Understanding Cisco Certifications

Cisco’s certification program is structured to support multiple career-levels in IT networking, infrastructure, security, and automation. According to Cisco, they’ve issued over 4 million certifications worldwide and plan to train over 10 million more people to help close the IT skills gap.
The main levels include:

• Associate (e.g., Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)) – foundational networking skills.
• Professional (e.g., Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)) – deeper technical competencies and specializations.
• Expert (e.g., Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)) – elite level, rigorous lab and written exams.
  In addition, Cisco offers specialist credentials and role-based certifications (for security, collaboration, cloud, DevNet, etc.).

Key Certifications and What They Represent

Here are a few of the prominent Cisco credentials and what they typically signal to employers:

CCNA

The CCNA is widely regarded as an entry/early-career credential in networking. It covers fundamental networking concepts, routing & switching, network automation basics, and security essentials.
Market outlook: The job market for CCNA holders remains strong. For example, one report noted that more than 200,000 online job listings (globally) list CCNA/CCNP credentials.
Also, according to job-listing data, “Cisco Certified Network Associate” was among certifications flagged as requested in job postings.

CCNP

The CCNP credential is the next step in many networking careers. It signifies proficiency beyond foundational skills — more complex design, implementation, and troubleshooting across networks.
According to salary-survey data, CCNP holders can command significantly higher earnings, especially in the U.S.

CCIE

At the top end, the CCIE remains a prestigious certification. It validates deep expertise in networking and is often sought in high-level engineering, architecture, and design roles. According to one training-market report, the global training market for CCIE is growing at a ~6.5 % CAGR.

Demand Trends in the U.S. and Worldwide

U.S. Demand

In the U.S., demand for networking professionals with Cisco credentials remains robust — especially in roles that combine networking with automation, security, and cloud. One study found that ~80 % of employers listed Cisco certifications as a requirement for networking roles in 2024.
Another data point: certified professionals often earn significantly more than their uncertified peers. For example, globally CCNA holders average ~ USD 89,066 annually, and in the U.S. up to ~USD 112,333. CCNP and CCIE levels show even higher numbers.

Global Demand

Globally, Cisco’s certification ecosystem spans hundreds of countries via its Networking Academy and partner network.
The global CCIE training market alone is forecast to grow significantly, reflecting rising demand for experts who can handle advanced network architectures, cloud/edge integration, and security.

Meanwhile, major workforce-studies note a large global shortfall in cybersecurity and networking skills (for instance a global shortage of ~4.7 million in cybersecurity roles) — which suggests that networking certifications (especially those tied to infrastructure and security) remain quite relevant worldwide.

What This Means for IT Professionals and Employers

For Professionals

• Obtaining a Cisco certification (starting with CCNA) can help establish credibility and open doors to networking roles.
• Advancing to CCNP or CCIE aligns with more senior / specialized career tracks and can command higher compensation.
• Given the shift in networking toward automation, cloud, software-defined architectures and security, candidates who pair traditional networking skills (via Cisco certs) with modern competencies (e.g., Python, DevNet, automation) are better positioned. One report notes a 15 % increase in demand for automation-skilled network professionals in 2024.
• Region-agnostic value: Cisco credentials are recognized globally, so they can support mobility or international career paths.

For Employers

• Cisco-certified staff help reduce downtime, ramp up faster, and enhance network reliability. For instance, one older Cisco-commissioned study found certified individuals reduced downtime by as much as 37% compared to uncertified staff.
• As companies invest in digital transformation, cloud, IoT, 5G and edge computing, they need staff who can design, deploy, maintain and secure complex networks. Certifications such as CCNP and CCIE help verify that capability.
• Certification programs help close the skills gap. Cisco’s Networking Academy, for example, places emphasis on upskilling individuals around the world.

Challenges and Considerations

• Certification is not a guarantee of employment — experience, practical skills, geographic market, and timing matter. For example, some forum users note that even with CCNA certification, the job market can be slow depending on location and role.
• The networking landscape is evolving: software-defined networking (SDN), automation, DevOps practices, cloud/edge convergence, and security are increasingly central. So traditional “just networking hardware” skills may not suffice in future roles.
• Maintaining certification and staying up to date is important. Cisco itself notes “Big changes coming in early 2026. New names, specialist certifications, exam updates, and more.”
• In some markets, while demand exists globally, salary levels and job roles may differ significantly between regions.

Key Takeaways

• Cisco certifications remain highly relevant in the global IT & networking job market, from entry (CCNA) through to expert (CCIE) levels.
• Demand in the U.S. and internationally is supported by major trends: cloud adoption, network automation, cybersecurity, 5G and edge computing.
• Certification plus hands-on skill development (automation, security, modern network architectures) offers a stronger career path than certification alone.
• Employers view certified professionals as more productive, and increasingly design roles around certification-verified expertise.
• Individuals should assess their career level, specialisation interest (enterprise infrastructure, security, collaboration, DevNet etc.), regional market conditions, and align certification + experience accordingly.