Cisco Certifications Overview:

General Certifications - Three Levels of Certification:

Associate:	The first step in Cisco networking begins at the Associate level, which also includes CCENT, an interim step to Associates for those with little job experience. Think of the Associate level as the foundation level of networking certification.
Professional:	The Professional Level is the next level of Cisco Certification, providing professionals with focused certification paths for specific career needs. Think of this level as an advanced level of certification that shows expertise with networking foundations. The Professional level is the advanced level of certification.
Expert:	The Expert level certifications are the highest level of achievements for Cisco professionals.

General Certifications - Seven Different Paths:

Routing and Switching:	This path is for professionals who install and support Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.
Design:	This path is aimed at professionals who design Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.
Network Security:	This path is directed toward network professionals who design and implement Cisco Secure networks.
Service Provider:	This path is aimed at professionals working with infrastructure or access solutions in a Cisco end-to-end environment primarily within the telecommunications arena.
Storage Networking:	This path is for professionals who implement storage solutions over extended network infrastructure using multiple transport options.
Voice:	This path is directed toward network professionals who install and maintain Voice solutions over IP networks.
Wireless:	This path is designed for network professionals who configure, implement and support wireless networks.

Focused Certifications - Specialist:

The Specialist Certifications allow candidates to demonstrate knowledge in specific technologies, solutions and job roles. Candidates can focus in some of the following areas: Advanced Routing and Switching, Data Centers, Unified Communications, Wireless LAN, and more.A variety of Specialist certifications are available to show knowledge in specific technologies, solutions, or job roles. New certifications are added to this list regularly.