Achieving Cisco certification training is an important step for networking professionals who want to embark on a career in information technology. Cisco certification provides employers with a measure to identify qualified individuals who have appropriate skills to be successful and contribute in the IT environment. There are several different types and degrees of Cisco certification. These include certification in WLAN mobility and security, CCNA certification, CCDA certification, CCVP certification, CCNP certification, CISSP certification, certification in CCIE routing and switching, and security, specialization in PIX firewalls, and CCSP certification. There are also several ways you can earn each of these Cisco certifications. Some programs offer dual certification training programs, some certifications can be earned through intensive, "boot-camp" style courses, some are offered as night courses, and most all of them can be earned through a regular curriculum at a full-time technical or vocational school.

Each of these various degrees of certification has some prerequisites that may be advised or in some cases required before beginning certification training. For example, many of them advise having at least one year of networking experience before beginning. Other prerequisites for the various Cisco certifications include an introductory understanding of routing, wide area networking and switching; an introductory understanding of networking hardware including hubs, routers, and switches; an introductory understanding of TCP/IP and subnetting; previous experience with CISCO hardware; strong hands-on experience in computer networking and networking protocols; OSI model knowledge and skills; and for the more advanced certifications, previous certifications in the more introductory levels such as CCNA certification. Each of the Cisco certifications also requires that you pass one or more exams in order to achieve certification. These exams are meant to show that you have a thorough understanding of the various aspects covered in your certification training. Having the right skills and qualifications is critical in a field such as information technology. It is crucial to keep up with the newest technologies, or you may find yourself being left behind. Cisco certification training can offer you hands-on training and preparation for real world, on-the-job tasks.