IT professionals must stay up to date with the latest technologies and trends in the industry. One of the best ways to do so is by earning certifications. Cisco offers some of the most respected and sought-after certifications in the field. This article will explore the top 6 Cisco certifications for IT professionals to earn in 2023 and the skills and benefits they demonstrate.
Cisco CCNA 200-301
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is one of IT professionals’ most popular and foundational certifications. The CCNA 200-301 exam validates an individual’s ability to install, configure, and troubleshoot small to medium-sized networks. This certification is an excellent starting point for individuals looking to enter the networking field.
Cisco DEVASC 200-901
The Cisco Certified DevNet Associate (DEVASC) certification focuses on developing and maintaining applications built on Cisco platforms. The DEVASC 200-901 exam validates an individual’s ability to develop and maintain applications and APIs and their understanding of software development and design principles.
Cisco ENCOR 350-401
The Cisco Enterprise Core (ENCOR) certification focuses on enterprise networking solutions and covers advanced routing, switching, and troubleshooting topics. The ENCOR 350-401 exam validates an individual’s understanding of network architecture, virtualization, security, automation, and more.
Cisco SCOR 350-701
The Cisco Security Core (SCOR) certification focuses on implementing and operating core security technologies:
- including network security,
- cloud security,
- content security,
- endpoint protection
The SCOR 350-701 exam validates an individual’s ability to secure and protect network infrastructures and systems.
Cisco ENARSI 300-410
The Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (ENARSI) certification focuses on advanced routing and services solutions for enterprise networks. The ENARSI 300-410 exam validates an individual’s understanding of VPN technologies, quality of service, network services, and more.
Cisco ENSDWI 300-415
The Cisco Enterprise Network Design (ENSDWI) certification focuses on enterprise network design and covers automation, network assurance, and SD-WAN topics. The ENSDWI 300-415 exam validates an individual’s ability to design and deploy scalable network architectures.
IT Certifications: Stand Out? Benefits?
Earning a Cisco certification demonstrates an individual’s expertise and knowledge of specific technologies and skills. It can help IT professionals stand out in a competitive job market by showcasing their skills and knowledge to potential employers. Additionally, earning a Cisco certification can lead to higher salaries, promotions, and opportunities for career advancement.
How Can Earning These Certifications Enhance an IT Professional’s Ability to Design, Deploy, and Maintain Enterprise Networks and Applications?
Certifications enhance IT skills for network/app design/deployment/maintenance. They also show ability to stay current with tech trends.
What Are the Best Ways to Prepare for These Certifications, and What Study Materials and Resources Are Available to Help IT Professionals Succeed?
There are many ways to prepare for these certifications, including online courses, study guides, and practice exams. Cisco offers a variety of study materials and resources, including Cisco Learning Labs, Cisco Press books, and instructor-led courses. Additionally, third-party vendors, such as Exams4sure, offer study materials and practice exams to help IT professionals prepare for Cisco certifications. These materials provide a comprehensive overview of the exam topics and interactive practice questions and simulations that mimic the real exam environment.
IT pros need hands-on experience with networks and apps. Cisco offers training programs and virtual labs to help them gain skills and knowledge.
How do these certifications align with emerging industry trends and technologies like cloud computing, IoT, and AI?
As the world becomes increasingly digital, IT professionals must stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends. Cisco certifications are designed to align with these emerging trends and technologies, such as cloud computing, IoT, and AI.
For example, the Cisco CCNA 200-301 certification covers virtual network and security concepts, including cloud computing, network automation, and IoT. The Cisco ENCOR 350-401 certification focuses on advanced enterprise networking and automation, including SD-WAN and wireless technologies. And the Cisco DEVASC 200-901 certification covers software development fundamentals, including cloud-native applications and API integration.
By earning these certifications, IT professionals can demonstrate their knowledge and proficiency in these emerging technologies and trends, making them more valuable to their organizations and more competitive in the job market.
What are the current job prospects for IT professionals with these certifications, and what are the salary ranges for positions that require them?
IT professionals with Cisco certifications are in high demand, as these certifications are recognized as a benchmark of technical excellence in the industry. According to Cisco, 82% of employers require or prefer job applicants to have a Cisco certification. IT professionals with Cisco certifications earn an average of 10% more than their non-certified peers.
Some job roles that require or prefer Cisco certifications include network engineer, network administrator, network security engineer, systems engineer, and IT manager. The salary range for these positions varies depending on location, experience, and the specific certification held. Still, IT professionals with these certifications can expect to earn competitive salaries and enjoy strong job prospects.
How do these certifications compare to other popular IT certifications, such as CompTIA, AWS, and Microsoft?
Cisco certifications are among the most respected and widely recognized in the IT industry, but other popular IT certifications can help IT professionals advance their careers. CompTIA certifications, for example, cover a broad range of IT skills and concepts, while AWS and Microsoft certifications focus on specific technologies and cloud services.
IT professionals need to consider their career goals and the skills and knowledge they want to acquire when choosing which certifications to pursue. Cisco certifications are an excellent choice for those interested in networking and security, while those interested in cloud computing or software development may prefer AWS or Microsoft certifications.
What are some success stories of IT professionals who have earned these certifications and used them to advance their careers and achieve their professional goals?
There are many success stories of IT professionals who have earned Cisco certifications and used them to advance their careers and achieve their professional goals. For example, a network engineer who earned the Cisco CCNA 200-301 certifications could move into a more advanced network engineering role. A systems engineer who earned the Cisco ENCOR 350-401 certification could take on more complex networking projects and initiatives.
In addition, IT professionals with multiple Cisco certifications, such as the Cisco CCNP or CCIE, are often sought after for high-level networking and security roles. These certifications demonstrate deep knowledge and expertise in Cisco technologies and concepts.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, earning any of the top 6 Cisco certifications for IT professionals in 2023 is an excellent investment in your career. These certifications can help you develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing IT industry.
With the right preparation and resources, you can earn these certifications and stand out in a crowded job market. As you embark on this journey, we wish you the best of luck in your studies and future career endeavours.
Check out Exams4sure for high-quality study materials, practice exams, and other resources to help you prepare for exam day. Good luck and happy studying!
