When you’re hiring a network engineer, you want to make sure you get the right person. Other job descriptions you see mention some level of Cisco Certification as a qualification.
Why? What makes Cisco Certified professionals so special? you wonder to yourself.
It’s simple. Companies trust Cisco Certified professionals have what it takes because they’ve been tried and tested. Let’s look at six reasons why so many companies and managers are looking to hire job candidates with a Cisco certification, and why we deserve to be trusted.
Reason #1: Cisco Certified professionals have proven their skills
Perhaps most obviously, Cisco Certified professionals have the skills described in the certification exam topics they have passed. Here at Cisco, we work tirelessly with subject matter experts in each technology to ensure exams cover pertinent technology, as demonstrated in the field.
We use the science of psychometrics to craft exams that test at the right knowledge level in ways we can defend to standards bodies like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Other subject matter experts review every exam question for accuracy and relevance. While the CCIE has always had a lab component where candidates must demonstrate their skills to pass, we’re incorporating that same performance-driven format in other, traditionally “written” exams as well.
No network is perfect. Cisco Certified professionals have not only had to configure complex networking features but troubleshoot them as well. They’ve seen things. They know what works and what doesn’t. They can help to proactively prevent outages and mitigate the toughest problems when they do occur. All of this means that when you see someone who has passed a Cisco certification exam, you can be assured that person knows their stuff.
Reason #2: Becoming Cisco Certified takes determination
It can take someone months, or even years, to prepare to take a certification exam. This requires discipline and sacrifice. It means they are goal-oriented and willing to put in the work to achieve success. If you have some tough challenges in your organization, the Cisco Certified professional will face them head-on and produce amazing results.
Reason #3: Cisco Certified professionals are resilient
Roughly 40% of Cisco Certified professionals do not pass their first exam attempt. In fact, the first time I took my CCIE lab exam, I failed. While some might be deterred (after all, it takes a long time to prepare), Cisco-certified professionals bounce back. I studied – even harder – and came back prepared for round 2. And I passed.
You might think this is the same as “determined” from above. But there’s a nuance to this. Facing failure head-on and being willing to overcome it and keep going is critical in today’s fast-paced digital world. Organizational leaders are encouraging people to take risks, fail fast, learn from the failures, and move forward. Cisco certified professionals exude this ability to iterate and improve.
Reason #4: Staying actively certified takes continuous learning
Sure, you want to hire someone that knows their stuff. And as I pointed out in #1 above, the Cisco certified professional does. But do you want them to simply rest on their laurels? Is your business just existing? You are almost certainly innovating, changing, and improving. You want to hire someone who exhibits these traits and can not only keep pace, but lead.
A Cisco-certified professional understands that learning is key. They must regularly complete recertification requirements to keep their Cisco certifications active. To do so, they must keep up with technology. Whether they prepare for another set of exams or take courses, the desire to learn and expand their knowledge is core.
Reason #5: They belong to an established Cisco community
There’s something to be said about being part of a community that supports and inspires its members. That being said, it’s challenging to find a better example than the Cisco Learning Network Community. It’s an all-in-one support system, a place where they can ask questions, share their ideas, and grow along with other learners, professionals, and experts.
That means that when you hire someone with a Cisco certification, you know that they will have the support of their community to help them overcome challenges. Plus, they have access to other information, study resources, and webinars and videos to help them advance their knowledge and certification status. For example, take a look at this thread on the Top 3 CCNA Exam Study and Preparation Tips shared by the community on the Cisco Learning Network.
Reason #6: Cisco Certified professionals are leaders
A Cisco-certified professional has been in the industry for at least three years. So, not only do they have the credentials of a strong engineer, but they also have the experience. If you search the hashtag #CiscoCert on Twitter, you can find many attribute their exam success to those who helped and inspired them along the way. They know what it means to be part of a team and to mentor junior engineers. Through the knowledge they have gained and asserted, they have the confidence to help make decisions that shape IT and business strategies.
Feeling more confident about hiring a Cisco Certified individual? Let me leave you with a bonus:
A Cisco Certified professional does not have any one of these attributes — they have them all. You’re getting a strong, well-rounded engineer and leader who will connect the network more holistically with your business and help drive your digital transformation.
Learn more about what it takes to earn and maintain Cisco certification. Read these success stories from IT professionals who became certified and how they stand out in their careers.
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Being a Cisco Certified Professional for many years opened many career opportunities for me. Tested and proven worth having it!
Taking a cisco certification is openning many opportunities in the worlds
Completely agree. People who study for certification are passionate. Passionate and motivated people are such an employable feature
CCNA is the foundation to validate your networking knowledge. Keep on learning and get your hands on. Cheers!
These are some great reasons to truest the Cisco Certified Professionals. I loved reading this blog. Thanks so much!
You said it all
Thanks for your Tips.
Esta muy bueno el blog, excelente aporte.
I agree , Cisco Certified Professionals are recognized in the Industry
Interesting blog, certainly agree with all of the above.
Great post, all excellent reasons why certifications are some of the most valuable certs out there!
Not sure about point #6, but all the others are very true reasons why some people are more successful in career building with Cisco help!
I totally agree with you
Focus and knowledge to be successful!
It’s very difficult to become a Cisco Certified person, so I agree with the reason We are resilients
Cisco certs keeps you updated with relevant skills and are highly demanded .
Sure does just recertified myself by using Continuing Education credits
Completely agree on this.
Cisco certifications opened my career to new opportunities. Great article.
Great to see round up reason’s that allow you to stand out if you are cisco certified. Makes all the difference at work.
“Roughly 40% of Cisco Certified professionals do not pass their first exam attempt.” – That’s an interesting statistic, thanks for sharing!
I’ve worked with Cisco equipment for decades, prior to having the push from my employer to get certified. I passed CCNA last decement, I’m on target for CCNP Enterprise this december, and already personally committed to CCNP Security next year. I feel so much more confident at work, the process has filled in some many grey areas that existed in my understanding of my enterprise. I should have started this process years ago, but looking on the bright side, ‘better late than never!’ I recommend everyone in the field just to get started on their own cisco certification journey.
Totally agree. Even in the sales category, selling to IT stakeholders gives you credibility when discussing solutions.
I like reason 2. It takes effort to get certified
Being a Cisco certified professional will open new opportunities and provide you with a great image and great knowledge
Cisco certifications open up many opportunities in the world of telecommunications
Agree with the points made in this article. As someone involved in the hiring process at my company, these are the reasons why I try to find applicants with a Cisco certification.
Being Cisco certified professional has really help in my career
I think those 6 reasons are sound enough for being certified and an Indianapolis Colts Touchdown!!! Go Indianapolis Colts!!!
Cisco Certification opens career opportunities for me
Thanks for your Tips.
Becoming Cisco certified certainly requires determination! There is a plethora of topics and details to learn and retain prior to even sitting the certification exam; and often hands-on practice is the best way to obtain this knowledge.
Agreed
Agreed. Being Cisco Certified has opened up many opportunities.
Reason 4 really stood out for me. I liken it to a train that you have to get to leave the station. You need to set aside time and REALLY study. I tell me co-workers that once that train has left the station it is really easy to keep it going. So you keep learning and you career takes off. The initial step is the hardest – it gets easier as you start to earn more and more certs. Great post, all are valid points.
Doing CCNA, give me a foundation in Networking as a Newbie
I think the continuous learning is the biggest benefit for me. It’s great to always be learning new things!
#4 resonates. Great tips!
Time ability as well – the exams have great scope at showing what’s possible with the command set. At least there is a time judgement involved in getting tasks estimated correctly for change management.
Concur.
Focus and knowledge to be successful!
Thanks for the insightful blog
Great blog. I agree certifications show a certain level of commitment.
I have taught many Cisco Professional and it has allowed them to have excellent experience as a IT professional.
100% on point!
I love Cisco
Thanks for sharing this blog!
CCNA helps to being noticed.
That’s true, you’ll alwas can trust certified engineers !!!
Great info, thanks for sharing !
I’d have to say that those who go for, get and stick with certifications are typically very determined and proud of their accomplishments! Not only does having the certification give you stature to stand out among job applicants, but the long you have them and the deeper you get into them, not only do you learn so much, but you have so much more to offer.
Never stop learning!
couldn’t agree more, certifications are a great way to go.
CCNP are usually a very good engineer, with all the skills to improve a network
Thanks for your Tips.
I really had fun when taking my first exam back in 2003 which was for CCNA. All the best 🙂
Reason 4 aligns with my experience
Great read and great information. thx
Very true about each reason. Most important I would say is #6 Cisco Certified professionals are leaders. Worked with 50+ CCIE certified engineers – always extremely knowledgeable, efficient and high standard people.
Get certificate is a great help to find job.
Great Post!
Certifications opened the way to new opportunities.
Agree with #3. And don’t get discouraged if you fail the first time. Take it as a challenge, dig deeper into the content, and go for it again.
The training and certification make us extremely knowledgeable, efficient and highly competitive in the industry. IT provides foundation for my journey in ICT.
I 100% agree with all 6!
Good points. In my opinion you may know a lot but having the certs to back it up is essential.
Great tips, thanks!
The points about determination and continuous learning cannot be stressed enough.
Great
Cisco certification requires continuous education in nowadays, where technology is changing rapidly.
Getting Cisco Certified was a fun journey.
Agreed – cisco certs make sure you have up to date knowledge your client needs.
Becoming Cisco Certified takes determination . I´ll go with that one, keeping Cisco certs and follow a path is something not everyone does.
Opens career opportunities for me
Enable job opportunities in the world
Cisco Certifications shows, that someone set a goal and had the determination to reach that goal. It’s not just a badge, someone has specific tech-skills but also has the skill to persue a goal and seize through to reach and achieve it.
It certainly helped me to find a job. The most valuable cert in the job market, even the competition recognizes its value.
Totally agree!
Certs, in general, while extremely useful, are often misunderstood. Many novices believe that getting a cert will promise them a job somewhere. While optomistic, this is not entirely true. Having a cert will get you interviews, but getting the job is actually up to you. You will be asked questions in your interviews that will identify if you know your stuff, or if you are just a paper tiger.
Cisco certifications are necessarily difficult to allow you to answer many of these questions with confidence. I definitely agree that pursuing certifications shows employers you are attempting to own your career, and this is especially true in the networking space.
Because of Cisco’s reputation and certifications. This guarantees that the professional has the level and meets the appropriate skills.
My career was greatly impacted by being a Cisco Certified Professional. Wouldn’t do it differently looking back.
Great tips!
Being a Cisco Certified Professional will allways lead you to better job opportunities
People I’ve met that continue to recertify and move up the ladders are definitely some of the brightest and passionate people I’ve met.
100% agree! On my way becoming CCIE certified
For me, Cisco Certification is a constant journey that has lasted 22 years. I’m still learning!
Well said, I hope to get my first CCNP cert soon!
I got my first Cisco certification, and I am looking forward to the second one. Thanks, Cisco for these opportunities to learn very up-to-date skills.
I would have added that certifications are strong foundations to build its own knowledge, block by block, focusing on subject one after the other; And thank to the blueprint requirement, be sure to have a full / strong confidence in all aspect of field.
Yes, I do trusting on Cisco products and services.
Feel like upper performances and flexibilities.
Earning a Cisco Professional certification shows that you are passionate about your work and fully trust Cisco.
Opening many many options.
It has been a long journey to achieve my certifications.. This post helped me to keep my studies.