Grow your networking career

When it comes to growing your networking career, there’s no better way than becoming Cisco certified. Your certification status will make you more employable, open up new opportunities, and give you a higher salary. Plus, it can help you advance faster in your current role. A Cisco certification validates your knowledge for a specific skill set, allowing you to demonstrate your expertise and increase your marketability when seeking out new jobs. Certification is one of the most common ways employers measure proficiency, so having one on your resume will help you stand out from the crowd. Keep in mind, however, that there are multiple certification levels: Entry-level certifications are great for beginners looking to break into the industry and move up the ladder. Advanced-level certifications are better suited for networking experts who want to learn new skills and advance their career in their field.

The amount you pay will depend on your country of residence and other factors such as whether or not you live in an area with access to training centers that offer discounted rates on test prep materials (such as Cisco Press books). If you’re planning on taking part in any type of practice tests before taking the actual certification exam itself—and even then only if they’re offered by reputable companies who are known for providing high-quality service—then be sure they’re worth their weight because otherwise, they may end up costing more than just buying yourself some extra study time beforehand would’ve done instead…

Networking Job Security

Becoming Cisco certified will not just open up new job opportunities for you, it will also help prevent you from losing your job. As the technology industry grows, so does the need for qualified networking professionals. This will create a greater demand for those with certification. If you are currently employed, certification may help you secure a promotion or secure a better position within the company. Alternatively, you may find that your company is actively hiring new talent with certification. Furthermore, having certification can help you stay employed even during economic downturns. According to Cisco, in 2012, 70% of Fortune 100 companies used Cisco networking equipment. This means that even when your company experiences a decline in revenues, the need for networking professionals will remain.

Networking Certification Benefits

There are many benefits to becoming Cisco certified, including:

• Increased Salary: The average salary of a Cisco certified professional is $105,000. That’s $15,000 more than the average salary for non-certified workers.
• Better Job Prospects: Cisco certifications are highly sought after and are an excellent way for you to demonstrate your expertise in your field.
• More Job Opportunities: When you become certified, you open up new job opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise be available to you.
• More Promotion Opportunities: If you’re currently employed, certification gives you a leg up on your co-workers and makes you a prime candidate for promotion.
• Networking Knowledge: You’ll gain a deeper understanding of networking as a whole and be able to apply that knowledge in many different situations.
• Confidence: You’ll have more confidence in your abilities and will no longer feel like you’re playing catch-up in your field.

Networking Certification Paths

To become Cisco certified, you’ll need to pass one or more exams. The specific exams you need to take, however, will depend on the certification you’re pursuing. Cisco offers a wide variety of certifications, but the most popular are the Associate Degree, the Professional Degree, and the Expert Degree. Certifications are tiered, meaning you can’t move up to the next level until you’ve passed all the lower levels.

• CCNA Certification: The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is entry-level, making it a good starting point for beginners. If you want to become an IT manager, you’ll likely be required to have this certification.
• CCNP Certifications: The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certifications are at the Professional Degree level and represent the standard for an IT network engineer.
• CCIE Certifications: The CCIE certification is the Expert Degree and is the highest level of certification offered by Cisco. It is intended for highly experienced engineers who are looking to advance their career in a new direction.

Final Words: Is Becoming Cisco Certified Worth It?

As you can see, there are many benefits to becoming Cisco certified. It will not only improve your knowledge of networking, but it will also increase your marketability and salary. If you’re interested in pursuing a Cisco certification, there’s no time like the present. The best thing you can do is start preparing now by joining a training program. You’ll have access to mock tests, practice exams, and workbooks, etc. When you’re confident in your abilities and ready to take the exam, you can sign up for your appointment at a testing center.