CCNP vs CCNA: Find Out the Secret to Better Jobs!
Introduction
Earning the Cisco certifications is one of the most cases and desirable qualifications. CCNP vs CCNA are two certifications you’ll hit on your way to the top, from just starting out in networking or looking to take it up a notch. Each of these certifications is highly regarded in IT, but they come with a different goal and cater to two different experience levels.
In this article, we will dissect the distinctions between CCNP vs CCNA that can help you decide which certification is appropriate for you – depending on your career objective how much experience you have, and where in networking you want to channel your proficiency.
What is CCNA?
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is one of the entry-level certifications that are aimed at networking professionals who have little or no experience. This includes basic networking and Cisco tech concepts. Cisco Certified Network Associate or CCNA is a globally recognized certification throughout the world.
Any professional with CCNA certification has the fundamental knowledge and skills required to design, build, and maintain computer networks. For those who want to make a career in computer networking, obtaining ccna certification enhances their employment prospects.
Key Areas covered by CCNA
1) Network fundamentals: Network fundamentals consist of the basics of network operation, different types of cables, protocols, and device types.
2) Routing and switching: How to configure networking devices like routers and switches.
3) IP addressing and subnetting: Understanding IP addressing schemes like classes, subnetting,supernetting, FLSM, VLSM, and CIDR.
4) Security Fundamentals: Key concepts of security like securing router, switch, AAA, basics of ASA firewall and its configuration.
5) Automation and programmability: Automation and programmability is the emerging topic in computer networking. It includes network automation programming.
Who Should Pursue CCNA?
- Beginners: If you are starting your career in computer networking and have no hands-on experience, then CCNA is the best choice for a beginner.
- IT Support Professional: If your current job involves IT support or helpdesk work, you can move into networking by taking your CCNA course.
- Students: CCNA is not only for professionals, but it also helps a student by clearing his/her concepts in the network well through practical knowledge.
Benefits of CCNA
- Foundation of Networking: Its course helps in getting a solid understanding of networking principles and concepts, which makes it easier to specialize later in it.
- Industry Recognition: The CCNA certification is recognized globally throughout the world due to its valuable training on networking devices.
- Career Opportunities: CCNA helps network administrators, network support engineers,s and network technicians who prefer to certify CCNA for their role job.
What is CCNP?
CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) is designed for experienced network professionals. It explains CCNA topics like routing, switching, security, and wireless networks. Before 2020, it was mandatory to pass CCNA before CCNP, but now you can directly take its exam. CCNP has several exams where you want to specialize your career topic such as Routing and Switching (Enterprise), Security, Data Center, Collaboration, Devnet and Service Provider, etc.
key Areas Covered by CCNP
- Advanced Routing: CCNP goes deeper into topics such as EIGRP, OSPF, and BGP, as well as route redistribution and advanced route optimization.
- Advanced Switching: STP, RSTP, MST, Ether-channel, and advanced vlan concepts.
- Network Security: The security concepts include configuring VPN, firewall, AAA, and logging at an advanced level.
- WAN Technologies: The wan technologies include emerging WAN concepts like MPLS, VRF, and SD-WAN.
- Automation and Programmability: Although CCNA covers Automation and programmability, CCNP certification goes deeper into it and explains it in more detail.
Who Should Pursue CCNP?
- Experienced Network Engineers: If you are working in a specialized role in the networking industry with hands-on experience and want to polish your career, then CCNP is best for you.
- CCNA Holders: If you have already CCNA certification and are looking to advance your networking skills. Then you can go ahead for CCNP certification.
- IT Managers: IT manager is a position that requires an experienced person. CCNP helps them to get knowledge in infrastructure as well as other core routing and switching concepts. CCNP boots his/her knowledge to thoroughly understand and work in a networking environment.
Benefits of CCNP
- Advanced Knowledge: CCNP helps you to advance your networking concepts, which allows you to manage and design more complex network systems.
- Specialization: CCNP is a professional certification that offers multiple socialization tracks that give you the opportunity to tailor your certification to your career interests.
- Higher Earning Potential: CCNP professionals earn more than CCNP professionals due to their deeper expertise and responsibilities.
- Career Advancement: Senior or mid-level roles require CCNP certification. The roles include are network engineer, network architecture, and IT manager.
Comparing CCNA and CCNP
| Category | CCNA | CCNP |
| Level | Entry-Level | Professional-Level |
| Prerequisites | None | None according to current policy |
| Focus | Foundational networking concepts | Advanced networking with specialization options |
| Number of Exams | 1 | 2 exams: core + concentration exam |
| Career Level | Entry-level network roles | Mid to senior-level network roles |
| Average Level | $60,000 – $80,000 (depending on experience and location) | $90,000 – $120,000+ (depending on experience and location) |
| Time Commitment | 3-6 months (depending on experience) | 6-12 months (depending on experience) |
Conclusion
Both CCNP vs CCNA certifications are highly coveted and regarded certifications in the networking space however, they represent different career stages of a Networking professional. If you want to dip your toes in, CCNA offers a wide range of basic networking skills and is great for beginners.
In contrast, the CCNP is for those who wish to advance their career further and gain some greater specialization to transition into roles of higher responsibility. At the end of the day, it comes down to where you are in your career and how much time (and tuition) you are able or willing to spend gaining a higher level of academic experience. But when deciding between CCNP vs CCNA, they fit together like a pair of gloves; your certification can make or break you, but one should take precedence over the other.
Similarly, your career aspirations should be on the list too. If you want to be a senior network engineer, then CCNP is best for you.
