How to Choose a Cisco Certification: CCST, CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE
Explore Cisco certification levels and paths in networking, security, automation, data center, and other technology tracks.
Cisco certifications span networking, security, data center, collaboration, automation, and service provider technologies. Choose by both level and track: CCNA is a common networking foundation, while CCNP and CCIE let you go deeper in a specific track. Each track has its own exam combination, so check the Cisco certification catalog.
Cisco certification levels
| Level | Examples | A good fit when |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | CCST Networking, CCST Cybersecurity | You are new to IT and want to validate basic support or security concepts |
| Associate | CCNA, Cybersecurity Associate, CCNA Automation, and others | You need foundational day-to-day technical skills in a track |
| Professional | CCNP Enterprise, Security, Data Center, Automation, and others | You implement and troubleshoot more complex solutions |
| Expert | CCIE tracks and CCDE | You have extensive hands-on experience and want to demonstrate expert skills |
Levels indicate depth; they do not mean every candidate must take every level in sequence. Cisco says many CCNP certifications require one core exam and one concentration exam of your choice. The core exam in a track can also qualify candidates for that track’s CCIE lab exam.
Plan by technology track
Enterprise networking: CCST Networking (optional) → CCNA → CCNP Enterprise → CCIE Enterprise
If you are new to networking, start with CCST Networking fundamentals. Candidates with networking knowledge can assess their readiness for CCNA directly. CCNA 200-301 covers network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation. For more complex enterprise network work, consider the CCNP Enterprise core exam and one concentration. CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure is a further option for expert-level practical skills.
Cybersecurity and security operations
For security operations foundations, consider CCST Cybersecurity. People working in SOC monitoring, detection, and response can review Cisco’s current Cybersecurity Associate path. More advanced security architecture and implementation roles may align with CCNP Cybersecurity, CCNP Security, and related CCIE tracks. Cisco Cybersecurity and CCNP Security are related but distinct tracks; choose based on the work you do.
Automation and software development
If you want to apply programming, APIs, and automation to network infrastructure, explore Cisco’s Automation track. Cisco updated related certification names and paths in 2026; the current catalog includes CCNA Automation, CCNP Automation, and CCIE Automation. Check current exam versions and codes rather than relying only on older DevNet naming.
Data center, collaboration, service provider, and wireless
Cisco also offers Data Center, Collaboration, Service Provider, and Wireless tracks, generally with options at different levels of depth. If your work is already in one of these areas, begin with that track; you do not need every Cisco certification to progress in networking.
How do you choose your next certification?
Start with your target role and current experience, then compare them with the exam blueprint for that track. For CCNP, confirm the required core exam and available concentrations. For CCIE, assess whether you have enough lab and troubleshooting experience. Exam codes and technology names change; check the current Cisco certification and exam pages before registering.