What Should Be Pursued After CCNA Certification?
The CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is widely regarded as the gold standard for professionals stepping into networking and IT infrastructure roles. But once you achieve this milestone, the critical question becomes:
What should be pursued after CCNA certification? Is it better to specialize in networking, pivot toward cybersecurity, or pursue advanced certifications that accelerate your career? This detailed guide answers exactly that — exploring all viable paths, job prospects, salary expectations in India and abroad, and how to strategically expand your professional credentials after CCNA.
Before we dive deeper into what to pursue next, let us briefly understand what CCNA stands for and why it remains a foundational credential in IT.
What Is CCNA Certification?
The CCNA certification is an industry-recognised credential from Cisco that validates your skills in networking fundamentals, security basics, routing and switching, and more. It prepares you to manage network infrastructure and provides a solid foundation for nearly all IT careers. The knowledge obtained here supports advanced routes ranging from enterprise networking to cybersecurity and automation.
How to Get a CCNA Certification
To earn the CCNA certification, you need to pass a single exam — typically the 200-301 CCNA — covering networking essentials, IP connectivity, security fundamentals, automation, and programmability. Preparation generally involves hands-on lab practice, official Cisco courses, and practice exams.
What Should Be Pursued After CCNA Certification?
The short answer is: it depends on your interests and career goals. However, in general, after completing CCNA, IT professionals tend to pursue one of three main pathways:
- Advanced Cisco Certifications (e.g., CCNP, DevNet)
- Specialisations (e.g., Cybersecurity, Cloud, Wireless)
- Entry to Mid-Level Job Roles with CCNA Certification
Let’s break down these paths so you can choose what aligns best with your ambitions.
What Can I Do After CCNA Course?
After completing your CCNA course, you have a range of options from entry-level jobs with CCNA certification to advanced career paths. Many IT professionals begin with roles such as network support technician or network administrator and gradually grow into more senior roles.
Here are common routes:
1. Entry-Level Jobs with CCNA Certification
Once certified, you can begin with roles such as:
- Network Support Engineer
- Help Desk Technician
- Network Administrator
- IT Support Specialist
These roles provide real-world experience and help you refine your skills in networking and troubleshooting.
2. Network Engineer Roles
With 1–2 years of experience, CCNA certified professionals often transition into network engineering roles. Here you’ll handle more advanced configurations, network design, performance optimisation, and routing/switching problems.
3. Systems and Network Administration
Systems engineers and administrators manage broader IT infrastructures, integrating servers and storage with network infrastructure — a natural progression for CCNA holders.
4. Network Security Specialist
With additional security training or certifications, you can pivot into roles focused on secure network design, firewall configuration, intrusion detection, and incident response.
These represent just a few of the many opportunities CCNA can unlock. Next, let’s explore the certifications you might pursue after CCNA to further accelerate your career.
What Is the Next Cert After CCNA?
Once you’ve completed CCNA, many professionals want to know: What is the next cert after CCNA? The answer depends on your chosen career path.
Advanced Cisco Certifications
Cisco offers a structured certification ladder:
- CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)
A comprehensive next step if you want to deepen your expertise in enterprise networking. Topics include advanced routing, switching, security, and network automation. - Cisco DevNet Associate / Professional
Focuses on network automation, programmability, and application integration with Cisco platforms — ideal for those interested in modern network environments.
Specialized Cisco Tracks
- CyberOps Associate
A Cisco certification focused on cybersecurity fundamentals and security operations. This cert is valuable if you plan to enter security analyst or SOC (Security Operations Center) roles. - CCNP Security, CCIE Security
Advanced cybersecurity paths for professionals committed to network security leadership.
Vendor-Neutral Certifications (Optional)
- CompTIA Security+ — Great for foundational cybersecurity knowledge.
- AWS/Azure Cloud Certifications — If you want to explore cloud networking and hybrid architectures.
Choosing the next cert depends on whether you want more depth in networking, a shift into cybersecurity, or a blend that positions you for hybrid roles. Next, let’s tie these certification paths into a broader career journey.
What Is the Career Path of a CCNA?
The typical career path of a CCNA holder expands across roles and compensation levels, often starting with entry-level jobs and progressing to senior engineering positions.
Entry Level
- Network Technician/Support
Starting point for hands-on troubleshooting and network support roles. - Network Administrator
You manage network devices, configure routers/switches, and maintain connectivity.
Mid Level
- Network Engineer
Responsible for designing, implementing, and optimising network solutions. - Systems or Infrastructure Engineer
Expands scope beyond networking to integrated IT systems.
Advanced Level
- Senior Network Engineer or Architect
Strategic planning, architecture design, and leadership roles. - Cybersecurity Specialist
With security certifications, you can secure enterprise networks and defend against cyber risks.
Now let us examine salary prospects to provide a clear picture of ROI for CCNA and related career choices.
Salary After CCNA Certification in India and Abroad
One of the most frequently asked questions is: Salary after CCNA certification in India or foreign markets.
In India
Glassdoor and job portals list numerous CCNA-related job openings such as Network Trainee, NOC Engineer, and Junior Network Administrator with salaries typically starting in the range of:
- Network Trainee / Support: ₹2 LPA – ₹3.5 LPA
- Network Administrator: ₹3.5 LPA – ₹6 LPA
- Network Engineer: ₹6 LPA – ₹12 LPA+
These figures depend on experience, location, company, and role. With further certifications like CCNP or specialization in cybersecurity, salaries can jump significantly.
International Salary Benchmarks
International data shows that average salaries for network administrators and engineers typically range between USD 65,000 – USD 90,000+ annually, depending on expertise and role. Advanced roles can exceed USD 100,000+.
CCNA Certification Jobs Salary and Job Scope
A CCNA certification opens doors to numerous roles, and salary correlates with designation and expertise. Here are typical career paths and salary expectations:
Job Role | Approx. Salary (Global) |
Network Technician/Support | USD 50,000 – USD 60,000 |
Network Administrator | USD 65,000 – USD 80,000 |
Network Engineer | USD 80,000 – USD 110,000 |
Systems Engineer | USD 75,000 – USD 100,000 |
IT Security Specialist | USD 90,000 – USD 120,000+ |
These figures demonstrate how the CCNA certification jobs salary experiences growth as you gain experience and pursue additional credentials.
Can I Get a Job with CCNA Certification Only?
Yes — you can get a job with CCNA certification only — but job roles and salaries will strongly depend on your experience and additional skills. Entry-level roles such as network support, help desk, and junior network administrator are accessible directly after CCNA.
However, to accelerate into mid-level or high-paying roles, progressing to advanced certifications or acquiring practical experience is highly recommended.
How Long Does It Take to Get CCNA Certification?
The time required to get CCNA certification varies by preparation intensity and background:
- Beginners: About 3–6 months with consistent study.
- IT Professionals with Experience: Often 6–12 weeks with structured training.
Preparation includes understanding networking fundamentals, hands-on lab work, and mock exams.
CCNA Certification Cost
The cost of CCNA certification primarily consists of the exam fee. As of the latest standard pricing:
- CCNA Exam Fee: Typically around USD 300 (varies by region)
- Training & Labs: Optional, additional cost depending on mode (self-study vs instructor-led)
Why Pursuing Further Certifications After CCNA Matters
CCNA lays the foundation, but today’s IT landscape demands advanced competencies. Pursuing further credentials such as CCNP, CyberOps Associate, or DevNet can lead to:
- More senior roles
- Higher salaries
- Specialised expertise
- Competitive edge in hiring
Advanced certifications demonstrate commitment to professional growth and mastery, making you more valuable to employers.
Leveraging Prime Technologies for Your Next Step
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Whether you’re aiming to book your CCNA, CCNP, CyberOps Associate, or other specialist certifications, Prime Technologies ensures a seamless, discounted experience tailored to your goals.
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Faqs
What jobs can I get after CCNA?
After CCNA certification, you can pursue roles such as Network Support Engineer, Network Administrator, IT Support Specialist, or NOC Engineer. Progression leads to Network Engineer or Systems Administrator roles.
Is CCNA enough to start a career?
Yes, CCNA certification is sufficient to start a networking career, particularly in entry-level IT support, network support, and junior administrator roles.
What is the next certification after CCNA?
The common next certification after CCNA is CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) or specialisations like CyberOps Associate or DevNet Associate depending on your chosen field.
What is the salary after CCNA certification in India?
Salary after CCNA certification in India typically ranges from ₹2 LPA for entry-level roles up to ₹6–₹12 LPA for mid-level network engineering roles.
Can I enter cybersecurity after CCNA?
Yes, many professionals transition to cybersecurity after CCNA by pursuing additional certifications like CyberOps Associate or CompTIA Security+.
How long does it take to get CCNA certification?
Most candidates take 3–6 months to prepare for the CCNA exam, depending on background and study commitment.
What is the cost of CCNA certification?
The CCNA exam typically costs around USD 300, excluding optional training and study materials.
What is the career path of a CCNA?
The career path starts with entry roles like network support or administrator, advancing to network engineer, systems engineer, and specialised roles in security or cloud networking.
Do CCNA certified professionals earn well?
Yes, CCNA certified professionals often earn competitive salaries, with international averages between USD 65,000 and USD 90,000+.
Is CCNA worth it in 2026?
Yes, CCNA remains valuable as it validates networking fundamentals and opens many career and certification pathways.
