What is the latest Cisco certification roadmap for 2025, and how should beginners and experts plan their path?

What is the Cisco Certification Roadmap and Why is it Important in 2025?

As networking, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies evolve rapidly, Cisco's certification roadmap in 2025 provides a clear path for IT professionals—from beginners to experts—to validate and grow their skills. Whether you're entering the IT field, seeking a promotion, or aiming for a specialized role in network engineering or cybersecurity, Cisco certifications are still among the most respected credentials globally.

How is the 2025 Cisco Certification Track Structured?

Cisco certifications are now streamlined into five major levels: Entry, Associate, Professional, Specialist, and Expert. Each level builds on foundational knowledge and moves toward specialized and expert-level competencies.

Entry-Level Certifications: Where Beginners Start

• Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST): This is ideal for high school graduates, early learners, or career switchers.

  
  

  • Tracks: Networking and Cybersecurity

  • Focus: Basic troubleshooting, device connectivity, and threat awareness

Perfect for building a base before moving to associate-level programs.

Associate-Level: Building a Strong Technical Foundation

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (2025 Updated)

  • Topics: Networking, IP services, security fundamentals, automation

    
    

  • Role Fit: Network administrator, helpdesk technician

• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate (CBROPS)

  • Topics: Security monitoring, SIEM, endpoint analysis

  • Role Fit: SOC Analyst, Junior Security Analyst

These certifications are highly recommended for early-career professionals looking to gain practical and theoretical knowledge in networking and security.

Professional-Level Certifications: For Specialized Skills

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) (with multiple tracks):

  • CCNP Enterprise

  • CCNP Security

  • CCNP Data Center

  • CCNP Collaboration

  • CCNP Service Provider

These require passing a core exam + one concentration exam in a chosen domain.

You can mix and match specialization exams, making it flexible for career growth.

Specialist Certifications: Focused Skill Recognition

Specialist credentials are awarded for passing a concentration exam (from CCNP or DevNet tracks), allowing professionals to showcase targeted knowledge such as:

• SD-WAN

• Network automation

• Cloud security

• Collaboration endpoints

These are a great way to validate niche expertise without committing to a full certification level.

Expert-Level Certifications: The Highest Recognition

• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) remains the gold standard.

  • Tracks include:

    • CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure

    • CCIE Security

    • CCIE Collaboration

    • CCIE Data Center

    • CCIE Service Provider

Each CCIE requires passing a core written exam and a hands-on 8-hour lab.

DevNet Certifications: For Network Automation and Programmability

With infrastructure-as-code becoming vital, Cisco’s DevNet track supports network engineers and developers alike:

• DevNet Associate

• DevNet Professional

• DevNet Specialist

Focused on APIs, software development, Python, and automation with Cisco platforms.

What's New in the Cisco Certification Roadmap for 2025?

• More focus on automation and AI integration

• Updated exam blueprints for cloud, security, and SDN

• DevNet track growing rapidly in demand

• CyberOps and CCST designed for new SOC and analyst roles

• Continuing Education Program for certification renewals

Cisco Certification Roadmap 2025 Overview Table

Who Should Pursue Cisco Certifications in 2025?

Whether you're:

• A student exploring IT,

• A working professional in networking,

• Or a security enthusiast heading to a SOC role,

Cisco’s roadmap supports scalable learning and growth. The certifications are globally accepted and preferred by top-tier companies and government agencies.

Are Cisco Certifications Still Worth It?

Yes. Cisco remains a leader in network infrastructure, enterprise security, and cloud services. With the rise of SD-WAN, 5G, and edge computing, Cisco-certified professionals are in demand globally.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Cisco Path in 2025

In 2025, choosing a Cisco certification path should depend on your career goal:

• Want to get started in IT? Go for CCST or CCNA.

• Passionate about security? Try CBROPS or CCNP Security.

• Interested in automation? Explore DevNet certifications.

• Aiming for senior roles? CCIE is your destination.

With the flexibility, relevance, and recognition Cisco offers, following its roadmap can open doors across enterprise IT, cloud, and security industries.

FAQs

What is the first Cisco certification for beginners in 2025?

The Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST) is now the foundational certification in Cisco's 2025 roadmap, ideal for complete beginners in IT.

Has the CCNA changed in 2025?

Yes, CCNA in 2025 includes updated content on IPv6, cloud integration, automation basics, and enhanced security modules.

What comes after CCNA in the Cisco path?

After CCNA, professionals usually pursue CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certifications in specializations like Enterprise, Security, or Collaboration.

Is CCNP harder than CCNA?

Yes, CCNP is more advanced and role-focused, covering complex technologies and requiring deeper understanding than CCNA.

What is the highest level of Cisco certification?

CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) is Cisco’s most prestigious expert-level certification, requiring advanced technical knowledge and hands-on lab exams.

What is Cisco DevNet, and where does it fit in the roadmap?

DevNet is Cisco’s developer certification track, designed for professionals focusing on network automation, APIs, and programmability.

Can I directly take CCNP without CCNA in 2025?

Yes, Cisco allows candidates to directly take CCNP exams, but it is recommended to have CCNA-level knowledge first.

How many certifications are there in Cisco’s 2025 roadmap?

There are 5 main levels: CCST, Associate (CCNA), Professional (CCNP), Specialist, and Expert (CCIE), across multiple domains.

What is the role of CCST certification in cybersecurity?

CCST Cybersecurity is a new entry-level certification designed to introduce security fundamentals and prepare aspirants for SOC roles.

How long is a Cisco certification valid?

Cisco certifications are valid for 3 years, after which you need to recertify through exams or continuing education credits.

Does Cisco offer cloud-specific certifications?

Yes, Cisco now includes cloud topics in CCNA, and DevNet and CCNP certifications also incorporate cloud, automation, and security topics.

Are Cisco certifications still relevant in 2025?

Absolutely. Cisco certifications are globally recognized and remain valuable for careers in networking, security, and infrastructure.

Is there a fast-track method to reach CCIE?

Yes, if you already have professional experience, you can directly attempt CCIE after preparing thoroughly for both written and lab exams.

Can I study Cisco certifications online?

Yes, Cisco offers official online training via Cisco Learning Network and other authorized training providers.

How much does a Cisco certification cost in 2025?

The cost varies by level: CCNA is ~$300, CCNP exams are ~$400 each, and CCIE written + lab can exceed $2,000.

What skills does Cisco CCNA focus on in 2025?

CCNA 2025 includes networking fundamentals, IP services, security basics, automation, and wireless networking.

Are there any certifications for network troubleshooting?

Yes, CCNP and specialist certifications include deep modules on troubleshooting, especially in the Enterprise track.

What is the best Cisco path for cybersecurity?

Start with CCST Cybersecurity or CCNA, followed by CCNP Security and ultimately CCIE Security for expert-level skills.

What’s the difference between DevNet and CCNA?

DevNet focuses on software, APIs, and automation, while CCNA is more focused on traditional networking and security foundations.

Can non-technical people start with CCST?

Yes, CCST is designed to introduce technical concepts in an easy-to-understand format, perfect for non-technical aspirants.

Which Cisco certs are best for a cloud engineer?

CCNA (with cloud modules), DevNet Professional, and CCNP Enterprise (with SD-WAN and automation) are great options.

Is CCNA still the most popular Cisco certification?

Yes, CCNA remains the most pursued certification globally due to its generalist approach and industry demand.

How does Cisco ensure certifications stay relevant?

Cisco frequently updates certification exams to match current technology trends and enterprise demands.

What labs or practice tools does Cisco recommend?

Cisco Packet Tracer, Cisco Modeling Labs, and hands-on labs on Cisco Learning Network are widely used.

How long does it take to prepare for CCNA?

It takes 2–4 months for most learners to prepare for CCNA, depending on prior experience.

Which Cisco cert should I take for automation?

DevNet Associate and DevNet Professional are specifically focused on network automation and programmability.

What are the job roles after getting a Cisco certification?

Network engineer, SOC analyst, security specialist, cloud engineer, and solutions architect are common roles.

Can I do Cisco certifications part-time while working?

Yes, Cisco certifications are self-paced and designed to accommodate working professionals.

Is Cisco certification necessary for a networking career?

While not mandatory, Cisco certifications are highly respected and often required in job listings globally.

What are the latest changes in the 2025 Cisco roadmap?

Cisco added CCST, enhanced CCNA with security/automation/cloud, and emphasized practical, role-based learning tracks.