Cisco offers three levels of general certification representing the increasing levels of expertise: Associate, Professional, and Expert. Different tracks across these levels align with varying career needs. There are several other certifications also available, which cater to specific technologies, solutions or job roles.

Which Cisco certification level should you seek?
Cisco has 3 Levels in its general category of certifications. The details given below will help you check which level matches your current or desired profile.
Associate Level: The first step in Cisco networking begins at the Associate level, which is the apprentice or foundation level. The corresponding certification is CCNA.
Professional Level: This is the advanced or journeyman level, and the corresponding certification is CCNP.
Expert Level: This is the highest level of achievement for network professionals, certifying an individual as an expert or master. The corresponding certification is CCIE.

Which Cisco certification path should you take?
Cisco provides 4 different paths of Certification based on different aspects of networking. During your career, with the acquired knowledge and experience, you can advance your career further with the following paths.
Network Installation and Support: This path is meant for professionals who install and support Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.
Network Engineering and Design: This path is meant for professionals who design Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.
Service Provider: This path is aimed at professionals working with infrastructure or access solutions in a Cisco end-to-end environment, primarily within the telecommunications arena.
Network Security: This path is aimed at network professionals who design and implement Cisco Secure networks.

The CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is a foundation and beginner level of networking. Only CCNA 640-801 exam is required to achieve a CCNA Routing and Switching certification. It indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer).
Learn More About CCNA.

The CCNP certification (Cisco Certified Network Professional) is a higher level of certification as compared to CCNA. It pertains to advanced or journeyman knowledge of networks. With a CCNP, a network professional can install, configure, and troubleshoot local and wide area networks for enterprise organizations with networks from 100 to more than 500 nodes.
Learn More About CCNP.