With digital transformation accelerating, the demand for networking talent has hit unprecedented heights in 2025. As a global leader in networking equipment, Cisco’s certification system not only validates skills but also paves the way for career growth. From entry-level CCNA to expert-level CCIE, Cisco certifications span networking, security, collaboration, and automation. So, which exams are the most popular in 2025? How do they address real-world career challenges? This article dives deep into these top exams, offering practical insights to help you stand out in the competitive IT landscape.
Why Choose Cisco Certifications?
Before diving into specific exams, let’s explore the core value of Cisco certifications. According to Cisco’s official data, over 80% of enterprise networks worldwide rely on Cisco technology. This means a Cisco certification not only boosts your technical skills but also makes you a “hot commodity” to employers. More critically, these certifications align with industry trends like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and automation—key demands in the 2025 IT job market.
Top Cisco Certification Exams in 2025
1.CCNA (200-301): Your Ticket to the Networking World
Exam Overview:
CCNA, or Cisco Certified Network Associate, is Cisco’s foundational certification, with the exam code 200-301. This 120-minute exam covers networking fundamentals, IP connectivity, security, automation, and more.
Why It’s Hot:
For networking beginners or career switchers, CCNA is an ideal starting point. In 2025, as businesses demand versatile networking talent, CCNA’s broad applicability makes it one of the most popular certifications.
Career Value:
According to PayScale data, CCNA holders earn an average annual salary of $70,000 to $90,000 in 2025, with strong demand for junior network engineer roles.
Prep Tips:
Leverage free resources from Cisco’s Learning Network, pair them with hands-on practice (like Packet Tracer), and focus on mastering VLANs, routing protocols, and basic security configurations.
Who’s It For?
If you’re new to the field or looking to build a networking foundation from scratch, CCNA is your go-to. It solves the problem of how to quickly grasp networking basics and break into IT.
2.CCNP Enterprise (350-401 ENCOR): The Stepping Stone to Mid-Senior Levels
Exam Overview:
The CCNP Enterprise core exam, 350-401 ENCOR (Implementing and Operating Cisco Enterprise Network Core Technologies), tests core enterprise networking skills, including architecture, virtualization, and automation. It requires pairing with an elective exam to complete the certification.
Why It’s Hot:
The complexity of enterprise networks continues to rise in 2025, making ENCOR’s comprehensive scope a must-have certification for mid-level engineers.
Career Value:
CCNP holders typically earn annual salaries between $90,000 and $120,000, with high demand for roles like network architects and system administrators.
Prep Tips:
Dive deep into SD-WAN and network automation, use INE’s CCNP courses for structured learning, and simulate enterprise network environments on GNS3.
Who’s It For?
If you have 2-3 years of networking experience and want to move from entry-level to mid-senior roles, ENCOR is a critical step. It addresses the challenge of mastering complex enterprise networking tasks.
3.CCNP Security (350-701 SCOR): Your Gateway to Cybersecurity
Exam Overview:
The CCNP Security core exam, 350-701 SCOR (Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies), covers network security, cloud security, endpoint protection, and more.
Why It’s Hot:
With cyberattacks surging in 2025, businesses face a skyrocketing need for security experts, making SCOR a top choice on the cybersecurity career path.
Career Value:
Security engineers can earn average annual salaries of $100,000 to $140,000, particularly in the finance and tech industries.
Prep Tips:
Focus on hands-on experience with Cisco Firepower and ISE, refer to Pluralsight’s security courses, and study real-world case studies for practical insights.
Who’s It For?
If you’re interested in cybersecurity or transitioning from network management to security, SCOR is ideal. It tackles the issue of addressing rising network threats.
4.CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure: The Pinnacle for Networking Experts
Exam Overview:
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure includes a written exam (350-401 ENCOR) and an 8-hour lab exam, testing the ability to design and implement complex networks.
Why It’s Hot:
It’s the “gold standard” of the networking industry; in 2025, only about 30,000 people worldwide hold this certification, and its rarity yields high rewards.
Career Value:
CCIE holders typically earn annual salaries of $120,000 to $180,000, with even higher pay for senior architect roles.
Prep Tips:
Dedicate at least 6-12 months to preparation, attend lab training at Cisco Live, and practice complex scenarios on real equipment.
Who’s It For?
If you’re a seasoned network engineer aiming for technical mastery and top-tier pay, CCIE is the ultimate goal. It resolves the challenge of becoming a top-tier enterprise networking expert.
5.DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC): The Future of Automation
Exam Overview:
DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC) focuses on network automation, APIs, and software development skills.
Why It’s Hot:
In 2025, automation is a core trend in network management, and DevNet bridges the gap between traditional networking and programming.
Career Value:
Salaries range from $80,000 to $110,000 annually, making it ideal for network engineers transitioning to DevOps roles.
Prep Tips:
Learn Python and REST APIs, and practice using the sandbox environments on Cisco DevNet.
Who’s It For?
If you want to master network automation or explore DevOps opportunities, DevNet Associate is the perfect starting point. It addresses the challenge of keeping up with the automation wave.
Cisco Certification Exam Comparison Table
| Exam Name | Code | Difficulty | Target Audience | Salary Range (USD) | Prep Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCNA | 200-301 | Beginner | Newbies | $70,000 – $90,000 | 2-3 Months |
| CCNP Enterprise (ENCOR) | 350-401 | Intermediate | Mid-Level Engineers | $90,000 – $120,000 | 3-6 Months |
| CCNP Security (SCOR) | 350-701 | Intermediate | Security Enthusiasts | $100,000 – $140,000 | 4-6 Months |
| CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure | ENCOR + Lab | Expert | Seasoned Experts | $120,000 – $180,000 | 6-12 Months |
| DevNet Associate | 200-901 | Beginner | Automation Enthusiasts | $80,000 – $110,000 | 2-4 Months |
How to Choose the Right Cisco Certification?
When choosing a certification, ask yourself:
Where Are You in Your Career?
- Beginner: Go for CCNA or DevNet Associate.
- Intermediate: CCNP Enterprise or Security.
- Expert: Take on CCIE.
Which Field Do You Want to Focus On?
- Network Management: CCNP Enterprise.
- Security: CCNP Security.
- Automation: DevNet.
Do You Have Enough Time and Budget?
- CCNA and DevNet are lower-cost (around $300), while CCIE requires thousands in training and exam fees.
Prep Resources and Practical Tips
- Official Resources: Cisco’s Learning Network offers free study guides and community support.
- Online Courses: Udemy and INE provide high-quality video tutorials.
- Hands-On Tools: Use Packet Tracer (beginner), GNS3 (intermediate-advanced), or Cisco DevNet Sandbox (automation) for simulations.
- Mock Exam: Use Leads4Pass PDF or VCE to provide real-life mock exam practice.
- Time Management: Create a daily study plan, like 2 hours of theory + 1 hour of practice, and stick to it for 3-6 months.
Conclusion:
Cisco certifications in 2025 are more than just skill validations—they’re bridges to high-paying careers. Whether you’re breaking into networking (CCNA), specializing in security (CCNP Security), aiming for expertise (CCIE), or embracing automation (DevNet), there’s a certification for you. With smart planning and practice, you can carve out your place in the IT world. Take action now, pick your exam, and start your career journey!