Certification Roadmap
Data Center Engineer
Targets data center networking and infrastructure roles. CCNA provides the required networking foundation and CCNP Data Center Core validates advanced data center networking, storage, compute, and automation across Cisco data center platforms.
12–24 Months$100,000–$140,000
Cisco
01
Study time
150–300 hours
Exam cost
$330
$65,000–$95,000
Get the Study Guide →
Price varies
CCNA provides the networking foundation required before specializing in data center infrastructure. Core networking concepts from CCNA map directly to data center networking, storage networking, and compute management.
02
Study time
200–300 hours
Exam cost
$400
$105,000–$140,000
Get the Study Guide →
Price varies
CCNP Data Center Core validates advanced data center networking and infrastructure knowledge across Cisco Nexus and UCS platforms. The target credential for data center engineers managing enterprise data center environments.