The first step in general Cisco Career Certifications begins either with CCENT as an interim step to Associate level, or directly with CCNA for network operations or CCDA for network design. Think of the Associate level as the apprentice or foundation level of networking certification.

• Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)

The second level in general Cisco Career Certifications is professional-level certifications such as CCNP, CCSP, CCDP, and CCIP.  Each falls within a different certification path (or track) for meeting varying career needs.  Think of this level as the advanced, or journeyman, level of certification that shows expertise with networking foundations.

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
• Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)
• Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP)
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP)

For over ten years, CCIE has identified networking professionals with the highest level of expertise.  Less than 3% of all Cisco certified professionals earn their CCIE.  Experience is the best preparation for the hands-on CCIE lab exam.  However, Ascolta's CCIE Prep Lab also plays a crucial role in preparation.  For the written exam, Ascolta has curricula we recommend to prepare for the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification.