LEARNING PATH / NETWORKING
Review networking roles and Cisco certification tracks, from beginner to expert level.
Network support · Network engineer · Network architect
Learn IP addressing, DNS, Linux, Windows, and basic scripting. Practise documenting your work. You can learn these skills before taking a certification exam.
NETWORKING BASICS
If you’re completely new, consider CCST Networking (official provider, opens in a new tab) as an optional first checkpoint. Build towards CCNA-level networking, then choose the branch that matches the work you want to do.
CCNA is a useful study foundation for networking branches, not a mandatory prerequisite for every CCNP. Professional and expert routes have their own exam requirements. CCNP typically combines a core and a concentration exam; CCIE combines a qualifying exam and a lab. CCDE uses its own written and practical route.
THE CISCO CAREER TRACKS
Choose the track that matches your career goal. You do not need to complete every track.
Network engineer → infrastructure architect
Routing, switching, resilient campus and WAN design.
Portfolio idea: Build a small multi-VLAN network with routing, test a failure, and explain recovery.
Wireless engineer → wireless architect
RF behaviour, WLAN design, roaming, and operations.
Portfolio idea: Document a coverage plan, channel choices, authentication, and roaming checks.
Network security engineer → security architect
Secure connectivity, identity, segmentation, and policy.
Portfolio idea: Design segmented access and show which connections are allowed or denied.
Data center engineer → data center architect
Network fabrics, compute, storage connectivity, and operations.
Portfolio idea: Draw a redundant fabric and write down its failure domains.
Provider network engineer → backbone specialist
Large-scale routing, transport, and provider services.
Portfolio idea: Explain a small provider routing design and validate the reachability assumptions.
Collaboration engineer → communications architect
Voice, video, call control, and collaboration services.
Portfolio idea: Map a call flow and investigate a fictional quality-of-service incident.
Network automation engineer → automation lead
APIs, code, validation, and repeatable infrastructure changes.
Portfolio idea: Read inventory through an API and show a reviewed change with a rollback plan.
SOC analyst → senior security analyst
Security operations and evidence-led incident investigation.
Portfolio idea: Create a short incident timeline from sanitised logs and justify the next action.
Network designer → network architect
Requirements, trade-offs, scale, and failure domains.
Portfolio idea: Present two designs against a business requirement, including cost and resilience trade-offs.
IT support has a separate CCST IT Support (official provider, opens in a new tab) entry route. CCST Cybersecurity (official provider, opens in a new tab) introduces security fundamentals; CCT Field Technician (official provider, opens in a new tab) focuses on field work. Cisco also offers specialist credentials, AI Business Practitioner and AI Technical Practitioner learning, and an Ethical Hacking certificate. Other focused options include Cisco Meraki Solutions, AppDynamics, Customer Experience, and OT Security Practitioner. These complement a role; they are not extra levels every networking learner must finish.
The current Automation and Cybersecurity names replace the older DevNet and CyberOps naming. Wireless is also a distinct current track. Use the official catalogue rather than an older exam chart.
Start with two PCs, a switch, and a ping. Then work up to the VLAN, routing, and troubleshooting practice packs.
Reviewed on 25 October 2026. The study order and projects are suggestions. Check the provider’s website for required exams, eligibility, fees, and renewal rules. Choose the certifications relevant to your goal.