When it comes to networking certifications, two of the most respected names in the industry are Arista and Cisco. Both companies provide certifications that validate an individual’s ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot networks. However, choosing between Arista and Cisco certifications can be challenging. This blog will compare both certification paths, helping you decide which one is best suited for your career goals.
Cisco is a networking giant and has been the industry leader for decades. Its certification programs, such as the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), are widely recognized and respected. Cisco certifications cover a broad range of networking topics, including routing, switching, security, and cloud networking.Arista Networks, on the other hand, is a newer player in the networking industry but has quickly gained a reputation for its software-driven networking solutions, particularly in data centers and cloud environments. Arista certification focus on programmability, automation, and cloud networking, making them a strong choice for those looking to specialize in modern networking trends.
Cisco offers a structured certification path with multiple levels:
Arista’s certification path includes:
Cisco certifications cover traditional networking principles such as routing, switching, security, and wireless networking. The newer tracks include software-defined networking (SDN) and automation, but Cisco’s primary strength is still in traditional enterprise networking.Arista certifications, in contrast, focus on modern networking trends such as network automation, cloud networking, and SDN. Arista’s EOS is Linux-based and heavily integrates with automation tools such as Ansible, Python, and APIs, making it an excellent choice for professionals interested in software-defined networking.
Cisco certifications are widely accepted across industries. Many enterprises use Cisco hardware and software solutions, meaning professionals with CCNA, CCNP, or CCIE certifications are in high demand for network engineering, security, and infrastructure roles.Arista certifications are more specialized and cater to organizations adopting cloud-scale networking. Professionals with Arista expertise are sought after in cloud service providers, data center environments, and automation-focused networking roles.
Cisco’s exams are known for their rigorous and practical approach, especially at the CCIE level, which requires a hands-on lab exam. Arista exams emphasize automation and scripting, which may be challenging for those without programming experience.
Both Cisco and Arista offer valuable certifications, but the right choice depends on your career aspirations. If you are looking for a traditional networking career with well-established certification paths, Cisco is the way to go. However, if you want to specialize in cloud networking, automation, and data centers, Arista certifications provide a forward-thinking approach that aligns with industry trends.Before choosing, assess your career goals, job market demand, and preferred area of expertise. Whichever path you choose, both certifications will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the networking industry.