CCNA vs CCNP: Which Cisco Cert Do You Need?

Should you skip CCNA and go straight to CCNP?

It’s a fair question. Cisco removed the prerequisite requirement in 2020, so technically you can attempt the professional-level exam without ever touching the associate level. The internet is full of people who did exactly that and lived to tell the tale.

But “can” and “should” are different things. And the answer depends less on the certifications themselves and more on where you are right now and where you actually want to go.

Here’s what we’re going to figure out: which certification makes sense for your specific situation, what each one actually gets you in the job market, and why the “right” choice isn’t always the obvious one.

The Quick Comparison

Let’s start with what you probably came here for:

Factor	CCNA	CCNP
Exam Fee	$300	$700 (two exams)
Total Cost	$600-$3,000	$1,000-$10,000+
Study Time	2-4 months	3-6 months
Experience Level	Entry to mid-level	3-5+ years recommended
Median Salary	$72,000-$77,000	$98,000-$115,000
Job Postings	50,000+ globally	~4,500 globally

The salary difference looks dramatic—roughly $25,000-$40,000 more for CCNP holders. But those numbers come with context that matters.

What CCNA Actually Gets You

CCNA is the foundation for network engineering careers. It covers network fundamentals, IP connectivity, security basics, and automation concepts—all part of our IT certifications roadmap. The exam (200-301) runs 120 minutes and costs $300.

Roles That Value CCNA

Network Technician ($50,000-$70,000)
Junior Network Engineer ($55,000-$75,000)
Network Support Engineer ($48,000-$65,000)
IT Support Specialist with networking focus ($45,000-$60,000)
Help Desk Engineer moving into infrastructure ($40,000-$55,000)

Who Should Get CCNA

You’re a good CCNA candidate if you’re in one of these situations:

Breaking into networking from another IT role. If you’re currently in help desk or general IT support, CCNA signals you’re serious about networking. It’s the cert hiring managers look for when considering candidates with limited hands-on network experience.

Career changers with no IT background. Combined with some home lab experience, CCNA provides enough credibility to get interviews for entry-level network positions.

Validating self-taught knowledge. If you’ve been configuring networks informally but lack formal credentials, CCNA proves you actually know the fundamentals rather than just fumbling through configurations.

The Real Value

CCNA isn’t just about passing one exam—it’s about building a foundation. The knowledge you gain studying for CCNA directly applies to CompTIA Network+ material, Juniper JNCIA concepts, and general networking principles used across vendors.

When you understand subnetting, routing protocols, and how networks actually function, you’re not just a “Cisco person.” You’re someone who understands networking.

What CCNP Actually Gets You

CCNP Enterprise is the professional-level certification. It requires two exams: a core exam (ENCOR 350-401) at $400 and a concentration exam at $300. You choose your concentration based on career focus—advanced routing, SD-WAN, wireless, or automation.

Roles That Value CCNP

Senior Network Engineer ($95,000-$135,000)
Network Architect ($110,000-$150,000)
Infrastructure Specialist ($90,000-$120,000)
Network Manager ($100,000-$140,000)
SD-WAN Engineer ($95,000-$135,000)

Who Should Get CCNP

CCNP makes sense when you’re already working in networking and need to demonstrate senior-level expertise:

Mid-career network engineers hitting a ceiling. If you’ve been doing the same network admin work for 3-5 years and promotions aren’t happening, CCNP signals you’re ready for more complex responsibilities.

Engineers moving into specialized roles. The concentration exams let you prove expertise in specific areas—automation (ENAUTO), wireless (ENWLSI), or SD-WAN (SDWAN). These specializations command premium salaries.

Anyone eyeing CCIE eventually. The CCNP core exam (ENCOR) is the same exam required for the CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure certification. Getting CCNP puts you halfway there.

The Experience Factor

Here’s where it gets real: CCNP expects you to already have CCNA-level knowledge. Cisco removed the formal prerequisite, but that doesn’t mean the knowledge requirement disappeared.

The ENCOR exam includes advanced topics like multicast, network assurance, virtualization, and automation with Python. If you haven’t worked with enterprise networks professionally, you’ll struggle to understand why certain concepts matter—even if you memorize the material well enough to pass.

Most successful CCNP candidates have 3-5 years of hands-on network experience. That’s not gatekeeping; it’s acknowledging that professional certifications test professional-level knowledge.

The $37,000 Question

The median salary difference between CCNA ($72,000) and CCNP ($109,000) is roughly $37,000 annually. Over a 10-year career, that’s $370,000 in additional earnings.

So why wouldn’t everyone just go straight to CCNP?

Because the salary premium isn’t from the certification itself—it’s from the experience and expertise the certification represents.

An entry-level candidate with CCNP but no real experience won’t command $109,000. They’ll struggle to land interviews because hiring managers will see the mismatch between credentials and background. Meanwhile, an experienced network engineer without CCNP might earn that salary based on proven skills alone.

The certification amplifies what you already have. It doesn’t replace experience.

Choose CCNA If…

You should start with CCNA if any of these apply:

You’re new to networking. Even if you’re an experienced sysadmin or cybersecurity professional, if you haven’t worked extensively with Cisco equipment and enterprise networks, CCNA teaches you the foundations properly.

You haven’t taken a certification exam in years. CCNA is a reasonable challenge that helps you rebuild study habits and test-taking skills before tackling the more difficult CCNP exams.

You want to validate fundamentals before specializing. Understanding how routing, switching, and network services work at a foundational level makes advanced concepts easier to grasp later.

Job postings in your area require it. Pull up network job listings in your target market. If most entry and mid-level positions list “CCNA required” or “CCNA preferred,” that’s your answer.

Your budget is tight. At $300 per attempt versus $700, CCNA is significantly cheaper. If money is a concern, start where you can afford to fail (and retake if needed) without financial stress. Check out our guide to getting certified on a budget.

Choose CCNP If…

Go directly to CCNP if you meet these criteria:

You already have 3+ years of enterprise networking experience. If you’ve been configuring Cisco routers, managing enterprise switches, and troubleshooting complex network issues professionally, you already have CCNA-level knowledge. The exam would just validate what you know.

You’re being passed over for senior roles. When you’re qualified for senior positions but keep losing out to candidates with professional certifications, CCNP removes that obstacle.

You want a specific specialization. The concentration exams let you prove expertise in automation, wireless, SD-WAN, or advanced routing. If your career goals align with one of these specializations, CCNP makes more sense than getting CCNA first.

Your employer is paying. If your company covers certification costs and study time, the financial argument for starting with CCNA disappears. Take the professional exam while someone else is funding it.

The “Skip CCNA” Reality Check

Yes, you can skip CCNA and go straight to CCNP. Cisco allows it. Some people succeed at it.

But let’s be honest about what you’re signing up for:

The ENCOR exam assumes CCNA knowledge. You’re not just learning CCNP material—you’re learning CCNA material simultaneously while also tackling advanced concepts built on those foundations.

Study time roughly doubles. Instead of 3-6 months focused on professional content, you’re spending 6-12 months covering both associate and professional levels.

Your first exam might not go well. Without the confidence boost from passing CCNA, an ENCOR failure can be demoralizing. Many people who skip CCNA end up going back to get it anyway after struggling with CCNP.

You might miss fundamental concepts. CCNA forces you to deeply understand the basics. Skipping it means you might have knowledge gaps that cause problems later in your career.

The people who successfully skip CCNA typically have years of networking experience and just need the certification credential, not the knowledge. If that’s not you, think carefully.

What the Job Market Actually Wants

Here’s what network engineering job postings typically require:

Entry-Level Positions (0-2 years)

CCNA or equivalent “preferred” (not always required)
Associate degree or equivalent experience
Basic understanding of TCP/IP, routing, switching
Willingness to learn

Mid-Level Positions (2-5 years)

CCNA required, CCNP preferred
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
Experience with enterprise routing protocols
Troubleshooting skills

Senior-Level Positions (5+ years)

CCNP or equivalent required
CCIE preferred for architect roles
Extensive enterprise network experience
Design and implementation experience
Often includes automation/scripting requirements

Notice the pattern: CCNA gets you in the door for entry and mid-level roles. CCNP becomes important at senior levels. Neither certification alone gets you hired—they’re tickets to the interview, not job offers.

The Study Path That Actually Works

For CCNA

Months 1-2: Core networking concepts

Network fundamentals (OSI model, TCP/IP)
Subnetting and VLSM
Switching concepts and VLANs
Routing fundamentals and protocols

Months 2-3: Cisco-specific implementation

IOS commands and configuration
Wireshark for packet analysis
Security fundamentals
Wireless basics

Month 3-4: Exam preparation

Practice labs with Cisco Packet Tracer or GNS3
Practice exams from reputable sources
Review weak areas

Resources that work:

Professor Messer for video content
CBT Nuggets for structured learning
Cisco Press Official Cert Guide ($50-$80)
Boson ExAm Sim for practice tests

For CCNP

Months 1-2: Core exam (ENCOR) preparation

Architecture concepts and design
Virtualization and infrastructure
Assurance and troubleshooting
Security and automation

Months 3-4: Deep dive on ENCOR

Lab practice with enterprise scenarios
Practice exams
Address knowledge gaps

Months 5-6: Concentration exam

Choose based on career goals (ENARSI, ENWLSI, SDWAN, ENAUTO)
Focused study on specialization
Hands-on lab time

Resources that work:

Cisco Learning Network Premium ($600/year)
INE Training (subscription-based)
Pluralsight for supplemental content
CloudMyLab or INE for hands-on labs

Money Breakdown: The Real Cost

CCNA Total Investment

Expense	Budget Path	Standard Path
Exam fee	$300	$300
Study materials	$50-$100	$200-$400
Practice tests	$0-$50	$100-$150
Lab environment	Free (Packet Tracer)	$0-$200
Total	$350-$450	$600-$1,050

If you’re using NetAcad through a community college or training program, you might qualify for exam vouchers at up to 58% off.

CCNP Total Investment

Expense	Budget Path	Standard Path
Exam fees (2)	$700	$700
Study materials	$100-$200	$400-$800
Practice tests	$100-$200	$200-$400
Lab environment	$0-$300	$500-$2,000
Training courses	$0	$1,500-$5,000
Total	$900-$1,400	$3,300-$8,900

The range is huge because training approaches vary dramatically. Some people pass with self-study and free labs. Others need instructor-led training to stay accountable.

Building Skills Alongside Certifications

Certifications prove knowledge. Skills come from practice.

For networking specifically, you need hands-on experience with:

Command line proficiency. You can’t configure networks through GUIs at scale. Get comfortable with terminal commands through practice on Shell Samurai or similar platforms. The command-line skills transfer directly to Cisco IOS.

Troubleshooting methodology. Breaking things in a home lab and fixing them teaches more than any certification. Document your troubleshooting process.

Automation basics. Even for CCNA, understanding network automation concepts is now expected. The exam includes automation and programmability. Learn basic Python and Ansible concepts.

Documentation habits. Every network role requires documentation. Practice writing clear network diagrams and configuration documentation in your lab.

The 2026 Reality Check

The networking field is shifting. Entry-level roles focused on manual configuration are declining while demand for automation-skilled engineers grows.

What this means for certification strategy:

CCNA remains foundational but isn’t enough alone. Pairing CCNA with cloud certifications or security credentials makes you more competitive.

CCNP automation concentration (ENAUTO) is increasingly valuable. If you’re going CCNP, seriously consider the automation track. Employers want engineers who can write scripts, not just configure devices manually.

Pure networking roles are merging with other disciplines. Network engineers increasingly need to understand cloud networking (AWS VPC, Azure networking), security (zero trust, SASE), and DevOps principles. Your certification is one piece of a broader skill set.

What If You Fail?

Let’s address this directly since it happens to plenty of people:

CCNA retake policy: Wait 5 calendar days before retaking. Cost is another $300.

CCNP retake policy: Same 5-day waiting period per exam. Another $400 or $300 depending on which exam you failed.

If you fail, don’t panic. Analyze what went wrong:

Ran out of time? Practice test-taking speed with timed practice exams.
Certain topics killed you? Focus study on those areas specifically.
General knowledge gaps? Consider whether you skipped fundamentals that you actually needed.

Most people who fail once pass on the second attempt. The exam is difficult by design—Cisco wants the certification to mean something.

The Honest Recommendation

If you’re reading this article trying to decide between CCNA and CCNP, you probably need CCNA.

Here’s why: People who should go straight to CCNP usually aren’t asking this question. They have years of experience, know their skill level, and are pursuing CCNP specifically for career advancement. The comparison doesn’t apply to them.

The fact that you’re comparing suggests you’re somewhere in the early or middle stages of a networking career—exactly where CCNA provides the most value.

Get CCNA. Build skills. Gain experience. Then pursue CCNP when you’re ready for senior roles.

That’s not the exciting answer. It’s the honest one.

Making Your Decision

Ask yourself these questions:

How many years of enterprise networking experience do I have?
- Less than 2 years → CCNA
- 2-4 years → CCNA, then CCNP
- 5+ years → Consider going straight to CCNP
Can I pass a practice CCNA exam right now with minimal study?
- No → CCNA
- Yes, easily → Consider CCNP
What do job postings in my target market require?
- Entry/mid positions → CCNA
- Senior positions → CCNP
What’s my budget and timeline?
- Limited budget, 3-4 months → CCNA
- Flexible budget, 6+ months → Either, based on experience
Is my employer paying?
- No → CCNA (lower financial risk)
- Yes → Whichever aligns with role expectations

FAQ

Can I get a networking job without CCNA?

Yes, especially for entry-level help desk or IT support roles that include some networking tasks. However, dedicated network engineer positions typically require or prefer CCNA. The certification significantly improves your odds of getting interview callbacks for networking-specific roles.

Is CCNP harder than CCNA?

Significantly harder. CCNA tests foundational knowledge that anyone can learn with dedicated study. CCNP assumes you already have that foundation plus real-world experience applying it. The questions are more complex, scenarios more nuanced, and time pressure higher. Most CCNP candidates need 200+ hours of study time compared to 100-150 for CCNA.

How long does CCNA/CCNP certification last?

Both certifications are valid for three years. To recertify, you can either pass a current exam at the same level or higher, or earn continuing education credits through Cisco’s CE program. CCNP recertification requires 80 CE credits (or 40 credits plus passing one professional-level exam).

Should I get CCNA if I’m going into cybersecurity?

CCNA is valuable for cybersecurity because network knowledge is fundamental to security work. Many cybersecurity roles involve network security, and understanding how networks function helps you understand how they can be attacked and defended. However, security-specific certs like CompTIA Security+ or CySA+ might be better first choices depending on your exact career goals.

What if CCNA is required for my job but I have CCNP?

CCNP is a higher-level certification that encompasses CCNA knowledge. Any employer requiring CCNA should accept CCNP as meeting that requirement. In fact, holding CCNP without CCNA demonstrates you passed more difficult exams covering more advanced material.

Your Next Steps

Based on where you are right now:

If you’re new to networking:

Build a home lab with virtual networking
Study networking basics
Work toward CCNA over 3-4 months
Look for entry-level network support roles

If you have 2-4 years experience:

Take a practice CCNA exam to assess readiness
Get CCNA if you’d struggle with the practice exam
Plan for CCNP 12-18 months after getting CCNA
Start documenting complex network projects for your resume

If you have 5+ years experience:

Take practice exams for both CCNA and CCNP ENCOR
If CCNA practice is easy (90%+), consider skipping to CCNP
Choose your concentration based on career specialization goals
Budget 6 months for CCNP preparation

The certification you earn matters less than what you do with it. Both CCNA and CCNP open doors—but you still have to walk through them.