One of the most often asked topics, since Cisco updated its certification programs- is what to study after CCNA. You have come to the right place if you are a network engineer who has recently finished CCNA training or, if you are a CCNA-level network engineer who is still deciding on your career path. This post will go through every option available to a network engineer who has obtained their CCNA certification or finished the CCNA curriculum.
To put it more simply, the prerequisite certification for becoming a network engineer is the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Obtaining CCNA training facilitates a candidate’s understanding and expertise in computer networking principles. Among the most essential steps in directing your network engineering career is this one.
Advanced Cisco Certifications
1. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
After CCNA, the most logical step for many is to advance to the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) level. CCNP certifications are available in various specializations, such as Enterprise, Security, Data Center, Collaboration, and Service Provider. Each track allows you to deepen your expertise in a specific networking. For instance, the CCNP Enterprise certification covers advanced routing, switching, troubleshooting, and network technology areas such as SD-WAN and wireless.
2. Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
For those interested in cybersecurity, the Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate certification can be a strategic next step. It focuses on security concepts, monitoring, host-based analysis, network intrusion analysis, and security policies and procedures. This certification is particularly suited for roles in security operations centers (SOCs), providing the skills needed to begin a career in cybersecurity.
What do you do after earning your CCNA?
If you have finished the CCNA training courses and the CCNA certification, you have vast- options. You were allowed to apply for positions as an IT administrator, network technician, senior network engineer, level 1 network engineer, system administrator, IT specialist, network support engineer, network administrator, and employment linked to these at any organization.
A good level gets reached by the job packages. Who can enroll in the CCNA Training and Certification Program? The Cisco Guidelines, the CCNA Certification, and Training are not officially required. You can complete the CCNA if you have any connection to networking and some familiarity with information technology, particularly with networking technologies. Regardless of technical aptitude, numerous individuals with non-technical backgrounds employed as network engineers in large corporations. It is the result of commitment and diligence.
CCNP ENCOR:
The Cisco certification is known by the term CCNP or Cisco Certified Network Professional. After CCNA, this is the finest course for steady professional advancement. There are seven specialties available at the CCNP level, and you are free to select any. Through practical use of Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies, the CCNP ENCOR course facilitates the development of network engineer competency. As a step up from the CCNA training, the CCNP ENCOR certification or training is crucial for people interested in specializing in Enterprises.
CCNA DevNet:
Network automation is the way of the future for this industry, with so many companies investing heavily in it. As a result, everyone who wants to work in network engineering should think of being certified or training for CCNA DevNet. Network engineers can prepare for careers in network automation by taking the CCNA DevNet training course.
It may be too much for a young network engineer to take on at once, but the only reason still possible is that it requires an understanding of the Python programming language. For a network engineer who is confident in their skills, CCNA DevNet is the ideal course to take following CCNA.
Diversifying with Complementary Certifications
1. CompTIA Network+
If you’re looking to solidify your networking knowledge beyond Cisco-specific technologies, CompTIA Network+ is a vendor-neutral certification covering networking concepts, infrastructure, network operations, security, and troubleshooting. This certification can complement your CCNA by broadening your understanding of networking in a multi-vendor environment.
2. CompTIA Security+
Another vendor-neutral certification, CompTIA Security+, focuses on global cybersecurity issues and is a great way to branch into the security field. It covers essential regulations for network security and risk management, making it ideal for those looking to expand their skill set into cybersecurity.
3. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
For those with a few years of experience in IT security, the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, offered by (ISC)², is a prestigious step. Intend for executives, managers, and security professionals who want to demonstrate their expertise in various security procedures and concepts.
Specializing in Emerging Technologies
1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
Cloud computing is a field-rapidly growing, and knowledge in this area can significantly enhance your career prospects. The AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification is an excellent way to gain expertise in designing distributed systems on Amazon Web Services (AWS), a leading cloud services platform.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
Identical to AWS certification, the Azure Administrator Associate certification focuses on managing services across the Azure environment. It gets–suitable for those interested in cloud services and infrastructure management, particularly in Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Building on Automation and DevOps
1. Cisco DevNet Associate
For network professionals interested in the intersection of software development and network operations, the Cisco DevNet Associate certification offers a path into network automation, DevOps, and software development. This certification is ideal for those facing leverage automation to optimize network operations.
2. Linux Professional Institute Certification (LPIC-1)
Understanding Linux is crucial in today’s IT landscape, especially for those interested in system administration, network management, or cybersecurity. The LPIC-1 is a vendor-neutral certification that covers essential Linux administration tasks and is the-best complement to networking skills.
Conclusion
Choosing the right course or certification after CCNA depends on your career aspirations, the sector you wish to excel in, and the skills you aim to acquire. Whether you decide to deepen your expertise in Cisco systems with a CCNP certification, diversify your skill set with CompTIA certifications, specialize in cybersecurity, embrace cloud computing, or explore network automation and DevOps, each path offers unique opportunities for growth and specialization.
Continuing your education and certification journey after CCNA is essential for staying competitive and relevant in the dynamic field of IT and networking. By carefully considering your career goals and the current industry demands, you can select a certification path that builds on your existing knowledge and skills and opens new doors to exciting career opportunities.
