Cisco Certifications Online Courses & Certifications

As more businesses move to the cloud, they become increasingly dependent on networking professionals who can safeguard their networking hardware and software. The networking field is full of rewarding work. If you are planning to start a career as a network professional, a Cisco certification can help you stand out in the job market. 

Here’s a look at what you should know about Cisco certifications.

About Cisco Certifications

Cisco certifications validate your knowledge, skills, and ability to manage and maintain Cisco technologies, such as networking and business communications devices. 

Cisco certifications enhance your understanding of networking, offer an understanding of IT networking and how different network topologies interact to form a secure and efficient network. 

There are five levels of Cisco network certifications:

1. Entry
2. Associate
3. Professional
4. Expert
5. Architect

The Cisco networking certification ladder begins with the entry-level credential while the Architect level certification is the highest level of accreditation.

To learn more, read our blog on Cisco Certifications.

What skills do I need to excel in Cisco Certifications?

Technical skills

Each level of Cisco certification will require a different skill set. Some of the technical skills required to pass a Cisco exam are: 

Soft skills

1. Communication
2. Critical Thinking
3. Problem-Solving
4. Time Management 
5. Teamwork

Who can take up Cisco Certifications?

1. Anyone who wants to start or advance a career in networking.
2. IT professionals who want a comprehensive resource on Cisco networking.
3. IT engineers who are interested in careers such as network engineers, network administrators, systems administrators, or solution architects. 

Top Cisco Certifications

There are many Cisco certifications and paths one can take. 

Online Resources to prepare for a Cisco Certification Exam

Cisco certifications can prepare you to work in a networking role that uses Cisco’s networking equipment.

There are a variety of guides, tutorials, and online courses to help networking professionals achieve their certifications.

You can also get access to exam topics, live seminars, training videos, forums, and other resources in Cisco’s Learning Network.

Many Cisco ebooks are also available from Cisco Press and other independent publishers to help you prepare for Cisco certification.

Top Cisco courses

You can take up a Cisco course online to practice your Cisco networking knowledge and sharpen your skills.

1. CCNA 2019 200-125 Video Boot Camp With Chris Bryant on Udemy
2. Cisco CCNA 200-125: The Complete Guide to Getting Certified on Udemy
3. Cisco Networking Basics Specialization on Coursera
4. The Complete Networking Fundamentals Course. Your CCNA start on Udemy
5. Cyber Security Operations (Cisco) on FutureLearn
6. Cisco Core Security: Endpoint Protection and Detection with Cisco AMP on PluralSight
7. Cisco Core Security: Network Security Fundamentals on PluralSight
8. Basic Security Concepts for Cisco Networks on PluralSight
9. Examining Cisco Video Conferencing Fundamentals on PluralSight
10. SWITCH: Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks on Udemy

Top Cisco Course Providers

1. Top Cisco Courses on Udemy
2. Top Cisco Courses on PluralSight
3. Top Cisco Courses on Coursera
4. Top Cisco Courses on FutureLearn

Books to Prepare for Cisco Certifications

1. CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide Library | By Wendell Odom
2. CCNA 200-301 Portable Command Guide | By Scott Empson
3. Cisco Certified Network Associate Study Guide (640-802) | By Todd Lammle

Scope of Cisco Certification in India

Cisco certifications provide ample job opportunities and have immense scope in India. Every sector requires network engineers to look after their networking infrastructure. Thus, there is a high demand for certified networking professionals in India. 

Despite a strong demand for networking professionals, there is a shortage of qualified professionals who can take up that role. Moreover, salary and advancement opportunities are great. Thus, a networking professional job can be an exciting and lucrative career choice. 

The google trends graph below shows the popularity of Cisco Certifications in India.

Cisco Job Titles

1. Network Technician
2. Network Engineer 
3. Network Manager
4. System Engineer
5. Network Designer
6. Service Desk Engineer/Technician
7. Help desk Engineer
8. Network Support Engineer
9. Network Administrator
10. Information Technology (IT) Manager
11. Support Engineer
12. Wireless LAN Specialist

Conclusion

Whether you are starting your career as a networking professional or you are a working professional looking to expand your job possibilities, Cisco certifications can help you achieve your career goals. Online Cisco courses are great resources for networking professionals. They help you build new skills, brush up on your knowledge, and learn everything you need to know to pass the Cisco Certification exams.

Enroll in an online Cisco course today to start or advance in your networking journey.