The first thing you need to know before deciding is that Cisco actually offers 3 different levels of general certification, which represents in each case increasing levels of expertise.

The first step in Cisco networking and computer training always begins at the Associate level, which is the foundation or apprentice level of Cisco certification.

After the Associate Level, comes the Professional, which is the journeyman or advanced level of networking certification, and finally the Expert level, standing for the CCIE, the highest level of achievement for network professionals, certifying an individual as master or expert of the IT industry.

Cisco certifications, Associate, Professional, or Expert (CCIE) are the tools anyone may need developing a professional career, with different tracks across these levels according to your career needs.

There are also a variety of Specialist certifications such as including CCNP, CCNE and CCNA certification, available to certify knowledge in specific solutions, technologies or job roles, with new certifications added to Cisco's list regularly.

Computer training and general certifications are divided in six paths:

- Routing and Switching, certification aimed at professionals who install and support any Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.

-Design certification, is the path for those professionals who design Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.

-Network Security, certification directed to network professionals who are in charge of design and implement Cisco Secure networks.

- Service Provider, certification aimed at professionals who work on infrastructure or access solutions in a Cisco end-to-end environment within the telecommunications arena.

- Storage Networking certification, intended for professionals implementing storage solutions over extended network infrastructure, but using multiple transport options.

- Voice certification, for those professionals who install and maintain Voice solutions over IP networks.

Cisco's most popular computer training certifications are:

CCNP certification (Cisco Certified Network Professional), indicates a network professional who can install, configure, and troubleshoot local and wide area networks for enterprise organizations with networks from 100 to more than 500 nodes.

CCNE certification (Cisco Certified Network Engineer) and CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Networking Associate) develops the respective computer training and skills required to individually pursue the Cisco Certified Professional (CCNP) certification noted above, part of the 3 basic CISCO levels.

Computer training for these certifications give the knowledge to design, install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot networks, ensuring that students emerge with the skills necessary for the Internet marketplace.