Is Ccnp harder than CCNA?

Yes, CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) is significantly harder than CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) because it requires deeper technical knowledge, covers more complex and specialized topics, demands more study time, and involves passing multiple exams (a core and a concentration exam) versus CCNA's single exam, moving from foundational skills to expert-level implementation and troubleshooting.

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.

Is the CCNP exam hard?

Yes, the CCNP exam is hard, but it is not impossible. The difficulty comes from the depth of knowledge required, the practical skills needed for simulations, and the broad range of advanced topics.

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.

Is Cisco CCNA harder than CCNP?

Is CCNA or CCNP higher?

CCNA is an associate-level certification that evaluates a professional's understanding of switching and routing fundamentals. In contrast, CCNP is an advanced certification that demands a more in-depth knowledge of WANs, LANs, and their integration.

Is CCNA higher than Security+?

Neither CCNA nor Security+ is universally "better"; they serve different paths: Security+ is vendor-neutral, focusing broadly on core cybersecurity concepts (threats, compliance, access control), ideal for general security roles, especially in government/DoD. CCNA is Cisco-focused and deeper, covering networking fundamentals (routing, switching, configuration) with integrated security, best for networking roles, often leading to higher-paying, specialized network security jobs. Choose Security+ for a broad security entry, or CCNA for deep networking with security, depending on your career goals. 

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 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.

How long is a CCNP test?

1 is a 120-minute exam that tests a candidate's knowledge of implementing core enterprise network technologies, including dual stack (IPv4 and IPv6) architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, network assurance, security, and automation.

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. 

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.

Is CCNA changing in 2026?

Very helpful. In this regard, I came across the news that beginning Feb. 3, 2026, Cybersecurity certifications will get new names: CCNA Cybersecurity and CCNP Cybersecurity. Exam topics will remain the same.

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. 

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.
 

Which is the no. 1 toughest exam?

There isn't one single "first toughest exam," as difficulty is subjective, but the Gaokao (China's college entrance exam), India's UPSC Civil Services Exam, and India's IIT-JEE are consistently ranked among the world's most challenging due to immense competition, vast syllabi, and low success rates, often determining life paths for millions. Other famously tough tests include the Master Sommelier Diploma, USMLE (Medical Licensing), and CFA (Finance).
 

What is the highest paid IT certification?

The highest-paying IT certifications generally fall into cloud computing, cybersecurity, and risk/governance, with top contenders including AWS Certified Security - Specialty, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect, CISSP, CISM, and CCSP, often leading to significant salary boosts, especially for experienced professionals managing complex IT infrastructures and security programs. 

How many people pass the CCNA first try?

Pass Rate Variability

First-Attempt Pass Rates: Some sources suggest that up to 95% of candidates may not pass the CCNA exam on their first attempt. Overall Pass Rates: Other reports indicate an overall pass rate of approximately 85%, though this can fluctuate with different exam versions and candidate preparedness.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Engineers making $500k/year are typically highly specialized, experienced professionals in tech (Software, AI, Cloud), Petroleum, Electrical, or Chemical fields, working at top tech firms (FAANG, startups), hedge funds, or in senior management/architect roles, often with significant stock/bonus components, not just base salary. Key roles include Principal/Distinguished Engineers, AI/ML Specialists, Data Scientists, and Directors, requiring advanced degrees and deep expertise in high-demand areas like distributed systems or high-frequency trading. 

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. 

Which Cisco certification pays the most?

The Top-Paying Cisco Certifications

• CCNP Security pays on average $168,159.
• CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure pays on average $166,524.
• CCDE pays on average $160,163.
• Cisco Certified DevNet Associate pays on average $153,320.
• CCNP Data Center pays on average $152,793.
• CCNP Enterprise pays on average $144,912.

Is CompTIA still relevant in 2025?

Yes, CompTIA certifications remain highly relevant in 2025, especially for foundational IT roles like Help Desk (A+), Networking (Network+), and Security (Security+), acting as crucial entry points and building blocks for broader IT careers, with updates like the A+ launch in March 2025 ensuring they cover evolving tech, although some argue for more advanced certs for senior roles. 

Should I get network+ or CCNA?

CompTIA certifications, including Network+, offer a broader scope for IT careers. They cover networking, cybersecurity, cloud fundamentals, and more, providing flexibility across different career paths. CCNA is more specialized, focusing deeply on networking and Cisco technologies.

What's above CCNA?

Cisco offers three main levels of certification—CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE—each of which builds upon the previous level and provides increasingly advanced networking knowledge. In this article, we will compare these certifications and explain what each entail.