Earning the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a significant achievement, marking your entry into the world of networking. After completing CCNA, many networking professionals wonder about their next steps and what certifications to pursue. In this article, we’ll explore the logical progression and options available after CCNA. Join CCNA Course in Pune from SevenMentor.
1. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP):
CCNP is the natural progression from CCNA. It is designed for network professionals who want to advance their skills and knowledge to a higher level. CCNP is available in various tracks, including Routing and Switching, Security, Data Center, Wireless, and more. Choosing a CCNP specialization that aligns with your career goals is a recommended path. For instance, CCNP Routing and Switching dives deeper into routing, switching, and troubleshooting, making it suitable for those who want to become network engineers.
2. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE):
CCIE is considered the pinnacle of Cisco certifications. It is an expert-level certification that showcases your expertise in designing, implementing, managing, and troubleshooting complex network infrastructures. There are several tracks available, such as CCIE Routing and Switching, Security, and Data Center. Pursuing a CCIE demonstrates your commitment to becoming a true networking expert and opens doors to high-level networking roles.
3. Cisco Certified DevNet Professional:
Cisco’s DevNet certifications focus on network automation, programmability, and development. For professionals interested in the intersection of networking and software, the Cisco DevNet Professional certification is an excellent choice. It emphasizes skills in automation, application development, and API integration.
4. CompTIA Network+ and Security+:
For those who wish to broaden their networking and security knowledge, CompTIA’s Network+ and Security+ certifications are good options. These certifications provide a well-rounded understanding of network fundamentals and security principles, which can complement your CCNA certification.
5. Specialized Vendor Certifications:
Depending on your career goals and the technologies you work with, you may want to explore certifications from other networking vendors. For example, Juniper Networks offers certifications like JNCIA and JNCIS for routing and switching, while Palo Alto Networks provides certifications in network security. These certifications can help you become proficient with specific technologies and diversify your skill set. Join CCNA Classes in Pune.
6. AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty:
As cloud computing becomes integral to modern networking, the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty certification is relevant for network professionals who work in or with cloud environments. This certification focuses on AWS networking concepts and best practices.
7. ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library):
For professionals interested in IT service management and ITIL processes, pursuing ITIL certifications can be valuable. ITIL certifications cover various aspects of IT service management, including network management.
8. Cybersecurity Certifications:
Cybersecurity is a critical aspect of networking. Pursuing certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) can complement your CCNA and open doors to cybersecurity roles within networking.
Conclusion:
The path you choose after earning your CCNA certification should align with your career goals and interests. Whether you decide to specialize in Cisco networking with CCNP or CCIE, explore network automation and development with DevNet, or broaden your knowledge with complementary certifications, the key is to continue learning and advancing your networking expertise. Your certification journey doesn’t end with CCNA; it’s just the beginning of a promising career in networking. Enroll CCNA Training in Pune.
