Cisco Certifications

Why Cisco Certifications Matter in 2026

Cisco builds the networking gear that runs a large share of the world's enterprise networks, and its certifications are the de facto standard for proving you can operate that infrastructure. While CompTIA credentials are vendor-neutral, Cisco certs go deeper into routing, switching, and security on real Cisco platforms — the skills employers hiring for network and infrastructure roles look for first.

The ladder starts with the CCST (Cisco Certified Support Technician) tier — entry-level exams in IT Support, Networking, and Cybersecurity designed for students and career-changers. The next rung, CCNA (200-301), is Cisco's most popular certification and a recognized benchmark for associate-level network engineers. Beyond it sit the professional CCNP tracks and the expert CCIE lab exams.

Average US salaries in 2026 run roughly $50k–$65k for CCST-level support and networking roles and $75k–$110k for CCNA-certified network engineers, with significant uplift at the CCNP level. Cisco skills also transfer to network automation and cloud networking, keeping demand resilient as infrastructure shifts toward software-defined and programmable networks.

Which Cisco Certification Should You Start With?

Cisco's ladder lets you enter at the level that matches your experience:

• New to IT, support-focused → CCST IT Support (100-140). Hardware, operating systems, connectivity, and basic security for help-desk roles.
• New to networking → CCST Networking (100-150). Addressing, subnetting, infrastructure, and diagnostics — the perfect on-ramp to CCNA.
• New to security → CCST Cybersecurity (100-160). Security principles, network and endpoint defense, risk, and incident handling.
• Ready for the industry benchmark → CCNA (200-301). Routing, switching, VLANs, OSPF, NAT, ACLs, wireless, and network automation. The single most valuable Cisco associate cert.
• CCNA holder specializing → the CCNP tracks: Enterprise (ENCOR 350-401), Security (SCOR 350-701), and others, plus CyberOps Associate (200-201) for SOC-bound engineers.

A practical note: pair certification study with hands-on labs. Cisco Packet Tracer (free) and physical or virtual gear let you practice the configuration and troubleshooting the exams test. Reading alone rarely passes CCNA — the simulation questions reward people who have actually typed the commands.

How to Register for a Cisco Exam

Cisco exams are delivered through Pearson VUE. The flow is the same for every Cisco cert — only the exam code and price change.

1. Create a Cisco account. Sign in with a Cisco.com account so your certifications track correctly once you pass.
2. Schedule through Pearson VUE. Book a slot — online with OnVUE remote proctoring or at a physical Pearson VUE test center.
3. Know the list prices. As of 2026: CCST exams are around $125, CCNA (200-301) is $300, and CCNP-level exams run about $400. Prices vary by region.
4. Prepare ID and environment. A government-issued photo ID is required. Online testing needs a quiet private room, a webcam, and a clear workspace the proctor inspects before launch.

On a failed attempt, Cisco enforces a 5-day wait before you can retake the same exam. CCNA and higher certifications are valid for three years and renew through Continuing Education credits or by passing a higher-level exam; CCST certifications do not expire.