While certification isn’t the goal, it’s a useful tool for IT professionals to get the knowledge they need. Using certification to validate a candidate’s IT skills and knowledge, as well as to match them to specific jobs, has been proven to be a successful strategy.

Cisco is one of the most well-known certification companies in the world when it comes to networking certifications. Among all networking certification programs, Cisco appears to be the most popular. Cisco certificates range in level from beginner to expert, and they cover a wide range of technologies.

Despite being vendor-specific, Cisco certifications are widely accepted due to a large amount of information they get that is vendor-neutral. Many networking providers’ technologies can easily be used to such common information.

The 5 Most In-Demand Cisco Certifications:

Here are the Top 5 Cisco Certifications in Demand Right Now, which can assist Networking Professionals in determining the best path for their career.

1. Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

The CCENT certification is a good starting point for those who are new to networking or who have already worked in the field for a while. At the entry level, CCENT accepts network support capabilities and authorizes network administrators with the skills and expertise to create, implement, and maintain small business networks.

100-105 ICND1 is the current CCENT exam. Basic computer operations and operating system knowledge are required for this certification. Network technicians, engineers and administrators, and systems engineers are among the roles for which a CCENT certificate tenant is certified. CCENT is also a great way to get into some of the more advanced Cisco certifications.

2. Cisco Certified Network Associate Routing and Switching (CCNA R&S)

CCNA R&S is still the most popular certification for newcomers to networking. Network administrators of all ages started their careers with CCNA R&S, but Cisco has expanded the CCNA options and included other tracks such as wireless, security, data center, and cloud.

The concepts of routing and switching, as well as the technology of network infrastructure parts, are all covered in CCNA R&S. It includes a non-biased explanation of networking technology as well as the operating systems for Cisco routers and switches.

Candidates can either keep their CCENT certification and take the ICND2 test or take the CCNA composite exam to get CCNA R&S. Cisco-provided courses, online practice tests, and sample questions can help you prepare for the CCNA R&S exam.

3. Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)

The CCNA and CCDA certificates focus on network infrastructure operation, whereas the CCNA and CCDA certifications focus on network design and scalability. This certification is highly recommended for IT professionals who are passionate about putting the pieces together for a network design that meets an organization’s needs for a scalable and reliable network. Network design engineers are highly valued by businesses because of their ability to create new networks as well as upgrade existing ones.

Passing Cisco’s DESGN exam, which encompasses designing business network infrastructures including routing and switching technologies, protocols, and tools, is required to obtain a CCDA certification. The CCDP certification, which focuses on more advanced routing and switching technologies as well as a variety of network architectures, is also available with a CCDA.

A valid CCENT, a valid CCNA Routing, and Switching, or any CCIE certification is required for CCDA certification, which is why Cisco requires a valid CCENT, a valid CCNA Routing, and Switching, or any CCIE certification for CCDA certification.

4. Cisco Certified Network Associate Cloud (CCNA Cloud)

For networking newbies joining a fast expanding employment market, the CCNA Cloud certification is a very solid credential. With the IT industry’s rapid move to the cloud, network engineers with extensive expertise and knowledge of cloud operations are becoming increasingly concerned.

CCNA Cloud introduces network engineers to cloud infrastructure and teaches them how to use it to solve problems. The need for CCNA’s will continue to rise as cloud utilization continues to rise.

Even though there are no criteria for this certification, Cisco strongly recommends that applicants have a basic understanding of network protocols and technologies. Two tests, the CLDFND and CLDADM, must be passed to be certified. Cloud Basics, as well as Cisco cloud products, are covered extensively in both courses.

For Cisco accredited specialists, the era of cloud computing is forcing a lot of chances. Earning a Cisco networking certification has never had a set deadline. It will give you a new perspective on your profession and life.

5. Cisco Certified Network Associate Data Center (CCNA Data Center)

The CCNA is a relatively new certification that grew out of the original CCNA into more separate levels. CCNA Data Center focuses on the network equipment inside a data center, rather than WAN and Internet access.

DCICN and DCICT certifications need two tests. The courses include data center networking concepts as well as data center technologies such as network and server virtualization, as well as storage. This certification track specialization was established to match task specialization and focus on certain groups of network infrastructure technologies and activities.

Datacenter network administrators are in high demand due to the current high interest in individual data centers. It’s the best place to go if you’re a networking immigrant trying to expand your skill set and boost your chances of obtaining a fantastic starting job.