The Cisco CCNA network associate certification validates the ability to; install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size routed and switched networks, including implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN.

The curriculum includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking concepts and terminology, and performance-based skills.

The curriculum also includes (but is not limited to) the use of these protocols:

• IP
• VLANs
• Ethernet
• Access Control Lists (ACLs)
• Serial Line Interface Protocol Frame Relay
• Routing Information Protocol Version 2 (RIPv2)
• Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)

CCNP certification validates a network professional's ability to install, configure and troubleshoot converged local and wide area networks with 100 to 500 or more nodes.

Network Professionals who achieve the CCNP have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to manage the routers and switches that form the network core, as well as edge applications that integrate voice, wireless, and security into the network.

To acquire a CCNP one must possess a CCNA certification first and then pass three or four tests, depending on the path one chooses.