Cisco was founded in 1984 by a group of computer scientists from Stanford University. Since the company's inception, Cisco engineers have been prominent in advancing the development of IP- the basic language to communicate over the Internet and in private networks. These technologies include: advanced routing and switching, voice and video over IP, optical networking, wireless, storage networking, security, broadband, and content networking.

As the company grows larger and larger, Cisco can no longer rely on its direct sales to fulfil all orders. Most of the orders actually come from Cisco resellers and partners. Cisco certifications were a way for Cisco to maintain standards of engineers working for Cisco Certified Partners and Resellers.

The first certification introduced was Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE). First released in 1994, CCIE was designed to be the ultimate, difficult-to-achieve networking certification. The candidates were required to pass a qualification exam (also known as the 'Drake Test' or CCIE Written) at a certified Prometric examing center. Then, a two-day hands-on lab administered directly by Cisco would measure every aspect of Cisco Routing and Switching knowledges and skills of the exam takers. Only a small percentage of them passed at the first attempts, many passed after several attempts, and most never passed the exam at all.

In 1996 and 1997 Cisco released a channel program to involve small and midsize businesses with its business partners with whom Cisco could not form a direct peer relationship. With the inclusion of many partners in all sizes that carry Cisco flag, the certifications become more important to measure the skill level of the employees working for the partner companies. However, considering its level of complexity and difficulty, CCIE became a huge commitment for the smaller companies.

Cisco used the number of CCIEs employed at a partner company to gauge the status of the partnership. That status in turn affected the discount received by the company for products bought from Cisco. The smaller companies, on the other hand, did not posses enough resources to support their employees for CCIE certification. Consequently, many were unable to obtain any degree of discount. Cisco, however, needed their presence to cover small-to-medium business market, which was - and still is - one of the largest markets in the networking arena.

The solution was to introduce lower level certifications to allow more granularity in judging the skills of network engineers. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) were released to certify implementation skills of staff at a partner company. CCNA is the basic while CCNP is the next step toward CCIE. Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) and Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) were introduced later to certify design skills of network design engineers. CCNP Specialization was designed for CCNPs who intended to focus on certain topics, such as voice or security. Cisco later revised the CCNP Specialization as Cisco Specialization that does not necessarily require CCNP as the prerequisite. Cisco Certified Internetworking Professional (CCIP) was added later to the mix.

Cisco certifications benefit everybody: Cisco, resellers, partners, and networking professionals. Cisco can sell more products to wider market range through its resellers and partners while still maintaining some degrees of quality. Resellers and partners get the discounts according to their status. Networking professionals get more rewards and recognition from the companies and clients they are working for. Overall, Cisco certification validates an individual's achievement, so it increases the holder's professional credibility by ensuring high standards of technical expertise.

Whether you are a beginner or a geek in the networking industry, whether you are just about to get your CCNA or in your way to CCIE, we are here to help you. If you have decided to work an engineer in the networking industry, getting Cisco certification is a smart way to do. Even tough you are not currently working with Cisco products, getting Cisco certified can still greatly benefit you. Not only it is a well-known certification; you will certainly pick up a wealth number of networking knowledge and skills along the way. This will become one of your best investments for your networking career.

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• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
• Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
• Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE)