In the world of networking, certifications play a crucial role in validating skills, opening career opportunities, and staying competitive in the IT industry. When it comes to choosing a networking certification, two major players dominate the market: Arista Networks and Cisco Systems. Both offer certifications that cater to different levels of expertise and career paths. But which one should you choose? This blog will help you compare Arista and Cisco certifications to determine the best fit for your career goals.
1. Overview of Arista and Cisco Certifications
Arista Networks
Arista Networks has gained significant traction in the data center and cloud networking space, focusing on high-performance, software-driven networking solutions. Arista’s certification path includes:
- Arista Certified Engineering Associate (ACE-A) – Entry-level certification covering fundamental networking concepts and Arista’s EOS (Extensible Operating System).
- Arista Certified Engineering Professional (ACE-P) – Intermediate certification covering more advanced network configurations and automation.
- Arista Certified Engineering Expert (ACE-E) – Expert-level certification focusing on complex network design, troubleshooting, and automation at scale.
Cisco Systems
Cisco has been a dominant force in networking for decades, offering a well-established certification program that covers a wide range of technologies. Cisco’s certification path includes:
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – Entry-level certification covering networking fundamentals, security, automation, and routing/switching.
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) – Intermediate-level certification with specialization in areas like enterprise networking, security, and data centers.
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) – Expert-level certification that requires deep knowledge in networking, including enterprise infrastructure, data centers, and automation.
2. Key Differences Between Arista and Cisco Certifications
Technology Focus
- Cisco certifications focus on a broad spectrum of networking concepts, including enterprise networking, security, service providers, and collaboration.
- Arista certification emphasize cloud networking, automation, and data center architectures, particularly with their EOS platform.
Industry Demand
- Cisco certifications, particularly CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE, are widely recognized and respected in traditional enterprise and service provider environments.
- Arista certifications are gaining popularity, especially in large-scale data center environments and companies that prioritize network automation and cloud solutions.
Automation and Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
- Arista’s certification tracks emphasize automation, programmability, and SDN, using tools like Python, Ansible, and Arista’s CloudVision.
- Cisco has incorporated automation in its CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE tracks, but Arista has a stronger focus on network automation from the ground up.
Cost and Accessibility
- Cisco certifications generally have more learning resources, including official training, labs, and a vast community of professionals.
- Arista certifications are less expensive and focus on self-paced learning, though fewer training materials are available compared to Cisco.
3. Which Certification Should You Choose?
Choose Cisco If:
- You are looking for a well-established certification that is widely recognized.
- You want to work in enterprise networking, service providers, or security.
- You prefer a structured certification path with extensive study materials and training.
Choose Arista If:
- You want to specialize in data center networking, automation, and cloud environments.
- You are interested in cutting-edge SDN and automation technologies.
- You are looking for a cost-effective alternative to Cisco with a strong focus on programmability.
4. Conclusion
Both Arista and Cisco certifications have their strengths and cater to different career paths. If you aim for a traditional networking role in enterprise IT, Cisco’s certifications are a safe and well-established choice. However, if you want to specialize in data centers, cloud networking, and automation, Arista provides a forward-thinking certification path. The best choice depends on your career aspirations, industry demands, and interest in emerging networking technologies. Ultimately, whether you choose Cisco or Arista, investing in networking certifications will help you enhance your skills and open new career opportunities in the ever-evolving field of IT networking.
