I remember the first time I heard about Cisco certification. It sounded like the pinnacle of success in the tech world, like a magical key that could unlock endless opportunities and earn me big bucks. But as exciting as the idea was, there was always one looming question that stopped me in my tracks: how much does it actually cost?
Well my friend, I’m here to break it down for you. In this article we’ll explore the cost of Cisco certification, and how much you can expect to spend on your journey to becoming a certified expert in the tech world. So if you’re ready to find out exactly what you’re getting yourself into (and maybe even start planning your budget), let’s dive in!
How much is Cisco certification?
- CCNA Cloud: $600
- CCNA Collaboration: $600
- CCNA Cyber Ops: $600
- CCNA Data Center: $600
- CCNA Service Provider: $600
In addition to these certifications, each exam will cost $300 for each attempt. It’s important to keep in mind that these prices may change and it’s best to verify the current costs on the Cisco website. Investing in a Cisco certification can lead to improved career prospects and a higher salary in the technology industry.
???? Pro Tips:
1. Research before you enroll: Before getting yourself enrolled in a Cisco Certification course, conduct thorough research about the cost, reputation, and demand of the course. This will enable you to make an informed decision about the investment you’re about to make.
2. Understand the different levels of certifications: Cisco offers certifications at different levels such as Entry, Associate, Professional, and Expert. Each level has a different cost, and you should understand the requirements and benefits of each level.
3. Look for free resources: Cisco provides several free resources such as webinars, whitepapers, and e-books to help you prepare for the certification exam. Utilize these resources to get the most out of your preparation.
4. Compare prices: Check out different training providers, both onsite and online, to compare prices. You may find a more affordable option without compromising the quality of your training.
5. Invest in practice exams: Practice exams are an excellent way to assess your knowledge and identify gaps. Investing in a good practice exam can help you achieve your certification with better results, thus making your investment worthwhile.
CCNA Certification Exam Costs
For individuals seeking to pursue a career in Cisco networking, obtaining a CCNA certification is fundamental. The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in networking. However, aspiring CCNA professionals need to take and pass several exams to achieve the certification. But how much does it cost to obtain a CCNA certification?
Types of CCNA Certifications and their Cost
Cisco offers several CCNA certifications in different IT fields, and each certification has a varying cost. The CCNA Cloud, Collaboration, Cyber Ops, Data Center, and Service Provider certifications each cost $600.
Additionally, the CCNA Routing and Switching certification is priced at $325 per exam. This certification requires two exams to be passed, namely ICND1 (100-105) and ICND2 (200-105). The CCNA Industrial, Wireless, and Security certifications are also priced at $325 each.
Number of Tests Required for CCNA Certification
To obtain a CCNA certification, an individual needs to pass at least two exams. However, the number of tests varies depending on the chosen certification track. For example, to acquire the CCNA Routing and Switching certification, an individual needs to pass the ICND1 (100-105) and ICND2 (200-105) exams.
On the other hand, the CCNA Cloud, Collaboration, Cyber Ops, Data Center, and Service Provider certifications require two advanced technology exams that have no prerequisites.
Cost of CCNA Cloud, Collaboration, Cyber Ops, Data Center, and Service Provider
The CCNA Cloud, Collaboration, Cyber Ops, Data Center, and Service Provider certifications each cost $600. These certifications are designed to equip candidates with the relevant skills for their respective IT tracks.
Candidates pursuing the CCNA Cloud certification are expected to have an adequate understanding of Cisco Cloud Architecture, Cisco Cloud Infrastructure, and the deployment models of Cisco cloud services. For Collaboration certification, the exam focuses on unified communication, Cisco IP phone, and Cisco video conferencing technologies.
In contrast, the Cyber Ops certification emphasizes security operations center structure, incident response, security concepts, and malware analysis. The Data Center certification examines topics such as data center network virtualization, storage networking, and data center automation. Lastly, the Service Provider certification focuses on service provider architecture, quality of service, and VPN technologies.
Advanced Technology Exam Fees
For individuals taking the CCNA Cloud, Collaboration, Cyber Ops, Data Center, and Service Provider certification exams, the cost includes two advanced technology exams with no requirements. Each exam is priced at $300 for each attempt.
Reattempt Fees for CCNA Certification Exams
In case an individual happens to fail an exam, a reattempt is allowed. However, the cost varies depending on the certification track. The CCNA Routing and Switching certification exams cost $325 for each attempt. For CCNA Industrial, Wireless, and Security certifications, the reattempt cost remains the same.
Candidates pursuing the CCNA Cloud, Collaboration, Cyber Ops, Data Center, and Service Provider certifications are required to pay $300 for each exam reattempt.
Factors Affecting CCNA Certification Costs
Several factors can affect the cost of obtaining a CCNA certification, such as location. The cost of training and certification exams also varies across nations worldwide. Additionally, the mode of training, whether in-state classrooms or remote learning, may also affect the cost.
In conclusion, obtaining a CCNA certification can be a valuable asset for IT professionals. However, it comes at a considerable cost; candidates should be prepared to spend between $325 and $600 depending on the selected certification track. Investing in training and exam preparation can increase an individual’s chances of success in passing the CCNA certification exams.
