The modern era of digitization brings massive opportunities for professionals to break into the computing and networking domain. But the reality is a little different when acquiring these opportunities. Gone are the days when you can depend on sheer luck to land your dream job without doing anything. However, no need to fret! Ever since Cisco came into existence, it is providing several certifications to embrace your career and goals.
Whether you’re a novice or a professional, it doesn’t matter! With the Cisco certification path, you can get your foot in the door of the rewarding career you dream about. Let’s jump straight into the blog for discovering everything you need to know about the Cisco Certifications roadmap.
Cisco Certifications Levels
Cisco provides certifications in five levels: entry, associate, professional, expert, and architect. Which certification you want to pursue depends on your current knowledge of Cisco networks and experience in the networking domain. If you’re not sure where to begin, explore the Cisco career path below!
Cisco Certifications Path: Entry to Expert Level
Below is the infographic of the Cisco Certifications roadmap, that will help you better understand the certification path.
Start with the Cisco Entry-Level Certifications
If you’re the one who is just starting your career in networking, then Cisco entry-level certifications are for you. Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) falls into this category. This certification is the best way to start your career and validate your skills in Cisco technologies and is also a stepping stone to achieving associate-level certifications (CCNA, CyberOps).
Enablement Path to Get Entry-level Certifications
In order to get CCST and other entry-level certifications, you have to pass the required exam.
| Certification | Required Exam |
| CCST Cybersecurity | CCST Cybersecurity Exam |
| CCST Networking | CCST Networking Exam |
Flourish your Skills with Cisco Associate Level Certifications
After you complete the entry-level certification, the next step is to get the associate-level certification. CCNA, CyberOps Associate, and Devnet Associate certifications are included in this category and help you expand your knowledge. The associate-level certification opens doors to getting a professional-level certification.
Cisco Certified Networking Associate: CCNA certification covers a wide range of networking concepts including networking fundamentals, security fundamentals, IP services, automation, and programmability, and also validates your skills in managing advanced networks.
Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification confirms the day-to-day, tactical knowledge and skills that Security Operations Center (SOC) teams need to detect and respond to cybersecurity threats.
Cisco Certified Devnet Associate: This certification is your pathway to get into the networking automation domain. The Cisco Certified Devnet Associate certification validates your aptitude to implement basic network applications using Cisco platforms as a base and to implement automation workflows across the network, security, collaboration, and computing infrastructure.
Read more: Is CCNA a Good Career? Perks and benefits of CCNA
Cisco Associate Certifications Enablement Path
| Certification | Required Exam |
| CCNA | 200-301 CCNA |
| CyberOps Associate | 200-201 CBROPS |
| Devnet Associate | 200-901 DEVASC |
Boost Your Expertise with Cisco Professional Level Certifications
Though CCNA or other associate-level certification is not a prerequisite for earning professional-level certifications. However, earning associate-level certification makes it easy to get professional-level certifications. Cisco provides a diverse professional path. You can choose the certification track according to your interest and career goals.
Cisco Certified Networking Professional Enablement Path
To get any Cisco professional certification, you have to pass one core exam and one concentration exam.
Cisco Certified DevNet Professional Enablement Path
Read more: CISCO DevNet Associate Certification Worth
Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional Path
Streamline Your Career with Cisco Certified Infrastructure Expert – CCIE
CCIE is the highest-level certification and is regarded as the benchmark in the networking domain. Getting a CCIE certification is definitely a hard nut to crack and it requires extensive networking knowledge, practical experience, and a challenging exam. To get the required practical experience you have to pass the lab exam.
Pathway to Become a CCIE Certified
| Certification | Core Exam | Lab Exam |
| CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure | 350-401 ENCOR | CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure v1.0 lab |
| CCIE Enterprise Wireless | 350-401 ENCOR | CCIE Enterprise Wireless v1.0 lab |
| CCIE Service Provider | 350-501 SPCOR | CCIE Service Provider v5.0 lab |
| CCIE Data Center | 350-601 DCCOR | CCIE Data Center v3.0 lab |
| CCIE Security | 350-701 SCOR | CCIE Security v6.0 lab |
| CCIE Collaboration | 350-801 CLCOR | CCIE Collaboration v3.0 lab |
| CCDE | 400-007 CCDE | CCDE v3.0 Practical Exam |
Read more: CCNA Certifications Salary in 2026
Wrapping Up
The blog has provided you with complete insights into the Cisco certification path and how to accomplish it. Which Cisco certification route do you want to pursue, the blog has given you direction. Moreover, it is important to note that obtaining a previous-level certification isn’t a prerequisite for getting any higher-level certifications. Whether you’re starting or a seasoned professional, if you have career goals, Cisco certification gets you there. So, obtain your choice of certification, get your dream job, and start a thrilling career.
Frequently Asked Question
In what order do I take Cisco certifications?
If we talk about the general order, it is common that you will start with the entry level and then proceed to the next level including associate, professional, and expert. However, it is not necessary to complete the prior level to attain the next one. If you have experience with the associate level or professional level certification, you can directly take them.
How many levels are in Cisco?
Cisco provides certifications on five levels:
- Entry
- Associate
- Professional
- Expert
- Architect
Can I take the CCNP without CCNA?
Definitely. As we discussed above, there is no need to get a CCNA before CCNP certification. You can directly take CCNP certification. But before you appear in CCNP make sure that you have three to five years of experience in implementing Cisco network solutions. Moreover, our blog on CCNA vs CCNP can give you complete insights into these certifications and their differences.
What is the average salary of a CCNA in the United States?
As of the current month, the average annual pay for a CCNA in the United States is $73,924 a year.
What is the lowest level of Cisco certification?
The entry-level certification is considered the lowest level. Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST networking and security) represents the lowest level of certification which covers basic networking knowledge.
Is getting a Cisco certification exam easy?
No certification exam is easy until you have the required knowledge, appropriate preparation, and inclusive knowledge. It is important to note that the difficulty level does depend on the certification level. Entry-level certification is easy to get compared to professional or expert-level certification. However, which certification exam you are appearing in, make sure you have prepared inclusively for the exam. At Dumpsgate, you can get exam material for any Cisco certification exam for in-depth preparation.
