!
A career in computer networks may give several advantages, including greater pay potentials through options such as higher-level positions or unique assignments at the employer’s discretion, as well as increased working satisfaction.
What are the Drawbacks of Acquiring CCNA Certification?
There are some drawbacks to earning the CCNA certification, but there are also disadvantages. For starters, it may be more expensive and take longer to complete than a typical bachelor’s degree, owing in part to the fact that you must have prior IT experience or college education before taking the test (and if not, then this is something worth considering).
Another disadvantage might be that companies will favor applicants who have these certifications over those who do not – however, this would depend completely on the sector of employment they are attempting to get recruited into!
What are the benefits of acquiring CCNP Certification?
Numerous advantages may be gained by earning your CCNP Certification. You will be able to troubleshoot more efficiently since it allows specialists in networking and communication technology sectors such as routers or switches, which regulate how data moves across networks, to assist you; as a result, your job will be considerably more efficient.
For example, when employing different skillsets to repair an issue on one computer, it may take hours instead of minutes to fix the problem on another machine. In addition, you will have more earning potential and improved employment opportunities, and higher-level jobs within the company or network where you work.
Furthermore, suppose your firm is searching for someone who has obtained this Certification. In that case, they will be aware of the qualities that come with it, which means that there is no need to waste time educating individuals just so one person may get their foot in the door of another organization.
What are the Drawbacks of Acquiring CCNP Certification?
Face-to-face training, textbooks, and software are accessible, but they may be out of reach for certain people due to their high costs. Before beginning the certification process, you must commit to a three-day (or longer) time commitment. It is before considering the time required to prepare for the procedure before you even begin mentally!
How to Prepare for CCNA and CCNP Exam?
Without knowing the specific criteria, you will be unable to take a successful exam. The Cisco CCNA and CCNP certifications are thoroughly documented, which is a blessing.
Here are some pointers to help you prepare for your examination:
- Gather all of the necessary information.
Prepare for Cisco CCNA or CCNP Certification by collecting all source information to locate and enter it into your account. Everything is covered, from specific books to Cisco Networking Institute materials to videos and online learning such as posts and articles.
- Get Practical Experience
To pass the CCNA and CCNP exams, you’ll need a combination of theoretical and practical expertise. You must practice using theoretical material in real-world troubleshooting and networking situations as you prepare for the test.
While it is general knowledge that IP communication is unreliable, the primary challenge is identifying alternate connectivity troubleshooting between nodes through IP.
- Refresh Your Memorizations Right Before the Examination.
We recommend that you review the Cisco Press books one more time before your scheduled examination date. This will assist you in refreshing your memory and identifying anything that you may have overlooked the first time through.
Students should dedicate their time entirely to problem-solving activities for a final couple of weeks before the examinations. Examine internet forums and other online mock exam platforms to see if you can answer any new questions to use in practice.
How Much Time Does it take to become Certified?
In contrast to most CCNA certificates that need only one test (some require two), the majority of CCNP certifications require you to pass up to four examinations! Considering that each of those CCNP-level tests is likely to be more challenging than the single CCNA-level exam, this is no joke.
In addition, the time necessary to obtain CCNP certification is at least three to four times longer than the time required to obtain CCNA certification.
Final Thoughts
Consider getting your CCNP certification if you’re searching for a job as an IT expert, and the CCNP is better aligned with where you want your career to go. However, if you want something to put on your CV to demonstrate your network engineer or technician qualifications, the CCNA is a better option. Unless there is a monetary prize at risk, it is not worth putting in the extra effort to study.
