Is CCNA or CCNP higher?

CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) is a higher, more advanced certification than CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate); CCNA covers fundamental networking concepts, while CCNP builds on that knowledge with deeper expertise in complex enterprise solutions, leading to more specialized roles and higher earning potential. You generally earn CCNA first, then progress to CCNP for career advancement, although CCNA isn't a strict prerequisite but is strongly recommended for success in CCNP.

Is CCNP harder than CCNA?

Yes, CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) is significantly harder and more advanced than CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) because it requires deeper technical knowledge, covers more complex topics, and involves passing multiple exams (a core and a concentration) instead of just one, demanding greater study commitment and hands-on experience for advanced roles. While CCNA builds foundational skills, CCNP validates expertise in specialized areas, making it a logical next step for career advancement. 

Should I take CCNA or CCNP first?

The usual recommended pathway in Cisco certifications is to start with CCNA and then progress to CCNP. Directly starting with CCNP, while not inaccessible, can be quite challenging without the layered knowledge from CCNA.

Is CCNA still relevant in 2025?

If your goal is to build a serious career in enterprise networking, infrastructure security, or even cloud networking, then yes, Cisco certifications are still worth it in 2025.

What is the difference between CCNA and CCNP?

Well, the main difference is in the focus of the exams. The CCNA exam covers a broad range of topics, including IP addressing, routing protocols, switching, security, and more. The CCNP exam, on the other hand, is much more specific and focuses primarily on Cisco routers and switches.

Is the CCNA worth it in 2026?

What is the average salary for a CCNP?

How much does a Ccnp make? As of Jan 14, 2026, the average annual pay for a Ccnp in the United States is $109,336 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $52.57 an hour.

What are the 5 levels of Cisco certification?

Cisco has five main certification levels that build upon each other: Entry (e.g., CCST), Associate (e.g., CCNA, DevNet Associate), Professional (e.g., CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Security), Expert (e.g., CCIE, CCDE), and the highest level, Architect (CCAr). This structure allows IT professionals to progress from foundational knowledge to specialized, expert-level skills in various technology tracks like Security, Data Center, Collaboration, and Wireless.
 

Is CCNA worth IT in Canada?

Career Benefits: CCNA is highly sought after in Canada, particularly for roles in network administration, systems engineering, and IT infrastructure. Companies rely on certified network professionals to build and manage their network systems effectively.

Why is Cisco falling?

There isn't a single "Cisco down" event; rather, it refers to stock dips due to intense AI networking competition (Nvidia, Arista) and market shifts, alongside ongoing challenges like a shift to services, security spending focus, and past issues with core network revenue decline, even as they invest heavily in AI infrastructure, indicating market adaptation and investor caution. If a specific Cisco service (like Webex or Secure Endpoint) is down, it's usually a temporary, localized incident, often found on their status pages. 

Can I complete CCNA in 3 months?

Yes, you can complete your CCNA studies in 3 months with a focused and structured study plan. Dedicate consistent daily hours to cover all exam topics and engage in hands-on practice.

What is the hardest Cisco exam?

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) is widely regarded as Cisco's most challenging certification. Earning the CCIE requires passing both a rigorous written exam and an extensive eight-hour, hands-on lab exam.

Should I do CCNA or Security+?

These two certifications are both valuable and open doors to different tech careers. Security+ puts you on the front lines defending against cyber threats, while CCNA transforms you into the architect of network infrastructure.

What is the fail rate for CCNA?

The exam is challenging, and according to Certstaffix, 95 percent of test takers fail on their first attempt. However, that shouldn't put you off because the overall pass rate is still around 85 percent, according to different sources.

How many hours to study for CCNA?

Work experience in IT is also a major factor impacting how long you'll need to study for CCNA. With prior IT knowledge, you may require as little as 100-150 hours of study time to pass the exam.

Is CCNA harder than CISSP?

The CISSP is generally considered more challenging than the CCNA due to its broad and in-depth coverage of cybersecurity topics and its requirement for extensive experience. The CCNA, focusing on networking and specifically Cisco systems, is more technical but narrower in scope.

Can I get a job with just network+?

Yes, the CompTIA Network+ certification absolutely helps you get an IT job, validating foundational skills for roles like Network Technician, Help Desk Specialist, IT Support, and Network Administrator, serving as a strong starting point or complement to hands-on experience, and proving competency to employers for various entry-level to advanced positions in networking and telecommunications. 

Who is Cisco's biggest competitor?

Cisco's biggest competitors vary by market, but Juniper Networks (now part of HPE), Huawei, Arista Networks, and Palo Alto Networks/Fortinet (in security) are consistently named rivals, competing across routing, switching, and security with strong product overlap, though Juniper is often seen as the most direct, broad-based competitor in core networking, especially after its HPE acquisition.
 

Does Cisco layoff every year?

There was actually a time when JC would boast that Cisco didn't do layoffs. The first was around Y2K. Then every couple years. Over the last 10 years it's more like twice a year.

Why is Cisco leaving the flash?

Carlos Valdes (Cisco Ramon) left The Flash primarily for his own well-being, seeking a change after playing the character for years and juggling other creative projects like the Hulu series Up Here, which conflicted with filming the final season, making a return for the finale impossible despite his desire to honor the show. His character's storyline also concluded in Season 7 with an in-universe reason: he moved to Star City for a new job with A.R.G.U.S., seeking a new life chapter.
 

Is CCNA still worth in 2025?

Yes, the CCNA is still very much worth it in 2025 for a networking career, offering essential foundational skills, strong job prospects in network administration and security, and a great ROI as a gateway to advanced certifications, despite the evolving landscape with cloud and automation. While some manual tasks are changing, the core understanding of network fundamentals provided by the CCNA remains critical for supporting modern, complex IT environments and cybersecurity roles, making it a valuable entry-point and foundational credential. 

Is CCNA equivalent to a degree?

They signal to recruiters that you have relevant knowledge and give you an advantage over candidates without a cert or degree. So, if they both provide similar benefits, is the CCNA equivalent to a degree? Not exactly. There are some scenarios where a CCNA won't act as a good substitute for a traditional degree.

Is CCNA worth IT with AI?

The Cisco CCNA certification remains incredibly valuable in a world increasingly influenced by AI. It provides the essential knowledge and practical skills that form the bedrock of any successful networking career. Without this foundation, attempts to leverage AI in networking will be superficial and ineffective.

What is the highest paying Cisco certification?

The Top-Paying Cisco Certifications

• CCNP Data Center pays on average $152,793.
• CCNP Enterprise pays on average $144,912.
• Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist pays on average $141,008.
• CCNP Collaboration pays on average $134,694.
• Cisco Certified Cybersecurity Associate pays on average $130,611.
• CCNA pays on average $112,333.

What is next after CCNA?

CCNP Routing and Switching

Once you've got your CCNA I'd say you're around 90% of the way to getting your CCNP. If you go on the Cisco website and you look at the topics on the CCNA and the CCNP, you will see that the topics are exactly the same. They're both covering routing and switching.