ByWhen it comes to networking certifications, Cisco has long dominated the industry. However, in recent years, Arista Networks has gained serious traction—especially in data center and cloud networking. With both companies offering certifications aimed at IT professionals, a common question arises: Arista vs. Cisco certifications—Which is right for you?
This blog breaks down both certification tracks, highlights the key differences, and helps you decide which aligns better with your career goals.
Overview of Cisco and Arista
Cisco Systems is a legacy giant in the networking space, offering a wide range of devices and services for enterprises, service providers, and SMBs. Its certifications—like CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE—have been industry standards for decades.
Arista Networks, on the other hand, is a newer but fast-growing competitor known for high-performance, software-driven networking solutions, particularly in data centers and cloud environments. Its certification path is more niche, targeting engineers working with cloud-scale Layer 2/3 networks, Linux, automation, and programmability.
Certification Tracks: What’s Available?
Cisco Certification Path:
- Entry-Level: Cisco Certified Support Technician (CCST)
- Associate: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Professional: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
- Expert: Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
- Specialist and DevNet tracks for automation, software, and security
Cisco’s certifications are structured, widely recognized, and cover a broad set of networking topics—from routing/switching to collaboration and cybersecurity.
Arista Certification Path:
- ACE Level 1: Arista Certified Engineering Associate – Basic networking, Linux, and CLI operations
- ACE Level 2: Advanced topics like VXLAN, EVPN, network automation, and telemetry
- ACE Level 3: Designed for network architects and data center engineers—deep dives into real-world Arista deployments
The arista certification program is much more focused, with a clear emphasis on modern network architecture, cloud-scale deployments, and automation using Python, Ansible, and APIs.
Who Should Choose Cisco?
- Beginners and generalists: Cisco’s CCNA is often the first certification for those starting in IT or networking.
- Broad career opportunities: Cisco certifications open doors in almost any networking-related job, from helpdesk to network engineer to IT manager.
- Large enterprise networks: If you want to work for traditional enterprises, service providers, or government agencies, Cisco remains dominant.
Cisco’s certifications are globally recognized and provide a foundation for a wide variety of roles, including security, wireless, and collaboration.
Who Should Choose Arista?
- Cloud and data center engineers: Arista is heavily used in hyperscale environments and financial institutions requiring ultra-low latency.
- Automation and DevOps-focused roles: If you’re interested in network automation and working with DevOps tools, Arista’s certification path is a great match.
- Linux-savvy professionals: Arista’s EOS runs on Linux, so familiarity with CLI and scripting is essential and integrated into the certification process.
Arista certifications are ideal for professionals working in next-gen data centers, especially where programmable infrastructure and software-defined networking (SDN) are priorities.
Industry Recognition and Demand
Cisco certifications are still more in demand, especially globally. Employers often request at least a CCNA or CCNP for network engineering roles.
Arista, while more niche, is rapidly growing in prestige. Companies running cloud-native, high-bandwidth, or data center-heavy infrastructures often prioritize Arista-skilled engineers—especially in tech-forward markets like Silicon Valley, New York, and London.
Cost and Preparation
- Cisco exams: CCNA costs around $300, while CCNP and CCIE exams can go over $400 or more per attempt. Numerous online courses, labs, and communities are available.
- Arista exams: Generally more affordable, especially for Level 1 and 2. Arista offers free study material, including labs and hands-on CLI practice via its online portal.
Final Verdict: Arista or Cisco?
- Choose Cisco if you’re starting out, want broad job options, or plan to work in a traditional enterprise or ISP environment.
- Choose Arista if you’re focused on cloud, automation, or working in high-performance network environments like tech firms, financial services, or large-scale data centers.
Ultimately, both certifications offer tremendous value. If possible, pursue both—Cisco for foundational knowledge and Arista for specialization. Combining these skill sets can make you a highly sought-after network professional in the hybrid cloud era.
