Cisco's 2026 portfolio is broader than the familiar CCNA-to-CCNP-to-CCIE ladder. Entry options now include three CCST exams, Associate paths include CCNA, CCNA Cybersecurity and CCNA Automation, and Professional tracks span Enterprise, Wireless, Security, Collaboration, Data Center, Service Provider, Automation and Cybersecurity. Cisco also lists AI, AppDynamics, Meraki, field-technician and design credentials.
The most important structural rule is that a Cisco Professional certification normally requires one core exam plus one concentration exam in that track. Passing a concentration can also award a specialist certification, while passing the core can serve as the written qualification for the related CCIE track. An expert credential still requires the corresponding lab or practical exam; a generic 'CCIE written voucher' is not an accurate product.
This guide lists current career exams, not every Cisco channel, sales or partner exam. Cisco publishes those in a separate part of its live exam catalog. Mixing the two audiences would make the page harder for an individual certification candidate to use and would create misleading voucher pages for partner-only objectives.
Scope note: the exam table covers Cisco's current written career-exam catalog. Shared concentration exams appear once. CCIE labs and the CCDE practical remain separate in-person requirements. Channel, sales and partner exams are deliberately excluded from the consumer career roadmap and remain available in Cisco's official all-exams list.
Which Cisco path fits your role?
Start with the decisions you make at work and the evidence you can build. A more advanced title is not automatically the better first choice.
Start with CCST when you need entry evidence
CCST IT Support, Networking or Cybersecurity can validate a focused entry skill set without pretending the candidate is already ready for professional engineering work.
Build a troubleshooting log, address a small network, document endpoint support, or investigate a safe security alert depending on the chosen path.
Choose the CCNA that matches the job
200-301 CCNA is the broad enterprise-networking path. 200-201 CCNACBR focuses cybersecurity operations. 200-901 CCNAAUTO focuses automation and software skills.
For CCNA, configure and troubleshoot a routed and switched lab. For Cybersecurity, analyze evidence. For Automation, call APIs and test an idempotent workflow.
Build a CCNP with core plus concentration
A Professional certification is not earned by buying a generic CCNP voucher. Choose the technology track, pass its core, then pass one eligible concentration exam.
Create one portfolio artifact for core breadth and another for the selected concentration, such as an ENCOR lab plus an ENARSI troubleshooting journal.
Treat CCIE as core exam plus lab
The applicable core exam is the written qualification, but the expert credential requires the related hands-on lab or practical exam. Only CCDE has a distinct 400-007 written exam.
Maintain timed configuration and troubleshooting practice, design explanations and a lab-readiness record. Do not equate a core-exam pass with CCIE certification.
Use specialist paths for a real responsibility
Meraki, AppDynamics, field technician and concentration exams can validate a focused role. Pick one because it matches current work, not as a random collection of badges.
Show an implementation, operating procedure, dashboard, design or troubleshooting result that corresponds to the specialist role.
Separate partner exams from career certifications
Cisco lists channel, sales and partner exams separately. They may matter to employer authorization, but they should not be marketed as normal public career paths without context.
Confirm employer or partner-program need, the exact code and access route before buying or preparing.
46 paths and exam decisions in one place
Use the exact code shown when one exists. Always recheck the provider’s current catalog before paying because names, versions, availability and retirement dates can change.
| Level / track | Certification or exam | Code | Best fit | Preparation emphasis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntrySupport technician | CCST IT Support | 100-140 | Learners building entry-level endpoint, operating-system, connectivity and support skills. | Troubleshooting workflow, documentation, customer communication and basic security. |
| EntrySupport technician | CCST Networking | 100-150 | Learners preparing for network-support work or a later CCNA path. | Network fundamentals, addressing, devices, media, basic security and troubleshooting. |
| EntrySupport technician | CCST Cybersecurity | 100-160 | Learners preparing for junior security operations or a later CCNA Cybersecurity path. | Security principles, threats, access, endpoint and network defense, monitoring and response. |
| PractitionerAI | Cisco AI Technical Practitioner | 810-110 AITECH | Technologists applying AI to code, workflows and Cisco-related solutions. | AI fundamentals, responsible use, agents, prompts, automation and implementation scenarios. |
| AssociateAppDynamics | Cisco AppDynamics Associate Performance Analyst | 500-420 CAAPA | Analysts who monitor application performance and interpret operational signals. | Application observability, business transactions, metrics, dashboards and diagnosis. |
| AssociateAppDynamics | Cisco AppDynamics Associate Administrator | 500-425 CAAA | Administrators deploying and maintaining AppDynamics environments. | Agents, configuration, access, health rules, policies, maintenance and troubleshooting. |
| ProfessionalAppDynamics | Cisco AppDynamics Professional Implementer | 500-430 CAPI | Experienced practitioners implementing AppDynamics for complex environments. | Architecture, rollout, integration, governance, adoption and operational design. |
| AssociateEnterprise networking | Cisco Certified Network AssociateLive exam is v1.1; verify the announced 2027 refresh before scheduling | 200-301 CCNA | Network administrators and engineers building broad enterprise networking foundations. | Network fundamentals, access, IP connectivity, services, security, automation and programmability. |
| AssociateCybersecurity | CCNA Cybersecurity | 200-201 CCNACBR | SOC and cybersecurity operations candidates focused on monitoring, analysis and response. | Security concepts, host and network analysis, investigation, policies and procedures. |
| AssociateAutomation | CCNA Automation | 200-901 CCNAAUTO | Network and software practitioners automating Cisco platforms and workflows. | Software concepts, APIs, Cisco platforms, application delivery, security and infrastructure automation. |
| CoreCCNP Enterprise / CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure | Implementing Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies | 350-401 ENCOR | Enterprise engineers needing the professional core or CCIE written qualification. | Dual-stack architecture, virtualization, infrastructure, assurance, security and automation. |
| ConcentrationEnterprise | Implementing Cisco Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services | 300-410 ENARSI | Engineers specializing in advanced routing, VPNs, infrastructure security and services. | Configuration and troubleshooting across complex enterprise routing scenarios. |
| ConcentrationEnterprise | Implementing Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Solutions | 300-415 ENSDWI | Engineers deploying and operating Catalyst SD-WAN. | Architecture, controllers, policies, deployment, operations and troubleshooting. |
| ConcentrationEnterprise | Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks | 300-420 ENSLD | Network designers translating requirements into enterprise architectures. | Advanced addressing, routing, campus, WAN, security, services and design tradeoffs. |
| ConcentrationEnterprise / Automation | Automating and Programming Cisco Enterprise Solutions | 300-435 ENAUTO | Engineers automating enterprise controllers, devices and operational workflows. | APIs, Python, data models, automation tools, CI/CD and workflow reliability. |
| ConcentrationEnterprise | Designing and Implementing Secure Cloud Connectivity | 300-440 ENCC | Engineers connecting enterprise environments securely to cloud services. | Cloud connectivity, policy, segmentation, identity, secure access and operational validation. |
| ConcentrationEnterprise | Designing and Implementing Enterprise Network Assurance | 300-445 ENNA | Engineers building assurance, telemetry and proactive network operations. | Data collection, analytics, observability, automation and evidence-driven troubleshooting. |
| CoreCCNP Wireless / CCIE Wireless | Implementing and Operating Cisco Wireless Core Technologies | 350-101 WLCOR | Wireless engineers requiring the professional core or expert written qualification. | Architecture, RF, design, deployment, assurance, security and automation. |
| ConcentrationWireless | Designing Cisco Wireless Networks | 300-110 WLSD | Wireless designers planning coverage, capacity, security and resilient services. | Requirements, RF design, surveys, high availability, location and validation. |
| ConcentrationWireless | Implementing Cisco Wireless Advanced Solutions | 300-120 WLSI | Wireless engineers implementing and troubleshooting advanced solutions. | Deployment, roaming, policy, security, assurance and operational diagnosis. |
| CoreCCNP Security / CCIE Security | Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies | 350-701 SCOR | Security engineers pursuing professional or expert Cisco security paths. | Network, cloud, content and endpoint security; secure access; visibility and automation. |
| ConcentrationSecurity | Securing Networks with Cisco Firewalls | 300-710 SNCF | Firewall engineers implementing and operating Cisco network-security controls. | Firewall policy, NAT, VPN, inspection, management, deployment and troubleshooting. |
| ConcentrationSecurity | Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine | 300-715 SISE | Identity and access engineers implementing Cisco ISE. | Policy services, 802.1X, profiling, guest, posture, device administration and troubleshooting. |
| ConcentrationSecurity | Designing and Implementing Secure Cloud Access for Users and Endpoints | 300-740 SSCA | Security practitioners responsible for cloud-delivered user and endpoint access. | Secure access architecture, policy, identity, endpoint controls, deployment and operations. |
| ConcentrationSecurity | Designing Cisco Security Infrastructure | 300-745 SDSI | Senior security designers making infrastructure and integration decisions. | Requirements, architecture, segmentation, resilience, visibility and security tradeoffs. |
| CoreCCNP Collaboration / CCIE Collaboration | Implementing Cisco Collaboration Core Technologies | 350-801 CLCOR | Collaboration engineers pursuing professional or expert pathways. | Infrastructure, protocols, endpoints, call control, quality, applications and security. |
| ConcentrationCollaboration | Implementing Cisco Advanced Call Control On-Premises | 300-815 CLACC | Engineers specializing in advanced on-premises call control. | Dial plans, call routing, mobility, signaling, configuration and troubleshooting. |
| ConcentrationCollaboration | Implementing Cisco Collaboration Hybrid and Cloud Technologies | 300-820 CLHCT | Engineers operating hybrid and cloud collaboration services. | Cloud connectivity, identity, migration, integration, calling and operational validation. |
| ConcentrationCollaboration | Implementing Cisco Collaboration Cloud Customer Experience | 300-830 CLCCE | Engineers implementing cloud customer-experience solutions. | Architecture, flows, channels, configuration, integration, reporting and troubleshooting. |
| CoreCCNP Data Center / CCIE Data Center | Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies | 350-601 DCCOR | Data-center engineers pursuing professional or expert paths. | Network, compute, storage, automation, security and operational integration. |
| ConcentrationData Center | Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure | 300-610 DCID | Architects and engineers designing data-center infrastructure. | Network, compute, storage, resilience, security and design justification. |
| ConcentrationData Center | Troubleshooting Cisco Data Center Infrastructure | 300-615 DCIT | Operations engineers diagnosing data-center failures. | Evidence collection and troubleshooting across network, compute, storage and automation. |
| ConcentrationData Center | Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure | 300-620 DCACI | Engineers implementing and operating Cisco ACI. | Fabric, tenants, policy, external connectivity, integration, operations and troubleshooting. |
| ConcentrationData Center / Automation | Automating Cisco Data Center Networking Solutions | 300-635 DCNAUTO | Engineers automating data-center controllers and platforms. | APIs, scripts, controllers, data models, infrastructure as code and workflow validation. |
| ConcentrationData Center | Implementing Cisco Data Center AI Infrastructure | 300-640 DCAI | Engineers building network infrastructure for AI workloads. | AI-cluster networking, high-performance design, operations, telemetry and troubleshooting. |
| CoreCCNP Service Provider / CCIE Service Provider | Implementing and Operating Cisco Service Provider Network Core Technologies | 350-501 SPCOR | Service-provider engineers pursuing professional or expert paths. | Architecture, services, routing, assurance, security and automation. |
| ConcentrationService Provider | Implementing Cisco Service Provider Advanced Routing Solutions | 300-510 SPRI | Engineers specializing in service-provider routing. | Routing policy, MPLS, segment routing, high availability and troubleshooting. |
| ConcentrationService Provider | Implementing Cisco Service Provider VPN Services | 300-515 SPVI | Engineers implementing carrier VPN services. | Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPN architecture, configuration, operations and troubleshooting. |
| ConcentrationService Provider | Designing and Implementing Cisco Service Provider Cloud Network Infrastructure | 300-540 SPCNI | Engineers delivering cloud network infrastructure in provider environments. | Cloud networking, virtualization, automation, assurance and secure service design. |
| CoreCCNP Automation / CCIE Automation | Designing, Deploying and Managing Network Automation Systems | 350-901 AUTOCOR | Senior automation engineers building reliable automation systems. | Software architecture, APIs, infrastructure automation, deployment, observability and security. |
| CoreCCNP Cybersecurity | Performing Cybersecurity Using Cisco Security Technologies | 350-201 CBRCOR | Cybersecurity operations professionals moving into professional-level investigation and defense. | Analysis, investigation, security technology, response, automation and operational design. |
| ConcentrationCybersecurity | Conducting Forensic Analysis and Incident Response Using Cisco Technologies for Cybersecurity | 300-215 CBRFIR | Responders and forensic analysts handling complex incidents. | Evidence handling, host and network forensics, investigation, containment and reporting. |
| ConcentrationCybersecurity | Conducting Threat Hunting and Defending Using Cisco Technologies for Cybersecurity | 300-220 CBRTHD | Threat hunters and defenders detecting sophisticated activity. | Hypothesis-driven hunting, telemetry, analytics, defensive controls and response decisions. |
| Expert writtenDesign | Cisco Certified Design Expert written exam | 400-007 CCDE | Senior network designers pursuing CCDE before the practical exam. | Business and technical requirements, architecture, design tradeoffs and expert-level justification. |
| TechnicianField service | Cisco Certified Field Technician | 800-150 FLDTEC | Technicians installing, replacing and supporting Cisco devices in the field. | Hardware support, safety, device handling, basic troubleshooting and field procedures. |
| SpecialistMeraki | Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist | 500-220 ECMS | Engineers designing, implementing and operating Cisco Meraki solutions. | Cloud-managed networking, security, wireless, switching, SD-WAN, monitoring and troubleshooting. |
What candidates often misunderstand
These distinctions prevent the most expensive mistake: studying for or buying access to the wrong exam.
Core, concentration and specialist outcomes
The professional structure gives candidates both breadth and depth. The core exam establishes common knowledge for the technology track. A concentration exam then proves a focused capability and usually awards a specialist certification on its own. Passing both eligible exams completes the corresponding CCNP certification.
Shared exams matter. ENAUTO can support Enterprise and Automation paths, while DCNAUTO can support Data Center and Automation paths. Choose a sequence deliberately so each exam advances the intended certification rather than creating an accidental collection of unrelated passes.
- Record the target certification before purchasing either exam.
- Use Cisco's live certification page to confirm eligible concentration choices.
- Keep the exact code on study plans, voucher requests and appointment records.
CCIE and CCDE are different expert structures
CCIE tracks use the relevant professional core exam as the qualifying written exam and add a demanding lab or practical exam. A page selling a generic 'CCIE Written' voucher hides the track and can send a candidate to the wrong core exam.
CCDE uses the 400-007 written exam followed by a practical exam. Expert labs are offered in person. Candidates should plan travel, lab location, equipment model, scheduling window and rescheduling policy separately from the written attempt.
- Passing ENCOR alone does not award CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure.
- Expert lab cost and logistics are separate from the core written exam.
- Verify the exact lab track and current blueprint before building a long preparation plan.
The 2026 naming changes matter
Current Cisco branding uses CCNA Cybersecurity and CCNA Automation rather than treating the old CyberOps Associate and DevNet Associate names as the current purchase decision. At professional level, Cisco now has dedicated Cybersecurity, Automation and Wireless tracks alongside the established Enterprise, Security, Collaboration, Data Center and Service Provider tracks.
Course catalogs often retain retired names for years. Search visibility does not justify calling an old exam active. Keep legacy course pages out of the index until the content, code, title and official source are reviewed.
- 200-201 is CCNACBR under CCNA Cybersecurity.
- 200-901 is CCNAAUTO under CCNA Automation.
- 350-901 is AUTOCOR for CCNP and CCIE Automation.
Practical preparation beats configuration memorization
Cisco questions test whether the candidate can recognize a correct state, select a design, interpret evidence and troubleshoot. A useful lab therefore includes an intended outcome, a broken condition, verification commands or telemetry, a diagnosis and a documented fix.
Use Packet Tracer, Cisco Modeling Labs, DevNet Sandboxes or authorized hardware according to the track. Never connect unapproved experiments to production. Record diagrams, configurations, API calls and post-change validation so the lab becomes interview evidence as well as exam preparation.
- Predict the output before running a command.
- State why an alternative design is weaker for the requirement.
- Practise recovery and verification, not only initial configuration.
One official program, different checkout and delivery checks
Country guidance should help a candidate complete the same official pathway. It should not create thin location pages or imply a local classroom where none exists.
Verify Pearson VUE delivery and expert-lab logistics in India
Cisco written exams are scheduled through its certification tracking and delivery process. Confirm the exact code, online or test-center availability, final currency, tax and identification requirements for India. Cisco publishes USD list prices plus tax; do not treat a fixed INR conversion as a guaranteed checkout total.
Expert labs are in person. Cisco identifies Bangalore as an expert testing location, but candidates must verify current dates, seat availability, lab track, equipment model, travel and rescheduling terms before committing.
- Run the official online-proctoring system check when choosing online delivery.
- Use the exact current code, not a retired course title.
- Confirm voucher country, validity and authorized redemption route before payment.
Schedule written exams online or in person and plan expert labs separately
U.S. candidates can use online or in-person delivery for eligible written exams and should confirm the final USD price plus applicable tax at registration. Cisco notes that U.S. and Canada scheduling can sometimes be available on short notice, but candidates should not rely on same-day space when planning a deadline.
Cisco identifies Richardson, Texas as an expert testing location. Lab candidates should verify the track, current fee, date, equipment, travel and cancellation terms directly with Cisco rather than assuming the written-exam voucher covers the lab.
- Keep the Cisco account name aligned with identification.
- Separate core written exam and expert lab budgets.
- Use authorized Cisco or Pearson channels for vouchers and scheduling.
Verify before paying
ITCertPath provides independent selection and preparation guidance. The certification owner controls eligibility, registration, exam delivery, scoring and the credential.
- 01
Find the current certification and exam in Cisco's live exam list. Copy the exact number and acronym; do not order using a broad label such as 'CCNP voucher' or 'CCIE written.'
- 02
For a professional path, verify the core exam and one eligible concentration. For an expert path, verify the applicable core plus the separate lab or practical exam.
- 03
Confirm testing country, online or test-center delivery, language, identification, list price, tax and final checkout total. Never publish a fixed INR conversion as guaranteed pricing.
- 04
Use an authorized registration or voucher route. Cisco warns that it does not guarantee vouchers obtained from unauthorized sellers; retain the written validity and redemption terms.
- 05
Check the live blueprint and announced update date. The current CCNA 200-301 exam is v1.1, while Cisco has announced a refreshed version for February 2027.
- 06
After scheduling, keep the confirmation, policy and code together. If the code on the appointment does not match the study plan, resolve it before the rescheduling deadline.
A study sequence that produces usable skill
Adjust the duration to your starting point. Keep the sequence: scope, learn, practise, review and verify.
Select the track
Choose entry, associate, professional, specialist or expert according to the work you perform and the practical environment available to you.
Freeze the current blueprint
Download the official topics for the exact code and record any announced update or retirement date before buying resources.
Build a representative lab
Create a small environment that covers the track's configuration, design, API, analysis or troubleshooting responsibilities.
Troubleshoot with evidence
Introduce safe faults, predict the symptoms, inspect state and telemetry, fix the cause and verify the intended outcome.
Use original scenario practice
Measure decisions and time without relying on dumps. Map every missed question to the official topic and a practical exercise.
Verify the purchase path
Confirm the exact code, country, delivery, price, tax, voucher validity and—when applicable—core, concentration or lab sequence.
Training, practice and registration guidance
Move between learning and exam decisions without losing the exact certification or code you selected.
Cisco certification catalog
Browse the existing ITCertPath Cisco training catalog while individual legacy courses remain quality-gated from indexing.
Continue →CCNA 200-301 diagnostic
Use a short original diagnostic, then continue with labs and the official v1.1 topics.
Continue →Cisco voucher guidance
Review the current exam-selection and country checks; do not request a generic CCNP or CCIE voucher.
Continue →All certification courses
Search training by exact Cisco code or current role, then verify the official status before enrollment.
Continue →Official Cisco current exams
Verify the complete career and partner exam list, exact names and codes.
Open official source ↗Official Cisco exam registration
Verify registration, testing, authorized voucher and scheduling requirements.
Open official source ↗Cisco certification FAQs
Which Cisco certification should a beginner choose?
Choose CCST IT Support, Networking or Cybersecurity when you need entry-level evidence. Choose 200-301 CCNA directly when you already understand basic networking and can build and troubleshoot a representative lab. Use the official blueprint to assess readiness.
What is the difference between CCNA, CCNA Cybersecurity and CCNA Automation?
200-301 CCNA covers broad enterprise networking. 200-201 CCNACBR focuses cybersecurity operations, investigation and response. 200-901 CCNAAUTO focuses software, APIs and network automation. They are separate role paths.
How many exams are required for a CCNP?
Cisco Professional certifications normally require one core exam plus one eligible concentration exam in the same track. Verify the current concentration list on the official certification page before scheduling.
Is there a generic CCIE written exam?
No. The relevant CCNP core exam serves as the qualifying written exam for the associated CCIE track, followed by a lab or practical exam. CCDE separately uses the 400-007 written exam and a practical exam.
What CCNA version is current in October 2026?
Cisco's live 200-301 CCNA exam is v1.1. Cisco has announced a refreshed CCNA for 3 February 2027, so candidates planning a later appointment should verify the live blueprint again before booking.
Can I take Cisco written exams from India or the USA online?
Cisco offers eligible Associate, Professional and expert written exams online and in person. Availability, system requirements, language and policies must be checked for the exact exam and country. Expert labs are in person.
How much does a Cisco certification exam cost?
Cisco currently publishes USD prices plus tax by exam type, such as CCST, Associate, professional core and concentration tiers. The final amount can vary by exam, country and tax. Use the official pricing table and checkout rather than a fixed conversion.
Are Cisco exam dumps a safe preparation method?
No. Recalled or confidential items can violate Cisco policy and do not build usable skill. Prepare with official topics, authorized labs, documentation, original scenarios and a repeatable troubleshooting method.
Official sources and freshness
This guide was reviewed on 2 October 2026. Provider pages remain the source of truth for exam codes, candidate requirements, prices, delivery methods and policies.