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CCNA vs. CCNP: Which is the Right Choice for You?

Cisco Systems, Inc., is primarily known for providing top-notch networking and communication products and services. These include switching products, routing that helps to direct voice, video traffic, and other signals. However, they also provide world-class certifications that equip personnel with the necessary skills to perform networking tasks in various sectors.

In this blog, you will get a detailed insight into whether CCNP or CCNA is the right choice for you or not.

All You Need to Know About CCNA Certification

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a well-known certification for individuals who understand the fundamentals of networking. To increase marketability, different people’s skills might be put to use on multiple platforms.

Candidates will learn about alternative approaches for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting various networking equipment. Students must have two years of experience after completing the CCNA certification before enrolling in advanced-level certification training.

CCNA Exam Duration

The CCNA test lasts 120 minutes and consists of 50 questions that include both multiple-choice and simulation questions. In the simulation section, applicants must configure the routers to demonstrate their knowledge of routing and switching, troubleshooting, and configuration.

The pass rate for the CCNA routing and switching test is around 85%.

CCNA Eligibility Criteria

The CCNA exam is open to anyone with even a basic understanding of networking. Students who have earned a degree are also eligible to take the exam.

Average Salary (CCNA)

In the United States, the average CCNA pay is $74,075 per year or $37.99 per hour. Starting salaries for entry-level occupations start at $59,500 per year, with the highest-paid professionals earning up to $107,738 per year.

All You Need to Know about CCNP Certification

The Cisco Certified Network Professional program is an intermediate-level certification that teaches applicants how to operate effectively with LAN and WAN infrastructure. Candidates learn various methods for implementing, designing, and debugging WANs and LANs during the CCNP training program.

Cloud, Routing Collaboration, Switching, Service Provider, Data Center, Wireless, Security, and other IT areas are covered in several CCNP courses.

CCNP Exam Duration

To become CCNP certified, each candidate must pass three exams. The first CCNP test is 120 minutes long and has 50-60 questions, including lab simulations and multiple-choice questions.

Similarly, the second exam lasts the same amount of time as the first, with 45-55 questions of both categories. The final exam is 120 minutes long and focuses more on practical knowledge. There are 15 to 25 lab scenarios to complete with troubleshooting.

CCNP Eligibility Criteria

The candidates need to pass the CCNA examination to opt for the CCNP examination.

Average Salary (CCNP)

In the United States, the average network engineer CCNP salary is $98,475 per year or $50.50 per hour. Starting salaries for entry-level employment start at $81,500 per year, with the most experienced professionals earning up to $136,500 per year.

What are the Key Differences between CCNA and CCNP?

The main differences between CCNA and CCNP are highlighted below.

  • The CCNA is an associate-level certification that assesses candidates’ knowledge of switching and routing principles. CCNP, on the other hand, is a rather complex certification that necessitates a thorough understanding of LANs and WANs, as well as how they interact.
  • CCNP certification is considered a senior-level certification because it requires an in-depth understanding of networking as well as other related subjects such as wireless alternatives and security.
  • There are no prerequisites for taking the CCNA exam, but to take the CCNP exam, you must be a CCNA or CCIE certified professional.
  • To obtain CCNA certification, candidates must pass two exams. However, CCNP certification may only be obtained by passing four exams.
  • Candidates with the CCNP certification earn more money than those with the CCNA certification.
  • In the next section, we will take a look at the scope of CCNP and CCNA.

What are the Scopes of CCNA and CCNP?

Cisco offers a variety of certification levels, each of which is unique. Each credential opens the door to a different career path. CCNP is an associate-level training program that is more advanced than CCNA. The price of CCNP certification is more than the price of CCNA training.

What are Some of the Job Opportunities after CCNA Training?

The CCNA certification provides individuals with entry-level IT work in a variety of roles, including:

  • Helpdesk Engineer
  • Network Technician
  • First and Second Line Support
  • Service Desk Engineer
  • Network Support Engineer

What are the Job Opportunities in CCNP Domain?

The CCNP certification is perfect for those who want to advance their career in the IT business by working in various job roles such as:

  • Third Line Support
  • Network Engineer
  • IT Team Leader
  • Network Analyst
  • Systems Engineer
  • Network Specialist

As you can understand, having CCNP certification is key for your future.

CCNP Certified Personnel Have Excellent Job Growth Opportunities

Earning a CCNP certification puts you at the top of the list for promotions and career improvements, in addition to helping you find a great job in computer networking.

If you wish to change companies, this certification will allow you to get a better position without having to start from the bottom and work your way up.

CCNP certificates qualify you for positions that are projected to increase rapidly in the next years. Between 2012 and 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that computer and information systems managers and network architects will have a 15% increase in employment.

CCNP Makes You Eligible for Further Education

Many Cisco certificates serve as stepping stones to more advanced certifications, or at the very least, give the requisite training to earn higher certifications. With the CCNP certification, this is undeniably true. Achieving a CCNP certification will help you prepare for future schooling.

CCNP Certificate Enables You to Understand the Computer Networking Industry

The CCNP certification provides a person with a thorough understanding of the computer networking sector. Furthermore, you will spend a significant amount of time studying in order to pass the test for this certification, which will make you acutely aware of the industry in which you will be working.

If you have a certification, it shows you are familiar with the majority of the standards in your industry and have a great deal of experience. It also demonstrates that you have the technical ability to solve a wide range of problems as well as the elegance to protect the firm from a variety of dangerous threats and viruses.

You will also get confidential and exclusive access to various resources and sensitive parts of an organization. This is an opportunity to understand what it takes to develop a safe network and a successful business in and of itself.

You Get the Privilege to Work in Several Nations

Whether you have prior expertise in the industry or not, CCNP certification will open doors for all CCNP candidates. This is especially true in IT-enabled and rising countries like Nigeria, India, Dubai, the United States, Algeria, Angola, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

Hopefully, you have a good understanding of CCNA and CCNP. So, it all depends on you, whether you wish to pursue an advanced degree or certifications or not. But there is no denying the truth, CCNP is the right choice for you when you compare it to CCNA. 

AuthorPatrick Bate is a software developer based in Australia Apart from developing software, He enjoys reading, blogging, and teaching. He is associated with myassignmenthelp.co.uk, a reputed digital platform with top-ranked which offers buy assignments help to students so that they can seek urgent writing assistance on request. 

Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general education and informational purposes only, without any express or implied warranty of any kind, including warranties of accuracy, completeness or fitness for any particular purpose. It is not intended to be and does not constitute financial, legal, tax or any other advice specific to you the user or anyone else. TurtleVerse does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information and shall not be held responsible for any action taken based on the published information.

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