Cisco offers certifications in networking and help you build a data networking career. Cisco certifications demonstrates your ability to use the networking and communication products from Cisco Systems. It offers five levels of certifications namely, Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert and Architect.

The five levels of Cisco certifications are: 1. Entry – Certifications such as Cisco Certified Entry Networking technician (CCENT) and Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) act as the starting points for candidates who wish to become a networking professional. 2. Associate – Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) serve as the foundation level of networking certifications. 3. Professional – This level is considered as the advanced level of certification and demonstrates higher expertise in networking skills. This level comprises of certifications like Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). 4. Expert – The level caters to the most prestigious networking certification namely Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) and another called Cisco certified Design Expert (CCDE). 5. Architect – This is the highest level of certification and demonstrates the architectural expertise of network designers

• Entry, Associate and Professional level Cisco certifications are valid for three years unlike Expert level certifications which are valid for two years. The Architect level certification remains valid for five years. Upon completion of the designated timeframes, the certifications need to be renewed. If not renewed, the certifications become inactive or expire. Recertification is necessary to ensure that the candidates remain updated with the current trends and technologies. Passing a higher level certification exam before the expiry of the prior certification, eliminates the requirement of re-certification of the earlier certification.