The CCNA and CCNP certifications are essential for professionals in networking who want to enhance their careers in information technology. CCNA, or Cisco Certified Network Associate, is an entry-level certification that confirms that the holder has essential skills in networking, such as installing, configuring, and solving problems in medium-sized networks. On the other hand, CCNP, or Cisco Certified Network Professional, is a professional-level certification which requires the candidate to give evidence of advanced knowledge in planning, implementing, and troubleshooting complex enterprise networks. This overview of certifications will cover different aspects related to these, including information on exams, benefits of passing, difficulty levels of certification, job outlook, and overall impact on career development in the networking field.
CCNA is an entry-level IT certificate offered by Cisco Systems, with the award being a proof that the person has knowledge of essential networking that is required by different participants in IT: network engineers, administrators, or even specialists. A candidate achieving CCNA is required to pass the 200-301 CCNA exam where the knowledge tested will relate to network fundamentals, IP connectivity, network access, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation.
The CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) exam, also known as 200-301 CCNA, is an expansive certification test for assessing a candidate's knowledge and skills in network coverage.
Exam duration | 120 minutes |
Number of questions | 100-120 including multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and simulation-based questions |
Exam topics |
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Prerequisites | One or more years of experience is recommended in implementing and administering Cisco solutions, basic understanding of networking fundamentals and IP address knowledge. |
Passing Score | Ranges between 750 to 850 out of 1000 |
CCNP is a professional-level designation with Cisco Systems that validates in-depth networking skills and knowledge offered by Cisco Systems. It typically seeks to target IT professionals holding firm ground in networking concepts as they require at least a one-year experience in such a domain. CCNP will address planning, implementation, verification and troubleshooting of complex solutions on networks.
The CCNP certification has several specialized tracks ranging from Enterprise, Security, Data Center, Service Provider and Collaboration, in which professionals can specifically focus on particular areas of interests.
CCNP certification is divided into five categories: CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Service Provider, CCNP Data Center, CCNP Security, and CCNP Collaboration. Here are the exam details for each category:
Exam Duration: Core exams typically last 120 minutes and concentration exams last 90 minutes.
Core Exams:
Prerequisites: Candidates often also have three to five years of experience in implementing network solutions, security solutions, data center solutions, and service provider solutions.
Passing Score: The passing score varies by exam but generally ranges from 750 to 850 out of 1000.
The key difference between CCNA and CCNP certifications lies in their level and focus. CCNA is an associate-level certification that evaluates a professional's understanding of switching and routing fundamentals. In contrast, CCNP is an advanced certification that demands a more in-depth knowledge of WANs, LANs, and their integration.
The CCNP certification is more technical and provides a deeper exploration of Cisco-specific networking technologies. While Cisco suggests one to two years of professional experience with Cisco technologies for those pursuing CCNA, it recommends three to five years of experience before attempting the CCNP certification.
Feature | CCNA | CCNP |
Level | Associate | Professional |
Prerequisites | None | CCNA required or equivalent knowledge |
Number of exams | 1 (200-301) | Core exam + 1 or more concentration exams |
Depth of content | Fundamental | Advanced |
Job roles | Entry-level roles (e.g., Helpdesk Engineer, Network Technician) | Mid to senior-level roles (e.g., Network Engineer, Systems Engineer) |
Exam complexity | Moderate | High |
Typical salary range | $58,000 - $85,000 | $92,443 - $107,969 |
Recertification requirement | Every three years | Every three years |
Market value | Good for entry-level positions | High demand in advanced roles |
Career Advancement Potential | Stepping stone to advanced certifications | Leads to managerial and specialized roles |
Focus Areas | Basic networking concepts, IP addressing, routing | Advanced routing, design, implementation of networks |
Exam Fees | Approximately $300 | Approximately $300 for core and additional for concentration exams |
The exam difficulty comparison between CCNA and CCNP illustrates the varying levels of complexity, preparation time, and required experience, helping candidates understand what to expect as they pursue these certifications.
Exam Difficulty |
CCNA |
CCNP |
Overall Difficulty |
Moderate |
High |
Preparation Time |
Shorter (1-3 months) |
Longer (3-6 months) |
Concept Complexity |
Basic to Intermediate |
Advanced |
Practical Application |
Limited |
Extensive |
Required Experience |
Minimal |
Significant |
Aspect | CCNA | CCNP |
Certification Level | Entry-level | Advanced-level |
Prerequisites | None | None, but recommended 3-5 years of experience |
Examination Modules | One exam (200-301) | Core exam (350-601) + concentration exam |
Average Salary | $50,000 - $80,000 | $80,000 - $120,000 |
Job Roles | Network Support Engineer, Helpdesk Engineer, Network Technician, Service Desk Technician | Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, Network Analyst, IT Team Leader |
Skills Required | Basic networking skills | Advanced networking skills |
Career Path | Junior positions with limited tasks | Advanced positions with complex responsibilities |
Demand in Industries | High demand across technology, healthcare, finance, and government sectors | High demand across technology, healthcare, finance, and government sectors |
Recertification Requirement | Every three years | Every three years |
Yes, CCNP is tougher than CCNA. CCNA is an entry-level certification that focuses on the foundational networking skills of a candidate, and a candidate needs to pass only one exam, which is 200-301. On the other hand, CCNP is a professional-level certification that requires passing a core exam, 350-401, and one concentration exam, requiring a deeper understanding of advanced networking concepts.
The depth of content within CCNP is about rather complex technologies and practical applications, while basic networking principles are covered by CCNA. It also requires more preparation time for the exam, probably several months to a year of study, compared to three to six months for CCNA.
Yes, you can do CCNP without CCNA. In recent years, Cisco has removed formal prerequisites for the CCNP. That is to say that to sit for the CCNP exam you are not necessarily required to have a CCNA. It is very recommended, however, that a person applying for the CCNP should have a sound concept of networking and should also have some practical experience.
A CCNA is not necessarily required; instead, it gives a foundation which may help in the course of preparing for CCNP. Then candidates should ideally have three to five years of experience in implementation of enterprise networking solutions to ensure that they are well-equipped and properly prepared for more advanced topics presented in CCNP certification exams.
NetCom Learning offers an intense preparation for CCNA and CCNP certifications through many exhaustive resources and training methods, which include:
In IT networking, both Cisco’s CCNA and CCNP certifications help to develop the professional networking specialist. While CCNA offers a solid foundation to anyone coming into the field, it ensures that the individual is up and ready to face complex issues while using the network. Indeed, as the demand for well-experienced networking professionals continues, acquisition of these certifications enhances prospects, increases earning potential, and job security in a dynamically changing technological environment.