Cisco Updates Certification Portfolio for AI-Driven Era

Northampton, MA-based Cisco Systems Inc. has announced updates across its certification portfolio, aimed at equipping IT and networking professionals with skills to thrive in an AI-driven era.

The company's Learn with Cisco program ensures that every professional, regardless of experience level, has access to the necessary skills to succeed. The CCNA (Cisco Certified Networking Associate) certification, which has been earned by over 1.8 million individuals across 190 countries, will undergo a major update since 2019.

The revamped CCNA blueprint focuses on four key pillars: network infrastructure, troubleshooting and problem-solving, developing a security-first mindset, and understanding the role of AI in network management and operations. The updated certification integrates essential skills from these pillars to reflect the realities of today's hybrid, AI-driven infrastructures.

Cisco has also introduced the CCIE AI Deploy, Operate, and Optimize Module, which will be part of the Expert-level exam. This module includes an AI assistant for configuration, troubleshooting, and code creation. CCIEs are expected to demonstrate comfort using these tools for repetitive tasks and focus on higher-level decision-making and thinking.