Cisco certification roadmap: from CCST to CCNA, CCNP and CCIE

Key takeaways

• Cisco certifications run Entry (CCST), Associate (CCNA, CyberOps), Professional (CCNP) and Expert (CCIE).
• CCNA 200-301 is a single exam and the standard starting point for network engineers.
• CCNP needs a core exam plus one concentration exam; passing a concentration exam alone earns a specialist credential.
• CCIE needs a qualifying written exam and a hands-on lab.
• Pick the track by job role (network, security, automation), not by what sounds most advanced.

How is the Cisco certification path structured?

Cisco groups its certifications by level and by technology track. The levels are Entry, Associate, Professional and Expert. Specialist is not a fifth level. It is a credential you earn by passing one concentration exam on its own.

Cisco changes exam codes and track names from time to time. Treat this table as a map and check the Cisco certifications page before you book anything.

Entry level: where do beginners start?

Beginners start with Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST). It has separate tracks, including Networking and Cybersecurity, and tests basic troubleshooting, connectivity and security awareness. It is a good first step if you have never configured a router. You do not have to take CCST before CCNA. Many learners with some networking background go straight to CCNA.

Associate level: CCNA or CyberOps?

Choose CCNA if you want to be a network engineer. Choose CyberOps Associate if you want to work in a security operations centre.

CCNA is exam 200-301 and it is one exam. Cisco retired the older CCNA Security, Voice, Wireless, Routing and Switching and Data Center certifications in February 2020. Their topics now live in CCNA 200-301, CyberOps Associate and the CCNP tracks. CCNA covers network fundamentals, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals and automation basics. Our own CCNA training follows that blueprint.

CyberOps Associate (exam code CBROPS) is about security monitoring, analysing alerts and understanding common attacks. Read what CyberOps Associate is worth to a beginner before deciding.

Professional level: how does CCNP work?

CCNP in each track needs two exams: one core exam and one concentration exam you choose. For CCNP Enterprise the core exam is ENCOR 350-401. You then choose a concentration such as ENARSI 300-410 (advanced routing) or ENSDWI 300-415 (SD-WAN). Our CCNP 350-401 course and ENARSI course match these two. For security, the core exam is SCOR 350-701, covered in our Cisco Security Core course.

The concentration exam is useful on its own. Passing it earns a specialist certification, which lets you prove one skill, say SD-WAN, without finishing the whole CCNP.

Expert level: what does CCIE involve?

CCIE is the top of the Cisco ladder. You pass a qualifying written exam, then a hands-on lab. Cisco publishes the current lab format and duration, so read it on the Cisco site before you plan. CCIE is realistic only after years of hands-on work, and most candidates take CCNP first.

What about DevNet and automation?

Cisco's automation certifications cover APIs, Python and programmable networks. Cisco has been bringing the DevNet names into its main certification lines, so confirm the current names and exam codes on its website. If you already know Python, this track lets you move from CLI work towards network automation. Our DevNet training page lists the course.

How do you choose a path?

1. No IT background: CCST Networking, then CCNA.
2. Helpdesk or system admin moving to networks: CCNA directly.
3. Interested in security operations: CyberOps Associate, then a security-focused CCNP track.
4. Working network engineer: CCNP Enterprise, then a concentration that matches your job.
5. Python or DevOps background: CCNA first, then the automation track.

How long do Cisco certifications last?

Cisco certifications at Associate, Professional and Expert level are valid for three years. You renew by passing an exam again or through Cisco's continuing education programme. Check the current rules on the Cisco site, because they have changed before.

Common mistakes

• Starting with CCNP because it pays more. Without CCNA-level fundamentals the CCNP exams are hard to pass.
• Collecting associate certificates in many tracks instead of going deep in one.
• Studying only theory. Cisco exams reward people who have configured routers and switches in Packet Tracer or a lab.

Next steps

If you are choosing between the first two steps, start with the CCNA course. For what happens after, read career opportunities after CCNA and CCNP.

Related reading

• Which is better for networking professionals in 2026 | CCNP ENCOR or CCNP Security?