Cisco Updates Certification Portfolio to Address AI-Driven Era Challenges

Cisco Systems Inc. has announced updates to its certification portfolio to address the increasing demands on networking and technology professionals in an AI-driven era.

The company is introducing a new blueprint for the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) exam, which will be available starting February 3, 2027. The updated CCNA will focus on modern network infrastructure, troubleshooting, security, and AI management, reflecting the realities of today's hybrid infrastructures.

The new CCNA exam will test learners' practical skills, ensuring they are job-ready to configure, secure, and troubleshoot modern networks.

Cisco is also launching a new module for its expert-level certification, the CCIE AI Deploy, Operate, and Optimize Module. This will be an hour-long module that introduces an AI assistant for configuration, troubleshooting, and code creation.