Best Cisco Courses in 2025 for Beginners

Cisco, a global leader in networking and information technology solutions, provides a variety of certifications and training programs for people seeking to begin or develop in the IT business. Whether you're starting from scratch or have some core knowledge, Cisco's beginner-friendly courses can help you launch a successful networking career. In 2025, these are the best Cisco courses for beginners

Cisco Certified Technician (CCT)

Beginners will benefit greatly from the Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) certification. It gives fundamental knowledge of Cisco equipment and basic networking concepts.

·      Objective:
The Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) certification confirms the competence to diagnose, restore, repair, and replace essential Cisco networking and system components on customer premises.

·      Key Topics:

1.     Basic Networking Knowledge: Understanding of networking basics and hardware concepts.

2.     Equipment Maintenance: Identifying and troubleshooting hardware problems and maintaining network devices.

3.     Cisco Device Knowledge: Familiarity with Cisco operating modes, commands, and tools for device configuration.

4.     Hardware Installation: Installing and replacing Cisco devices and equipment in the network.

·      Career Benefits:

1.     Prepares people for on-site support positions.

2.     This opens up opportunities for professions such as Field Support Technician and Network Support Technician.

3.     Provides a basis for more advanced Cisco certifications.

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

CCNA, or Cisco Certified Network Associate, is Cisco's entry-level qualification. It educates network engineers the fundamental skills required to manage, troubleshoot, configure, and maintain networks.

Previously, CCNA offered different certificates for domains such as cloud and routing. It has now been streamlined into a single exam that covers all of these areas, making it more relevant and rigorous.

·      Objective:

Validate skills and knowledge in networking fundamentals, including network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability.

·      Key Topics:

1.     Network Fundamentals: Understanding network components, OSI and TCP/IP models, and network topologies.

2.     IP Connectivity: Configuring and troubleshooting IP addressing, IPv4 and IPv6, and routing protocols.

3.     IP Services: Implementing and troubleshooting network services like NAT, DHCP, and NTP.

4.     Security Fundamentals: Recognizing network threats, implementing network security best practices, and securing network devices.

5.     Automation and Programmability: Basics of network automation, SDN, and APIs.

·      Career Benefits:

Opens doors to roles such as Network Engineer, Network Administrator, and Systems Engineer, and serves as a stepping stone to more advanced Cisco certifications.

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) 

CCNP, or Cisco Certified Network Professional, is a professional-level certification provided by Cisco. It assesses advanced network configuration, installation, troubleshooting, and management skills beyond those required for CCNA certification.

The CCNP contains a number of specialist certificates that allow workers to focus on specific areas such as security, data centers, or service provider networks.

·      Objective:
The CCNP certification is intended for professionals seeking competence in advanced networking tasks. It verifies the ability to develop, implement, verify, and debug local and wide-area enterprise networks.

·      Key Topics:

1.     Core Networking Technologies: Routing, switching, security, wireless, and collaboration.

2.     Enterprise Networking: Advanced knowledge of network architecture, virtualization, and WAN technologies.

3.     Specialized Skills: Focus on a chosen concentration like enterprise, security, collaboration, service provider, or data center.

·      Career Benefits:

1.     This opens up opportunities for professions such as Network Engineer, Systems Engineer, and IT Manager.

2.     Recognized as a stepping stone to becoming a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE).

3.     Shows experience in managing and maintaining enterprise networks.

Cisco CyberOps Associate

With the increased emphasis on cybersecurity, the Cisco CyberOps Associate certification is an excellent starting point for anybody interested in entering this sector. It integrates basic networking knowledge with cybersecurity essentials.

·      Objective:
The Cisco CyberOps Associate certification certifies the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for cybersecurity operations jobs, with a focus on threat detection and response.

·      Key Topics:

1.     Security Concepts: Understanding security principles, attack types, and defense mechanisms.

2.     Cybersecurity Operations: Incident handling, event correlation, and threat detection techniques.

3.     Network Security: Familiarity with firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion prevention systems (IPS).

4.     Monitoring Tools: Knowledge of Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and network monitoring tools.

·      Career Benefits:

1.     Prepares individuals for positions such as Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst and Cybersecurity Specialist.

2.     Improves understanding of threat identification, monitoring, and incident response.

3.     Provides a gateway to advanced cybersecurity credentials.

Cisco DevNet Associate

As networks become more software-driven, Cisco's DevNet Associate certification is ideal for novices interested in network automation and development. It fills the gap between networking and software development.

·      Objective:
The Cisco DevNet Associate certification verifies fundamental knowledge of software development and programming concepts, with an emphasis on applications and automation in Cisco settings.

·      Key Topics:

1.     Software Development Basics: Understanding APIs, programming languages, and software design.

2.     Cisco Platforms: Working with Cisco platforms and APIs for automation and programmability.

3.     Network Automation: Implementing automation solutions using Python, REST APIs, and Cisco tools.

4.     Security: Understanding application security fundamentals in a networked environment.

·      Career Benefits:

1.     This opens up opportunities for professions such as Network Automation Engineer and Software Developer.

2.     Prepares professionals to bridge the gap between network engineering and software development.

3.     Prepares for the increased need for automation and programmability in modern networks.

 

Tips for Getting Started

·      Select the Right Course: Evaluate your interests and career aspirations. If you're hesitant, begin with free courses such as Networking Basics.

·      Leverage Cisco Networking Academy: The platform provides both free and paid courses, simulations, and resources to help you learn effectively.

·      Practice with Packet Tracer: Gain hands-on experience by using Cisco's simulation tool.

·      Join Study Groups: Networking forums and communities can offer help and advice.

·      Certify Your Skills: Aim for a certification to confirm your expertise and boost your work possibilities.

 

Conclusion

In 2025, Cisco will continue to lead in providing industry-relevant courses for novices. Whether you're interested in networking, cybersecurity, or programming, a Cisco course may help you lay a solid foundation and launch your IT career. With dedication and the correct resources, you'll be ready to face the difficulties of the tech industry.

 

FAQ

Which CCNA course is best for beginners?
Cisco CCNA 200-301 – The Complete Guide to Getting Certified

What is the most basic Cisco certification?
Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)

Which Cisco certification is highest paying?
CCIE SECURITY — $149,504. Cisco's CCIE Security certification is a highly esteemed credential that validates an individual's expertise in implementing and operating course security technologies.

Who is eligible for CCNP?
CCNP is the Cisco Certified Network Professional certification. This certification is available for IT professionals with at least one year of experience in professional networking. A high school diploma or equivalent is also mandatory.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
Cisco's CCIE is a prestigious and challenging certification for network engineers. Candidates must pass a hands-on lab exam that tests their ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex networking solutions.