Cisco CCIE

The Cisco CCIE is the pinnacle of Cisco certifications. With several tracks, a written exam, and a practical lab exam, the Cisco CCIE is one of the most desirable certifications for network professionals and companies. The CCIE is considered an "expert" certification and with the low first time pass rate, it holds to its reputation. Not only is it the premiere networking certification, it also delivers by providing elevated salaries and benefits for those who achieve it. The CCIE has 5 tracks: Routing & Switching, Security, Voice over IP, Storage Networking, and Service Provider Networks.

Cisco CCNA

The Cisco CCNA certification is a foundational exam for Cisco certs. The certification demonstrates your skills as a network apprentice and is frequently both a first step for network technicians and a side certification for engineers skilled in other areas such as Microsoft or Linux servers. The one exam certification tests your ability to select, connect, configure, and troubleshoot various Cisco networking devices. The exam covers topics such as extending switched networks using VLANs, determining IP routes, managing IP traffic with access lists, establishing point-to-point communications, and establishing frame relay connections.

Cisco CCNP

Once you have achieved your CCNA, you can move on to achieving your CCNP, the "professional" Cisco certification. The CCNP indicates an advanced knowledge of networking to allow you to install, configure, and troubleshoot LANs and WANs. The test covers topics such as security, converged networks, quality of service, virtual private networks, and broadband technologies. The CCNP requires a CCNA certification and four certification exams.