What is the difference between CCNA and CCNP?

Cisco provides certifications that are highly sought after in the IT industry. These certificates offer qualifications to give IT professionals the ability to use Cisco products and services to the highest ability. There are many different levels of certification when it comes to Cisco networks. The CCNA and CCNP are both highly reputable in the industry, yet what exactly is the difference? Let’s take a look at CCNA vs CCNP.

 What is the difference between CCNA and CCNP? 

CCNA certifications prove a professional’s ability to troubleshoot, operate, install, and configure networks. A CCNA qualification focuses on a variety of different areas, a few of which include wireless, data centres, or cloud configuration. The CCNA has an excellent reputation as a great entry-level qualification for those working in the sector. It’s usually aimed at those professionals who have around 1-2 years of experience. 

The Cisco Certified Network Professional focuses on WAN or LAN, and gaining this certificate proves the individual’s ability to troubleshoot, plan and execute these networks. CCNP training spans several areas, a few of which include cloud collaboration, routing, switching, and security. The CCNP is for those professionals who would like more specialized training in the implementation of Cisco’s more advanced network solutions. In the CCNP you’ll cover advanced routing, multilayer switching or remote access. 

Is CCNA or CCNP a Higher Level?

The CCNA focuses on switching and routing primarily, yet the CCNP is a higher level which delves deeper into an understanding of LAN and WAN. The CCNP is one step up from the CCNA and will give professionals a more extensive skill set associated with Cisco networking. According to payscale, the average CCNP Salary is $78, 279. The CCNP certification is generally aimed at those with one year within a networking role. Gaining a CCNP will allow you to demonstrate skills that are required in roles such as a systems engineer or network engineer. 

Cisco has recently announced that new certification exams will come into effect in 2020. The new certification will involve the CCNP Routing and Switching being replaced by a CCNP Enterprise certificate. Any professionals who are already studying should continue and will gain credits once the replacement has taken place. 

Can You Take CCNP without CCNA?

As it stands you cannot take the CCNP without the CCNA. To gain a CCNP you’ll need to take an ICND1 and ICND2 exam followed by a CCNA (not to mention three further exams)! For the CCNA there are no prior certifications that you need to gain (you just have to put in the hours and study)!

 How will Companies Benefit from Hiring CCNA or CCNP?

When you gain CCNA and CCNP employees, you’ll be gaining those who have committed to learning the best of Cisco and bettering themselves with the most up to date and specialized network knowledge. CCNA professionals can provide you with a top-quality service with switching and routing principles while CCNPs can take your company to new heights with their expertise in WAN and LAN. When you invest in the best IT experts for your company, you’ll increase your business performance and agility both. Using IT professionals with Cisco-based certification is a surefire way to increase the quality and efficiency of your operation. In a technological world that’s advancing all the time, you’ll want the best IT professionals on your side. 

How can Field Engineer Help You? 

Field Engineer a global freelance market place can help you to hire a freelance CCNA or CCNP from anyplace and at any time! We have a pool of amazing candidates spanning 180+ countries and 40,000+ engineers. With us, you’ll ensure that you are getting the very best employees who are vetted and ready to bring you results. Our platform allows you a seamless solution whereby you can filter candidates by experience, rating, or proximity to your job site. 

Posting is straightforward and free; Field Engineer can match you with your ideal engineer (we take a mere 10% from their salary, and it won’t cost you a thing)! For those looking to hire CCNA or CCNP professionals, we can help you to find the very best ones for your needs. We are very proud of our global marketplace of highly specialized engineers and technicians; with us, you’ll have access to the freelance labour that you require effortlessly. Let us do the legwork here so you can focus on the essential duties that keep your business in profit.