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Cisco Certification Guide 2026 Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

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On 2025-12-10
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Cisco certifications are some of the most respected certifications in the IT industry. Cisco focuses on networking security wireless technologies automation and cloud networking. Companies all over the world use Cisco devices so certified professionals are always in high demand.

This blog explains what Cisco certifications are why they matter, which certifications are best for beginners and how you can prepare step by step.

What Is Cisco Certification?

Cisco certification shows that you understand networking basics routing & switching network security wireless networks automation and troubleshooting. These certifications help you start a strong career in networking and cybersecurity.

Cisco offers several certification tracks:

  • CCNA (Associate Level)
  • CCNP (Professional Level)
  • CCIE (Expert Level)
  • DevNet Certifications
  • Cyber Ops Certifications
  • Specialist Certifications

Cisco has simplified its certification paths. CCNA is now the starting point for almost everyone.

Why Choose Cisco Certification?

Here are strong reasons why Cisco certifications are valuable:

  1. High Demand Worldwide – Cisco networks are used globally.
  2. High Salary – Networking and security jobs pay very well.
  3. Strong Career Start – CCNA alone opens many job opportunities.
  4. Trusted by Companies – Cisco is the largest networking company in the world.
  5. Practical Skills – Hands-on labs help you learn real world networking.
  6. Career Growth Path – You can upgrade from CCNA → CCNP → CCIE.

Whether you want a job in networking cybersecurity or IT support Cisco is one of the best choices.

Popular Cisco Certifications

1. CCNA Cisco Certified Network Associate

The most popular Cisco certification. Covers:

  • Networking basics
  • IP addressing
  • Routing and switching
  • Network automation
  • Network security
  • WAN, LAN, VLAN, VPN concepts

Best for: Beginners

2. CCNP Cisco Certified Network Professional

CCNP is the next level after CCNA. It has multiple tracks:

  • CCNP Enterprise
  • CCNP Security
  • CCNP Data Center
  • CCNP Collaboration
  • CCNP Service Provider

Best for: Network engineers with experience.

3. CCIE Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert

One of the hardest and most respected certifications in the world.

Best for: Advanced level engineers.

4. Cisco DevNet Certifications

Focus on automation coding and APIs.

  • DevNet Associate
  • DevNet Professional
  • DevNet Expert

Best for: People interested in Networking + Programming.

5. Cisco CyberOps Certifications

Focused on cybersecurity and SOC operations.

  • CyberOps Associate
  • CyberOps Professional

Best for: Cybersecurity beginners and SOC analysts.

Which Cisco Certification Is Best for Beginners?

The best starting point is:

CCNA (200-301)

Because it teaches:

  • Network fundamentals
  • Security basics
  • IPv4 & IPv6
  • Switching/Routing
  • Automation and programmability
  • Wireless basics

Even if you want to go into security or cloud CCNA is still the perfect first step.

Cisco Exam Format

  • Duration: 120 minutes
  • Question Type: Multiple choice drag and drop simulations
  • Passing Score: Around 820/1000 (not officially published)
  • Cost:
    • CCNA → $300
    • CCNP → $400–$700
    • CCIE → $450 (written) + $1,600 (lab)
  • Languages: English
  • Mode: Online or Test Center

Cisco Certification Career Jobs

With CCNA and CCNP you can apply for:

  • Network Administrator
  • Network Support Engineer
  • System Engineer
  • IT Technician
  • Security Technician
  • SOC Analyst (with CyberOps)
  • Network Operations Center (NOC) Engineer
  • Wireless Network Engineer

High paying roles are available globally.

60 Day Study Plan for CCNA

Days 1-10: Learn Basics

  • OSI & TCP/IP
  • IP addressing
  • Subnetting
  • Network types

Days 11-25: Routing & Switching

  • VLANs
  • STP
  • OSPF
  • Static and dynamic routing

Days 26-35: Security

  • ACLs
  • Firewalls basics
  • VPN concepts

Days 36-45: Wireless & Automation

  • Wireless standards
  • Controllers
  • Python basics
  • APIs

Days 46-55: Lab Practice

  • Cisco Packet Tracer
  • GNS3
  • EVE-NG

Days 56-60: Mock Exams

  • Practice tests
  • Identify weak areas
  • Final revision

Sample CCNA Questions

Q1: Which protocol is used to find the best path in OSPF?
A. Cost
B. Hop Count
C. Delay
D. Bandwidth
Answer: A

Q2: What is the purpose of VLANs?
A. Increase IP addresses
B. Divide networks logically
C. Improve wireless speed
D. Encrypt data
Answer: B

Q3: Which command shows IP interface brief?
A. show ip route
B. show ip int br
C. show interfaces
D. show version
Answer: B

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