As the Internet grows and Cisco routers are becoming the top choice of ISPs, Cisco certifications are gaining the popularity.

The entry level Cisco certification is CCNA - Cisco certified network associate. ( exam #640-507)

The CCNA exam is a 75 minutes exam and consists of 65 questions. Passing score is 849, which means you need to get at least 54 question right in order to pass.

The next level is CCNP - Cisco certified network professional

At the top of the Cisco certification is a CCIE - Cisco certified internetworking expert.

You can become a CCIE in one or all of four areas: Routing & Switching, WAN Switching, ISP–Dial or SNA/IP Integration.

There are 2 different CCNP certification tracks. Both require to pass CCNA exam, and the difference is in the elective exams. Both CCNP track include the "Support exam" (exam #640-506)

Unlike the MCSE certification, CCIE also requires you to pass a hands-on lab exam. The Routing and Switching CCIE lab test is a two day practical exam. The first day of the lab exam is installation and the second day is troubleshooting.

In the troubleshooting lab exam the candidate is required to recognize, diagnose, and resolve faults that have been inserted into an internetworks by the lab engineer.

Each configuration scenario and problem has pre-assigned point values. The candidate must obtain a minimum mark of 80% to pass.

CCIEs are recognized throughout the internetworking industry as highly qualified professionals whose expertise has been tested and validated both by passing a written examination and a rigorous, two-day hands-on lab examination.