CCNA Qualifications and Requirements
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) designation is for IT professionals who have around 1-3 years of work experience creating business solutions specifically using Cisco switches and routers. These IT professionals also configure, install, and maintain LANs, WANs and dial-up networks using IP, Ethernet, frame relay, and other protocols. They might configure servers, routers, firewalls, or other network or security devices.
CCNA specializations include service provider, data center, video, and routing and switching. This latter option can be used to meet prerequisites for additional specialty certifications in voice, wireless, service provider operations, and security. Depending on the specialty a candidate pursues, he or she will need to pass one or more exams.
CCNA certifications expire after three years. After that time period, CCNA professionals must recertify. There are a number of ways to do this, including passing a current CCNA exam in one of the other specialty areas or by taking a certification exam offered at the specialist or professional level.
MCSE Qualifications and Requirements
The Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) designation is for IT professionals with 1-2 years of experience designing, installing, configuring and troubleshooting Microsoft servers and databases used to manage computer and network infrastructure.
The first three exams for an MCSE credential require applicants to demonstrate their ability to work with Windows Server 2012 or Microsoft SQL Server 2012. These exams provide the basis for MCSE specializations in SharePoint, messaging, communication, business intelligence, server infrastructure, private cloud, desktop infrastructure and data platform. All specializations require passing scores on five exams.
MCSE certifications must be renewed every three years by passing a recertification exam.
