Associate The first step in Cisco networking begins at the Associate level. Think of this as the apprentice or foundation level of networking certification.

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
The CCNA certification indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.

CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate)
The CCDA certification indicates a foundation or apprentice knowledge of network design for the Cisco Internetwork Infrastructure. CCDA certified professionals can design routed and switched network infrastructures involving LAN, WAN, and dial access services for businesses and organizations.

Professional This is the advanced or journeyman level of certification.

CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)
The CCNP certification validates a network professional's ability to install, configure and troubleshoot converged local and wide area networks with 100 to 500 or more nodes. Network Professionals who achieve the CCNP have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to manage the routers and switches that form the network core, as well as edge applications that integrate voice, wireless, and security into the network.

CCDP (Cisco Certified Design Professional)
The CCDP certification indicates advanced or journeyman knowledge of network design. With a CCDP, a network professional can design routed and switched networks involving LAN, WAN, and dial access services, applying modular design practices and making sure the whole solution responds optimally to the business and technical needs and is designed to be highly available.

CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional)
The CCSP certification validates advanced knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks. With a CCSP, a network professional demonstrates the skills required to secure and manage network infrastructures to protect productivity and reduce costs. The CCSP curriculum emphasizes secure VPN management, Cisco Adaptive Security Device Manager (ASDM), PIX firewall, Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA), Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Cisco Security Agent (CSA), and techniques to combine these technologies in a single, integrated network security solution.

CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional)
The CCIP provides individuals working in service provider organizations with competencies in infrastructure IP networking solutions. CCIP professionals have detailed understanding of networking technologies in the service provider arena including IP routing, IP QoS, BGP, and MPLS.

CCVP (Cisco Certified Voice Professional)
The CCVP certification recognizes the increased importance placed on IT professionals of today who are responsible for integrating voice technology into underlying network architectures. Individuals who earn a CCVP certification can help create a telephony solution that is transparent, scalable, and manageable. Earning a CCVP certification validates a robust set of skills in implementing, operating, configuring, and troubleshooting a converged IP network. The certification content focuses on Cisco Systems CallManager, quality of service (QoS), gateways, gatekeepers, IP phones, voice applications, and utilities on Cisco routers and Cisco Catalyst switches.

Expert This is CCIE, the highest level of achievement for network professionals, certifying an individual as an expert or master.

Routing and Switching This path is for professionals who install and support Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.

Design This path is aimed at professionals who design Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.

Network Security This path is directed toward network professionals who design and implement Cisco Secure networks.

Service Provider This path is aimed at professionals working with infrastructure or access solutions in a Cisco end-to-end environment primarily within the telecommunications arena.

Storage Networking This path is for professionals who implement storage solutions over extended network infrastructure using multiple transport options.

Voice This path is directed toward network professionals who install and maintain Voice solutions over IP networks.