When considering a Cisco Certification, you need to understand how they structure their programmes, so that they match up with your career requirements (depending on where you are at right now).

There are 3 levels of Cisco Certification, based on your increasing level of experience and expertise: Entry level is the Associate, mid-level is the Professional and the highest level is the Expert.

There are also a range of Specialist Cisco certifications available to showcase your knowledge in specific technologies, solutions or job roles.

General Certifications: Three Levels of Certification

* Cisco Associate. The first step in Cisco networking begins at the Associate level. Think of this as the apprentice or foundation level of Cisco networking certifications.

* Cisco Professional. This is the advanced or journeyman level of Cisco certification.

* Cisco Expert. This is the highest level of achievement for Cisco network professionals, certifying an individual as an expert or master.

Then, there are 6 different paths you can follow with your general Cisco Certification ambitions:

* Routing and Switching: This path is for professionals who install and support Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.

* Design: This path is aimed at professionals who design Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.

* Network Security: This path is directed toward network professionals who design and implement Cisco Secure networks.

* Service Provider: This path is aimed at professionals working with infrastructure or access solutions in a Cisco end-to-end environment primarily within the telecommunications arena.

* Storage Networking: This path is for professionals who implement storage solutions over extended network infrastructure using multiple transport options.

* Voice: This path is directed toward network professionals who install and maintain Voice solutions over IP networks.

Cisco Qualified Specialist Certifications

Lastly, there are a variety of focused Certifications, which are available to showcase your knowledge in specific technologies, solutions, or job role. New certifications are added to this list regularly. These are the Cisco Qualified Specialist certifications, and include:

* Access Routing and LAN Switching

* Content Networking

* Foundation for Channel Partners

* IP Communications Certifications

* Optical Certification

* Storage Networking Certifications

* VPN and Security Certifications

* Wireless LAN Certifications

So there you have it. A snapshot overview of the Cisco Certification options. For more detailed information on each of these certifications, you can visit our website:http://www.cisco-certification-central.com

Author: Eran Malloch. Formerly a Career Advisor for one of Australia's largest IT Certification training firms, as well as many successful years as the owner/operator of his own IT Training firm, Eran now freelances, offering support for those wanting to pursue an IT Career, or wanting to advance in the one they have now. For free news and articles about Cisco Certification, visit http://www.cisco-certification-central.com

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