In the world of networking, certifications are a powerful way to validate expertise, improve job prospects, and stay current with rapidly evolving technologies. Among the most recognized names in the industry, Cisco and Arista both offer respected certification programs. However, choosing between the two depends on your career goals, job market demands, and the technologies you wish to master. This article compares Arista and Cisco certifications to help you decide which path is right for you.
Overview of Cisco Certifications
Cisco has long been considered the gold standard in networking arista certification. Its structured certification path ranges from entry-level to expert and covers a broad spectrum of technologies including routing and switching, security, data center, wireless, and collaboration.
Main Certification Levels:
- CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate): Entry-level, ideal for networking fundamentals.
- CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional): Mid-level, focused on more advanced skills and specialized technologies.
- CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert): Elite-level, widely respected in the industry, involving a rigorous exam and practical lab.
Key Benefits:
- Recognized worldwide with strong demand across IT sectors
- Covers a wide range of technologies
- Strong community and abundant learning resources
Best For:
- Those starting out in networking
- Professionals seeking job opportunities across diverse vendors and environments
- Enterprise network engineers working with Cisco hardware
Overview of Arista Certifications
Arista, while newer to the certification space, is rapidly gaining popularity due to its strong presence in cloud data centers, financial services, and software-defined networking. Arista certifications are designed for professionals working directly with Arista’s Extensible Operating System (EOS), CloudVision, and network automation tools.
Main Certification Levels:
- ACE-A (Arista Certified Engineering Associate): Entry-level for basic EOS operations
- ACE-P (Arista Certified Engineering Professional): Mid-level with advanced configurations and troubleshooting
- ACE-D (Arista Certified Design Expert): Expert-level with a focus on architecture and automation
Key Benefits:
- Highly focused on modern, cloud-scale networking
- Emphasis on programmability, automation, and open standards
- Strong fit for roles in hyperscale data centers and DevOps environments
Best For:
- Professionals in cloud-first companies or data center roles
- Engineers who want to focus on network automation and APIs
- Those working in environments already using Arista infrastructure
Comparison: Key Differences
| Feature | Cisco Certifications | Arista Certifications |
| Industry Recognition | Global, longstanding reputation | Growing, especially in cloud and data center |
| Technology Breadth | Covers wide range (R&S, security, collaboration, etc.) | Focused on data center, automation, EOS |
| Learning Curve | More general; accessible to beginners | Specialized; better for experienced engineers |
| Career Fit | Best for traditional enterprise roles | Best for cloud/data center/automation roles |
| Tools Used | IOS, IOS XE, Nexus OS, and others | EOS, CloudVision, Linux, APIs |
| Lab Environment | Requires physical/virtual devices or simulators | EOS virtual lab, EVE-NG, and Arista test images |
Which One Should You Choose?
The right certification path depends on your current role and where you want to take your career.
- Choose Cisco if you are starting out in IT, want a broad foundation in networking, or plan to work in environments that heavily use Cisco products. The CCNA and CCNP are widely respected by employers and open many doors in traditional IT roles.
- Choose Arista if you're already in a networking role and want to move toward cloud networking, automation, or work with cutting-edge data center technologies. Arista is especially valuable for those working in DevOps, SRE, or cloud infrastructure roles.
Conclusion
Both Cisco and Arista certifications offer significant value, but they cater to different professional paths. Cisco provides broad-based, universally recognized credentials ideal for entry to advanced levels in traditional networking environments. Arista, on the other hand, appeals to professionals aiming to specialize in modern, scalable, and programmable network infrastructures. Ultimately, your choice should align with your career aspirations, the technologies you enjoy working with, and the direction of your target job market.Would you like help choosing a certification path based on your current experience?
