What is the Difference Between CCNA and CCNP?
Last Updated :
12 Jan, 2022
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is Cisco’s leading certification in networking. The main aim of this certification is to offer a mid to entry-level certification for experts and beginners who already have some experience with networking. People who are interested in the CCNA program need to undergo training in the installation, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining of Cisco’s medium networking devices. It has become one of the most reputed entry-level networking certifications.
It offers an extensive introduction to modern networking. It covers both wireless network access and wired network access along with routing principles before it covers FHRPs, IPv4/IPv6 static routing, and OSPFv2. It covers various IP services, including DHCP, NAT, and QoS. It also introduces network security by covering topics such as AAA, ACLs, VPNs, and secure wireless network access.
The CCNA certification offers candidates the chance to further learn about the fundamentals and concepts of the Cisco networking environment. Moreover, the certification also offers learners significant knowledge about operating IT equipment without facing any problems.
CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), is a professional-level networking certificate. It authenticates the depth and breadth of knowledge in the technological area. It is offered in five tracks that is Data Center, Enterprise, Service Provider, Security, and Collaboration. The aspirant needs to pass two exams to attain CCNP in any track that is a core exam and a concentration exam.
CCNP Enterprise is one of the most prevalent CCNP tracks. The CCNP Enterprise core exam tests the knowledge of the candidate by executing enterprise network technologies including dual-stack architecture, infrastructure, security, network assurance, virtualization, and automation. In the CCNP program candidates are trained to install, troubleshoot, and maintain both LAN and WAN for systems of up to 100 to 500 nodes. CCNP Enterprise has five exams that cover wireless design, SD-WAN, network design, automation, wireless implementation, and advanced routing in enterprise networks.
Difference between CCNA and CCNP:
Criteria
| CCNA
| CCNP
|
|---|
| Prerequisites | There are no prerequisites for taking CCNA. | While for CCNP, qualifying CCNA or CCIE in any track is a must. |
|---|
| Knowledge required | It requires a test on routing fundamentals and switching. | While CCNP requires a deep understanding and knowledge of LANs and WANs. |
|---|
| Skill Set | CCNA Builds up a strong networking base. | While CCNP exposes to the deep knowledge of advanced networking technologies. |
|---|
| Job roles | Network technician, Service desk technician/Engineer, Helpdesk Engineer, Network support engineer, etc. | IT Team Leader, System Engineer, Network Engineer, Network Specialist, Network Analyst, etc. |
|---|
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