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Difference Between CCNA and CCNP
Cisco Systems, an internationally recognized provider of networking and IT infrastructure solutions, offers both the CCNA and CCNP certifications. These industry-recognized certificates verify a person's knowledge and skill in Cisco networking technologies. While both certifications are about networking, they target different skill levels and cover different topics.
Read this article to find out more about CCNA and CCNP and how they are different from each other.
What is CCNA?
Cisco Systems' CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification is a well-known entry-level qualification. It is designed for people who have a basic understanding of networking concepts and desire to work in the field of networking. The CCNA certification certifies the fundamental knowledge and abilities needed to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot small to medium-sized networks
Following are the key aspects and topics covered in CCNA.
Network Fundamentals: The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) model, TCP/IP protocols, IP addressing, sub-netting, Ethernet principles, and network topologies are all covered in this subject.
Routing and Switching: This domain addresses the setup and operation of Cisco routers and switches. Routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, EIGRP), VLANs (virtual local area networks), STP (Spanning Tree Protocol), inter-VLAN routing, and basic WAN (wide area network) connectivity are all covered.
Wireless Networking: This section looks into wireless LAN fundamentals such as WLAN standards (for example, 802.11), wireless security protocols, wireless troubleshooting, and basic wireless network configuration.
Network Access Security: Access control, authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA), basic firewall technologies, and VPN (Virtual Private Network) foundations are covered in this subject.
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification provides a solid foundation for networking professionals, allowing them to understand and work with Cisco networking technology. It is frequently seen as a stepping stone for those seeking more advanced Cisco certifications such as CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) or specialised tracks such as CCNA Security or CCNA Wireless.
What is CCNP?
Cisco Systems offers the CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certification at the advanced level. It is designed for networking professionals with the CCNA certification or equivalent knowledge and experience. The CCNP certification certifies the skills needed to plan, implement, verify, and troubleshoot complex enterprise networking solutions.
The CCNP offers several specialised tracks, each focused on a different aspect of networking. The most popular program is CCNP Enterprise (formerly CCNP Routing and Switching), which covers advanced routing and switching technologies. CCNP Security, CCNP Collaboration, CCNP Data Centre, and CCNP Service Provider are some of the other tracks available.
Following are the key aspects and topics covered in CCNP:
Advanced Routing and SwitchingThis area explores routing and switching technologies in more detail. It covers advanced topics such as dynamic routing protocols (such as OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP), route redistribution, multicast routing, advanced switching concepts (such as VLANs, STP variations, and EtherChannel), and network design principles
Network Security (CCNP Security): This topic deals with the implementation and management of network security solutions. It discusses safe network design, VPN technologies (such as site-to-site VPN and remote access VPN), firewall technologies, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), secure access control (such as AAA, RADIUS, and TACACS+), and network security troubleshooting
Collaboration (CCNP Collaboration): This track focuses on technologies for unified communications and collaboration. IP telephony, video conferencing, collaboration endpoints, voice gateways, Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), and Cisco Unity Connection are among the subjects covered.
Data Center (CCNP Data Center): Data centre technology and solutions are the main focus of this course. It discusses data centre architecture, storage networking (such as Fibre Channel and FCoE), network virtualization (such as Cisco Nexus switches and VXLAN), data centre automation, and application-centric infrastructure (ACI).
Service Provider (CCNP Service Provider): The topic of this course focuses on service provider network technology and solutions. Service provider architecture, MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching), BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) in service provider environments, QoS (Quality of Service) for service providers, and network virtualization are all covered
Candidates must pass many tests related to their selected track in order to acquire the CCNP certification. Each track normally consists of three to four tests covering different domain areas. It's important to keep in mind that Cisco updates its certifications on a regular basis, so check the official Cisco website for the most up-to-date information on exam objectives and prerequisites.
Difference between CCNA and CCNP
The following table highlights the major differences between CCNA and CCNP:
Characteristics |
CCNA |
CCNP |
|---|---|---|
Exam Requirement |
One comprehensive exam |
Advanced networking topics and domains |
Target Audience |
Networking beginners |
Networking professionals |
Level |
Entry-level |
Advanced-level |
Network Size |
Small to medium-sized networks |
Complex enterprise networks |
Topics Covered |
Network fundamentals: routing, switching, wireless networking, security fundamentals, basic network automation, etc. |
Advanced routing, switching, security, collaboration, data centre, service provider, etc. (varies by track) |
Job Roles |
Network technicians, entry-level network engineers, and network support |
Network administrators, network engineers, network architects, and specialised network roles |
Focus |
Foundational knowledge and skills |
In-depth knowledge and expertise |
Conclusion
In conclusion, CCNA is an entry-level networking certification that covers the fundamentals, whereas CCNP is an advanced-level networking certification that focuses on in-depth knowledge and skills in specialised networking areas.
The CCNA certification provides a good basis for networking jobs, while the CCNP certification is suitable for professionals looking to improve their skills and specialize in specific areas of networking.
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