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What should I learn after CCNA?

asked 3 weeks ago 3.2k 1
1

CCNA ke baad kya karna chahiye? I want a clear next step, not random courses.

2 Answers

NKAI

AI generated · 3 weeks ago

NKAI Reply

Short Answer After CCNA, don’t jump into random courses. Pick one direction based on your current job or interest. The most common and highest-value next step is CCNP ENCOR (enterprise routing/switching) — it deepens what you already know. But if you want security, automation, or cloud, there are better fits.

  • If you work in IT support or NOC → Network Engineer roadmap (CCNP route).
  • If you already have CCNA and want automation → Network Automation Engineer (DevNet track).
  • If you want security without security background → Cybersecurity (Blue or Red team).
  • If you prefer cloud → AWS or Azure Cloud Security (based on your cloud choice).

Pick the one closest to the work you already do. Shared foundations mean nothing is wasted if you switch later.

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Your Roadmap: Network Engineer (assumes you are in IT support/NOC or a fresher with CCNA)

Roadmap

  1. 1

    Enterprise Routing & Switching4 months

    CCNP ENCOR, CCNP ENARSI (OSPF, BGP, MPLS)

  2. 2

    Real Troubleshooting & Specialization6 months

    Real Troubleshooting — Routing, Real Troubleshooting — Switching, Choose one track: CCNP Security, CCNP Datacenter, or SD-WAN

  3. 3

    Advanced Track6–12 months

    CCNP Security (ISE, ASA, FTD) OR CCNP Datacenter (ACI, Nexus, VxLAN) OR SD-WAN (Cisco, Versa) + optional Python for Network Engineers

After this you can troubleshoot OSPF, BGP, and MPLS in real enterprise networks. This is the core skill for any senior network role.

  • Stage 1 (4 months) — CCNP ENCOR + ENARSI

You become job-ready for mid-level network engineer roles — you can isolate routing/switching faults quickly, which is what interviews test.

  • Stage 2 (6 months) — Real Troubleshooting + pick a track

Choose security (FortiGate/Palo Alto), data center (ACI/VxLAN), or SD-WAN. This takes you from “network engineer” to “specialist” with higher pay.

  • Stage 3 (6–12 months) — Specialization

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What it pays in India (market ranges, not offers)

  • Junior Network Engineer / NOC: ₹4–7 LPA
  • Network Engineer (2–5 yrs): ₹9–18 LPA
  • Senior / Network Architect: ₹20–35+ LPA

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Next step Start with CCNP ENCOR — it is the natural bridge from CCNA. Realistic time to first salary jump: 4–6 months of focused study plus lab practice, if you are already working in networking. If you are a fresher, expect 8–12 months before you see the jump.

If you want automation instead, say so and I’ll give you the DevNet roadmap.

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AS

Atul Sharma

0 rep · 3 weeks ago

After CCNA, you can learn CCNP with Firewalls. Get a decent hike and afterwards you can learn cloud networking & Security.

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