What are the Cisco Certification Costs?

Cisco certification costs vary depending on the level and type of certification you choose. Entry-level exams like CCNA cost around $300 per attempt, while professional-level certifications such as CCNP require two exams totaling about $700. Expert-level certifications like CCIE involve a $450 written exam and a lab exam priced at approximately $1,600, making them the most expensive. 

In this article, we have discussed the costs for different Cisco certifications to help you plan your budget before pursuing Cisco credentials.

Cisco Certifications and Their Exam Costs

Check out our Cisco Certification Courses to train for these exams.

Additional Costs: Training, Labs, and Retakes

Beyond exam fees, Cisco certifications often involve extra expenses.

● Training programs can range from $800 to $4,000, depending on the course and provider, especially for advanced certifications like CCNP or CCIE.

● Hands-on labs are essential for practical skills and may cost $100 to $500 for virtual labs or thousands for physical setups.

● If you fail an exam, retake fees are the same as the original exam cost, so budgeting for multiple attempts is wise.

Additionally, recertification is required every three years to maintain your credentials. This can involve retaking exams or earning Continuing Education (CE) credits, which may cost anywhere from $300 for associate-level to over $1,600 for expert-level certifications.

Tips to Reduce Cisco Certification Expenses

1. Use Free or Low-Cost Study Resources

Leverage Cisco’s official learning materials, free webinars, and community forums instead of expensive training programs.

2. Opt for Self-Paced Learning

Online platforms like Cisco Learning Network and UniNets offer affordable self-paced courses compared to instructor-led training.

3. Take Advantage of Bundled Offers

Some providers offer discounted bundles for multiple exams or include labs and practice tests at a lower cost.

4. Plan and Prepare Thoroughly

Avoid retake fees by ensuring you’re fully prepared before scheduling the exam. Practice with simulators and mock tests.

5. Look for Discounts and Vouchers

Cisco occasionally provides promotional codes, student discounts, or partner vouchers that can significantly reduce exam fees.

6. Recertify Through Continuing Education

Instead of retaking exams, earn Continuing Education (CE) credits through Cisco-approved activities, which can be more cost-effective.

Is Cisco Certification Worth the Investment?

Yes, Cisco certifications are widely considered worth the investment for IT professionals aiming to advance their networking careers. These credentials validate your expertise in Cisco technologies, which dominate enterprise networks globally. Certified professionals often enjoy higher salaries, better job opportunities, and career stability.

While costs can be high, ranging from $300 for CCNA to over $2,000 for CCIE, the long-term benefits in terms of skill recognition, job security, and growth potential make Cisco certifications a valuable asset for networking and IT roles.