Introduction
Certifications play a crucial role in demonstrating expertise and keeping professionals competitive in the job market. Among the wide array of certifications available, Cisco certifications are highly regarded and sought after by networking professionals.
But which Cisco certification is most in demand?
This question matters because Cisco certifications are changing fast. A few years ago, most people would answer with only CCNA or CCNP. Now the picture is much broader.
So the better answer is not one single certification name. It depends on what kind of work the market needs most and which role you wants next. The Future of Jobs Report 2025 highlights AI, networking, and cybersecurity as fast-growing skill areas. For Cisco learners, this demand is reflected in automation, enterprise networking, AI, data center, and security roles.
What Does “Most in Demand” Mean?
A certification is in demand when it matches growing skill needs in real jobs. This means employers should value the knowledge behind it, not only the badge itself.
Right now, the strongest demand signals point toward:
- Automation
- Enterprise Networking
- AI Skills
- Data Center
- Network security
These areas are in demand because modern enterprises need engineers who can build, automate, secure, and scale cloud-connected networks.
Evergreen Cisco Certifications in demand
The certifications by Cisco that will never lose its demand or we can say will remain evergreen in the networking domain are:
Enterprise Networking
CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
If the question is about a broad starting point, CCNA is still one of the most useful Cisco certifications. It remains a strong foundation because networking still supports everything else. Even when automation and AI grow, systems still rely on networks underneath them.
CCNA stays in demand because it gives readers:
- Strong basics
- Routing and switching understanding
- Troubleshooting skill
- and a base for moving into higher tracks later
So CCNA may not be the only answer anymore, but it is still one of the most market-friendly entry points.
Exam Name: CCNA 200-301
Note: If you are someone who already has done CCNA, it’s better to move on to higher certifications depending on your point of interest. Some of the options you can go for CCNP
CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)
Cisco Certified Network Professional Enterprise is the next logical step after gaining the expertise that comes with the CCNA certification. Cisco updated its certifications recently, and the most popular CCNP Routing and Switching got replaced with CCNP enterprise with only two exams to pass. Passing enterprise core and anyone from the given options available in the concentration exams, one will receive CCNP Certification from Cisco along with CCNP Enterprise core and specialist certification.
The most demanded Cisco certifications under CCNP enterprise track are:
- ENCOR 350-401 (CCNP Core Exam)
- ENARSI 300-410 (CCNP Concentration Exam)
SD-WAN and Software-Defined Infrastructure
Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is also one of the most in-demand certification as it will help you learn how to deploy, manages, and troubleshoots modern WAN networks. Many companies now use cloud apps, remote branches, and centralized network management. That is why they need professionals who understand:
- WAN design
- SD-WAN deployment
- Policy management
- Secure branch connectivity
If you want to build skills in this area, Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN is a strong choice.
Exam Name: ENSDWI 300-415 (Implementing Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN Solutions)
Automation
Automation is becoming one of the strongest demand areas. But the question now arises is, why Automation is in demand?
The reason behind it is networks are no longer managed only by manual CLI work. They increasingly depend on automation and programmability. Also, modern teams need people who understand:
- APIs
- Infrastructure automation
- Software-based operations
- And platform workflows
That is why demand is growing here. Also, we have seen major changes around automation in the Cisco certifications. Cisco updated DevNet track and is being rebranded into the Automation track on February 3, 2026, with CCNA Automation, CCNP Automation, and CCIE Automation as the new names.
Under Automation, some of the most in-demand certifications are:
CCNA Automation (Formerly known as DevNet Associate)
CCNA Automation is best for building a strong foundation in network automation, programmability, and modern Cisco workflows.
If you are just a beginner and have basic networking knowledge, it’s the best option you can choose.
Exam Name: 200-901 CCNAAUTO
CCNP Automation (Formerly Known as DevNet Professional)
CCNP Automation is best for developing deeper automation and infrastructure skills for real-world enterprise environments. Ideal for experienced network engineers, automation professionals, and those aiming for mid-level to advanced roles.
Exam Name: 350-901 AUTOCOR (CCNP Automation core exam)
If you want to learn enterprise automation, one of the most in-demand certification to go for is 300-435 ENAUTO (Automating and Programming Cisco Enterprise Solutions).
Note: If you are someone who already has done CCNP automation and looking to enhance your skills, CCIE Automation is your only and best choice. At present, there is a huge demand for professionals who are CCIE certified.
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
This is the newest part of the demand story. Cisco now offers AI Technical Practitioner or AITECH, which it describes as a practical AI certification covering coding, data work, workflow automation, and agentic AI design.
This does not mean AI replaces all other Cisco certifications. But it does show where new demand is heading. AI is becoming part of infrastructure, operations, automation, and enterprise workflows.
So for forward-looking learners, AI-related Cisco learning is becoming more relevant.
Exam Name: AITECH 810-110 (Cisco AI Technical Practitioner)
Data Center
CCNP Data Center
Data centers are growing rapidly all over the globe because of AI cloud, as well as hyperscale demand. According to a JLL report, the capacity of global data centers could increase to 200 GW by 2030 which is nearly the double from 2025. As this growth continues to grow, companies require professionals who can design, manage, and scale modern data center infrastructures efficiently. This is another reason why Cisco ACI skills remain valuable.
Two of the most sought-after Cisco certifications that are required for Data Center are:
- DCCOR 350-601 (CCNP Data Center Core Exam)
Network Security
CCNP Security
All organizations need robust and scalable security across their network, and as software and networking become more and more interconnected every day, it’s the foremost need now.
So, the demand for Network Security Engineers and security professionals with a broader range of skills is increasing day-by-day. So, CCNP Security certification programs that prepare you for today’s professional to expert level job roles in security technologies are:
- CCIE Security Lab Exam
Which Cisco certification is most in demand for beginners?
For beginners, the most practical answer is still CCNA. It gives the strongest broad base and helps learners move into other tracks later. It is easier to build from a strong network foundation than to skip it completely.
For beginners who want automation, CCNA Automation becomes a strong second answer. This path fits learners who want networking plus modern programmability from the start.
Which Cisco certification is most in demand for experienced professionals?
For experienced learners, the answer depends on the role.
- If the role is heavily based on automation, CCNP Automation is one of the best options.
- If the role is into security operations, CCNP security becomes more relevant.
- If the role is still revolves around the core networking, CCNP Enterprise (ENCOR + ENARSI) and Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN (ENSDWI 300-415) is still vital.
- If your role is centered around modern infrastructure or fabrics-based networking, CCNP Data Center (300-620 DCACI) is extremely relevant.
So the “most in demand” answer changes by level.
Note: Always remember, whatever the demand, always starts with the basics and in terms of Cisco certifications, CCNA is your first step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which Cisco certificate is best?
There is no single most effective Cisco certification. It’s all about your experience and goals for career. For most people who are just beginning, CCNA is the best starting point. For those who have experience, CCNP Enterprise, CCNP Automation, CCNP Security, SD-WAN or Data Center can be better options.
Q2. Which Cisco certification pays the most?
Typically, higher-level Cisco certifications result in higher-paying jobs. Certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, and expert based paths can offer higher prospects for salary.
Q3. Are Cisco certifications in demand?
Yes, Cisco certifications are still highly sought-after. The demand is high in the areas of automation, enterprise networking, AI, data center, and network security.
Q4. Is CCNA still worth it in 2026?
Yes, CCNA is still worth it in 2026. It will give you solid fundamentals on networking, troubleshooting, and switching and routing. It also assists you in moving to higher Cisco tracks later on.
Conclusion
The most in-demand Cisco certification depends on the role, but the strongest current demand is clearly moving toward Automation, Cybersecurity, AI, Enterprise, and Data Center paths, while CCNA remains one of the most valuable starting points.
In this blog, we have discussed what Cisco certification is most in demand. Cisco certifications continue to hold significant value in the IT industry, with different certifications catering to specific skill levels and areas of expertise.
