Cisco Certification can help you get a promotion, or land a new job in network administration. The two most common Cisco certification exams are the CCNA and CCIE.
The CCNA is an entry level certification for network specialists. To earn the CCNA certification, you must demonstrate ability to install, operate, and troubleshoot small and medium sized networks. The basics of routing and switching, security, and wireless are also tested.
The CCIE is the highest level of Cisco certification. There are 6 tracks within the CCIE program: Routing and Switching, Security, Service Provider, Storage Networking, Voice, and Wireless. You can read more about preparing for the CCIE exams here and on the Cisco website here
CCNA Test Structure
To earn the CCNA Certification, you must pass one of two sets of exams. You can take either the 640-802 CCNA, or you can take the pair of exams 640-822 ICND1 and 640-816 ICND2. These exams are computer based and administered through Pearson Vue. The questions are multiple choice and fill in the blank, and contain mini-simulations. CCNA certification is valid for 3 years.
CCIE Test Structure
The CCIE exam has two parts, a written test much like the CCNA exam, and a laboratory test that is completed at a Cisco lab. All candidates for CCIE certification must pass the written exam before they are given permission to take the lab exam. Once permission is granted, the lab exam must be passed within 18 months of passing the written exam. If you are granted permission to take the lab exam, you must make travel arrangements and pay another separate testing fee, around $1400. Because the CCIE exam is a major investment in time and money (but totally worth it), you should work hard to ensure that you can pass the first time around.
CCNA and CCIE Bootcamps
Rather than study on their own, some people choose intensive training courses called "bootcamps" for lab training and exam practice. With tuition ranging from several hundred dollars for CCNA courses, to $1000-$5000 for CCIE training camps. Bootcamps must be viewed as another investment; by spending the time and money for an elite training course, you can avoid heavy fees for retaking the exams. And of course, you can use your Cisco certification as leverage to land a better paying job in the IT industry
CCIE and CCNA Salary Statistics
The average salary of a Cisco Systems network technician is about $100,000 per year for CCIE, and about $61,000 for CCNA. The figures are slightly higher for those who work near the West Coast and Midwest, and lower for those who work in the South, due to cost of living differences. The number of years experience also plays a factor in salary, since those with CCIE certification have worked in the field longer than those with CCNA certification. If you plan to work in network administration for many years, the certifications are worth the investment.
Most people who have the CCNA or CCIE certification also hold other credentials, most notably the CompTIA A+ and MSCE certifications. Having these credentials will also influence your salary.
About the CCNP Certification
The CCNP is a level of certification between CCNA and CCIE. Neither the CCNA nor the CCNP is a prerequisite for obtaining the CCIE. However, if you feel you have outgrown the CCNA, but are not quite ready to attempt the CCIE, you should apply for the CCNP credential. The average salary of a CCNP is about $73,500.
Paying for Cisco Exams and Test Prep
The CCNA and CCIE exams cost several hundred dollars for the written portion, and the CCIE lab exam costs $1500, not including travel expenses. When you factor in the costs of test prep and bootcamp courses, the total investment is often $2500-$3500. Some IT specialists obtain workplace reimbursement for their training costs if the credential can be parlayed into a promotion. If you are seeking training to look for a new position outside your company, you will have to foot the bill on your own. Ask your tax preparer about claiming deductions for these expenses.
