The Cisco Certified Network Associate Cloud (CCNA Cloud) certification was developed as a foundational credential for IT professionals aiming to validate their cloud-related skills, particularly in Cisco-based environments. This certification was part of Cisco’s effort to meet the growing demand for cloud-literate IT staff, especially as organizations increasingly moved toward hybrid and fully cloud-based infrastructures.
The CCNA Cloud credential was designed for network engineers, cloud engineers, and administrators who needed to understand Cisco Cloud solutions to provision and support them effectively. It reflected a shift in the industry toward cloud-centric IT models and served as an entry point for those seeking to specialize in cloud technologies within Cisco’s ecosystem.
The Purpose Behind CCNA Cloud
Cloud technology has become an integral part of IT infrastructure strategies for businesses of all sizes. With benefits such as scalability, cost-efficiency, and speed of deployment, cloud solutions were increasingly preferred over traditional on-premise environments.
Cisco developed the CCNA Cloud certification to bridge the knowledge gap for professionals who were transitioning from traditional networking roles to cloud-related roles. This certification helped learners grasp fundamental cloud concepts, familiarize themselves with Cisco’s cloud architecture, and learn how to implement and manage basic cloud infrastructure.
Target Audience for CCNA Cloud
This certification was particularly beneficial for:
- Entry-level cloud engineers
- Network engineers transitioning to cloud roles
- IT professionals are responsible for cloud provisioning.
- Cisco partners and resellers working on Cisco Cloud platforms
It provided an excellent opportunity for professionals who were just beginning their cloud journey to align with Cisco’s direction in the cloud computing space.
Structure of the CCNA Cloud Certification
To earn the CCNA Cloud certification, candidates had to pass two exams:
210-451 CLDFND (Understanding Cisco Cloud Fundamentals)
- Time: 90 minutes
- Questions: 55-65
- Cost: USD 250
- Focus: This exam measured knowledge of foundational cloud concepts, infrastructure, Cisco cloud solutions, and cloud networking.
210-455 CLDADM (Introducing Cisco Cloud Administration)
- Time: 90 minutes
- Questions: 55-65
- Cost: $USD 250
- Focus: This exam validates skills in cloud administration, operations, and management using Cisco platforms.
Both exams tested a candidate’s ability to work with Cisco cloud technologies and environments. They used a variety of question formats, including multiple choice, drag-and-drop, simulations, and simlets.
Importance of Cisco Cloud Training
Training for the CCNA Cloud was available through platforms like labs, which offered structured learning paths, video lectures, practice exams, and lab simulations to prepare learners for the certification exams. The use of hands-on labs allowed learners to gain practical experience, which was essential for success in real-world scenarios.
Cisco’s official learning materials and third-party resources, such as ExamLab, have contributed significantly to the accessibility and effectiveness of CCNA Cloud training. Many learners preferred these resources for their modular format and ability to simulate actual exam conditions.
Key Skills Validated by CCNA Cloud
- Understanding of cloud deployment models
- Knowledge of cloud infrastructure components
- Familiarity with Cisco Intercloud and Unified Data Center
- Skills in cloud administration and reporting tools
- Ability to provision virtual machines and manage cloud resources
These skills were considered foundational for any IT professional seeking to specialize in cloud operations, particularly in environments that utilize Cisco hardware and software.
Retirement of the CCNA Cloud Certification
Cisco retired the CCNA Cloud certification as part of a larger effort to simplify and modernize its certification portfolio. Many CCNA-level certifications were consolidated or phased out, and the focus shifted toward broader, role-based certifications.
The retirement was announced in alignment with Cisco’s new certification framework, which emphasized skills in automation, DevOps, and cloud-native technologies. Cisco did not provide a direct replacement for CCNA Cloud but integrated cloud-related topics into other certifications, particularly within the DevNet track.
Why the Change?
The technology landscape is evolving rapidly. As cloud adoption increased, so did the complexity of managing and securing cloud environments. Cisco recognized the need to update its certifications to keep pace with industry trends and equip learners with more relevant, future-proof skills.
Rather than maintaining several narrowly focused certifications, Cisco introduced broader credentials that allowed for more flexibility and alignment with actual job roles. The emphasis moved from device configuration to automation, infrastructure as code, and multi-cloud environments.
The CCNA Cloud certification played a pivotal role in shaping cloud-focused IT professionals for several years. It filled a gap at a time when businesses were beginning to adopt cloud strategies more aggressively. While the certification is no longer available, its legacy continues through the skills it introduced and the alternative certifications that have since evolved to carry the torch.
Certifications to Consider After CCNA Cloud
Introduction to Cloud Certification Alternatives
With the retirement of the CCNA Cloud certification, learners and professionals are now seeking alternate paths to gain expertise and credentials in cloud technologies. Thankfully, the modern certification landscape is rich with opportunities that align with both Cisco and non-Cisco cloud environments.
These alternatives offer practical knowledge and validation of skills that can be applied in real-world cloud infrastructure, operations, and development roles. Let’s explore some of the top certifications that can replace the role CCNA Cloud once played in the IT world.
Cisco DevNet Associate (200-901 DEVASC)
The Cisco DevNet Associate certification is a great starting point for individuals interested in combining software development skills with networking knowledge. It focuses on emerging technologies such as automation, programmability, and DevOps practices.
Key Topics Covered:
- Cisco platforms and development environments
- Application programming interfaces (APIs)
- Cisco infrastructure and automation
- Network fundamentals
- Security fundamentals
This certification prepares learners to understand and utilize Cisco’s evolving network solutions, especially in hybrid and cloud environments. It’s ideal for professionals transitioning from traditional IT roles to those involving development and automation.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900)
For learners interested in gaining foundational knowledge of cloud services on a popular platform, the Azure Fundamentals certification is a solid option. It does not require previous experience and serves as an introduction to the Microsoft Azure ecosystem.
Key Topics Covered:
- Principles of cloud computing
- Core Azure services
- Security, privacy, compliance, and trust
- Azure pricing and support
This certification is widely respected and serves as a stepping stone to more advanced Microsoft Azure certifications.
Cisco Certified Network Associate (200-301 CCNA)
Even though the CCNA Cloud is retired, the general CCNA certification still holds immense value. It has been redesigned to cover a broad range of foundational IT and networking skills.
Key Topics Covered:
- Network fundamentals
- IP connectivity
- IP services
- Security fundamentals
- Automation and programmability
This certification ensures that professionals can support and troubleshoot network environments and is often a prerequisite for more specialized Cisco certifications.
Google Associate Cloud Engineer (ACE)
Google Cloud’s Associate Cloud Engineer certification targets individuals who want to demonstrate the ability to deploy and manage applications on Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Key Topics Covered:
- Setting up a cloud solution environment
- Planning and configuring a cloud solution
- Deploying and implementing a cloud solution
- Ensuring the successful operation of a cloud solution
- Configuring access and security
This certification is ideal for those pursuing cloud engineering roles within organizations using or transitioning to GCP.
CompTIA Cloud+ (CV0-003)
CompTIA Cloud+ is a vendor-neutral certification that validates a professional’s ability to maintain and optimize cloud infrastructure services. It bridges the gap between traditional networking and modern cloud computing.
Key Topics Covered:
- Cloud architecture and design
- Security and compliance
- Cloud deployment
- Operations and support
- Troubleshooting
The certification is especially valuable for IT professionals looking to support multi-cloud environments and hybrid infrastructure.
Role of Labs in Certification Preparation
Labs play an important role in helping professionals prepare for these cloud-focused certifications. It offers comprehensive learning resources, including practice exams, detailed study guides, and hands-on labs. These tools are essential for building the practical knowledge required to pass certification exams and apply skills in real-world job roles.
Whether learners are targeting Cisco’s DevNet Associate or branching out to Azure or Google Cloud, labs provide the flexibility and depth of content needed to succeed.
Choosing the Right Certification Path
The right certification depends on your career goals and the technologies most relevant to your organization or interests. For example:
- Choose Cisco DevNet Associate if your focus is automation and Cisco environments
- Choose Azure Fundamentals if you are working with or learning about Microsoft cloud services
- Choose CCNA if you want a strong foundation in networking with some exposure to automation and security
- Choose Google ACE if your organization uses GCP
- Choose CompTIA Cloud+ for a broader, vendor-neutral perspective
Each of these certifications serves different niches but shares a common goal: equipping professionals to succeed in modern cloud environments.
Career Paths and Opportunities After CCNA Cloud
Shifting Career Opportunities Post-CCNA Cloud
The retirement of the CCNA Cloud certification prompted many IT professionals to reassess their career paths and explore new avenues for growth. Cloud computing remains one of the most critical components of enterprise IT strategies, meaning that skills related to cloud infrastructure, automation, and security are more in demand than ever.
Although the CCNA Cloud certification is no longer offered, its spirit lives on through new certifications and evolving job roles. Employers still seek professionals who can understand and implement cloud-based solutions, especially in environments built on or integrated with Cisco technologies.
Career opportunities for cloud-savvy professionals continue to grow, with roles becoming increasingly specialized. Whether you’re moving into cloud administration, cloud security, DevOps, or cloud architecture, the need for certified skills remains a constant.
Popular Job Roles for Cloud-Certified Professionals
Several job titles align well with the skills once validated by the CCNA Cloud certification and its modern alternatives. These roles span various industries and often involve overlapping competencies in networking, cloud provisioning, and automation.
Network Cloud Engineer
This role combines the responsibilities of traditional network engineers with cloud expertise. It involves designing, deploying, and managing network infrastructure in cloud environments. Certifications like CCNA, DevNet Associate, or CompTIA Cloud+ are typically sought for this position.
Cloud Administrator
Cloud administrators manage the day-to-day operations of cloud platforms. Their tasks include provisioning resources, configuring cloud services, monitoring performance, and ensuring system uptime. Training in Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, or AWS—paired with experience in platforms like Cisco UCS or Cisco Meraki—can be advantageous.
DevOps Engineer
DevOps engineers integrate development and operations by automating infrastructure and deployment pipelines. This role is ideal for professionals with a background in software development and infrastructure management. Certifications like Cisco DevNet Associate, Azure DevOps Engineer, or Google Cloud Professional DevOps Engineer are valuable credentials for this path.
Systems Engineer
Systems engineers support enterprise systems across both on-premises and cloud-based environments. While they don’t focus exclusively on the cloud, knowing cloud platforms is increasingly important. Certifications such as CCNA and CompTIA Cloud+ can strengthen qualifications for this role.
Cloud Security Specialist
Cloud security specialists are tasked with protecting cloud infrastructure and data. They work to prevent unauthorized access, detect intrusions, and maintain compliance with security standards. While Cisco’s CyberOps certifications are a good starting point, professionals may also consider vendor-neutral certifications such as (ISC² CCSP or CompTIA Security+ alongside cloud credentials.
As organizations continue to migrate their data and services to the cloud, the importance of securing cloud environments has never been greater. The digital transformation has created new vulnerabilities and threat vectors, demanding a new breed of professionals: Cloud Security Specialists. These experts are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining security strategies tailored for cloud platforms, ensuring that sensitive data and systems remain protected from evolving cyber threats.
Who Is a Cloud Security Specialist?
A Cloud Security Specialist is an IT professional who focuses exclusively on securing cloud-based infrastructures. Unlike traditional cybersecurity roles, this position requires in-depth knowledge of cloud architectures, platforms, and services offered by providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
These specialists assess cloud environments for risks, develop security policies, configure access controls, monitor for unusual activity, and respond to incidents when breaches occur. They work closely with DevOps teams, cloud architects, and compliance officers to ensure the entire cloud ecosystem remains secure.
Key Responsibilities
Cloud Security Specialists take on a wide range of tasks, including:
- Designing Secure Cloud Architectures
Developing security frameworks tailored to an organization’s cloud deployment model—be it public, private, hybrid, or multi-cloud. - Risk Assessment and Threat Modeling
Identifying vulnerabilities in cloud environments and designing countermeasures before a threat can exploit them. - Compliance and Governance
Ensuring the cloud infrastructure adheres to regulatory standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, and ISO 27001. - Access Control and Identity Management
Managing roles, permissions, and authentication protocols using tools like IAM (Identity and Access Management), MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), and SSO (Single Sign-On). - Monitoring and Incident Response
Continuously monitoring systems for anomalies and orchestrating response efforts in case of a security breach. - Encryption and Data Protection
Implementing encryption protocols for data at rest and in transit, and managing cryptographic key lifecycles.
Required Skills and Knowledge
To be effective, a Cloud Security Specialist must have a combination of technical expertise, analytical thinking, and industry knowledge. Some essential skills include:
- Proficiency in Cloud Platforms
Experience with AWS, Azure, and GCP is essential. Each platform offers its own set of security tools and best practices. - Understanding of Network Security
Skills in firewall configuration, VPNs, network segmentation, and secure communication protocols. - Knowledge of Security Tools
Familiarity with tools like CloudTrail, GuardDuty, Azure Security Center, Google Chronicle, and SIEM solutions. - Automation and Scripting
Ability to automate security operations using Python, Bash, or PowerShell. - DevSecOps Mindset
Integrating security measures into the DevOps lifecycle to ensure continuous compliance and threat mitigation.
Common Certifications
Certifications can greatly enhance a Cloud Security Specialist’s credibility and marketability. Some top certifications include:
- Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) – Offered by ISC², this certification is vendor-neutral and widely recognized in the industry.
- AWS Certified Security – Specialty – Focuses on securing the AWS cloud environment with emphasis on encryption, compliance, and incident response.
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate – Tailored for securing Microsoft Azure services and managing identity, access, and data.
- Google Professional Cloud Security Engineer – Concentrates on the GCP ecosystem and its security features.
- CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA Cloud+ – Excellent starting points for foundational knowledge in cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure.
Career Path and Job Outlook
Cloud Security Specialists are in high demand as businesses across sectors expand their reliance on cloud computing. According to various industry reports, roles in cloud security are among the fastest-growing in the tech sector.
Professionals typically start as system administrators or network security analysts and transition into cloud security roles through hands-on experience and certification. With time, they can move into senior roles such as:
- Cloud Security Architect
- Cloud Compliance Officer
- Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)
The average salary for a Cloud Security Specialist ranges between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications.
Challenges in the Role
The position of a Cloud Security Specialist comes with its share of challenges:
- Constantly Evolving Threat Landscape
Cyber threats are dynamic and sophisticated, requiring continuous learning and adaptation. - Multi-Cloud Complexity
Managing security across multiple platforms with differing configurations and tools can be overwhelming. - Misconfigurations
A leading cause of data breaches, misconfigured cloud settings can expose sensitive data if not properly audited. - Shared Responsibility Model
Security in the cloud is a shared responsibility between the cloud provider and the client. Understanding where the provider’s responsibility ends and the client’s begins is crucial.
Best Practices in Cloud Security
To succeed in this role, adhering to industry best practices is vital:
- Follow the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP)
Give users the minimum level of access necessary to perform their duties. - Encrypt Everything
Always use encryption for sensitive data, both at rest and in transit. - Regularly Update and Patch Systems
Keep operating systems, software, and services up to date to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities. - Conduct Security Audits and Penetration Testing
Regularly assess security posture and identify weaknesses before attackers do. - Implement Logging and Monitoring
Use logging and monitoring tools to detect anomalies and maintain audit trails for forensic analysis.
Future Trends
As cloud computing continues to evolve, so too will the role of Cloud Security Specialists. Some future trends include:
- AI and Machine Learning in Security
Leveraging AI to detect threats, analyze behavior patterns, and automate responses. - Zero Trust Architecture
Moving away from traditional perimeter-based security models to more dynamic, trustless frameworks. - Serverless and Container Security
As serverless computing and containerization grow, new security paradigms will emerge, requiring specialized knowledge. - Regulatory Evolution
As governments introduce stricter data protection laws, compliance will become even more central to cloud security operations.
Salary Expectations and Industry Demand
According to data from Payscale.com and similar labor analytics platforms, the salary range for professionals with Cisco certifications and cloud skills is wide, reflecting varying levels of experience, geographic location, and industry. Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $59,000 annually, while experienced engineers and specialists can command salaries exceeding $150,000.
Salary estimates for specific job roles include:
- Cloud Administrator: $70,000 to $100,000
- Network Cloud Engineer: $80,000 to $120,000
- DevOps Engineer: $90,000 to $140,000
- Systems Engineer: $75,000 to $115,000
- Cloud Security Specialist: $85,000 to $130,000
Organizations across industries such as finance, healthcare, education, retail, and government are actively hiring cloud-certified professionals. The increase in remote work and digital transformation initiatives has further accelerated this demand.
How Certifications Influence Career Growth
Certifications help professionals demonstrate verified expertise to current and potential employers. They serve as third-party validation of specific technical capabilities and often influence hiring decisions, promotions, and salary negotiations.
Certifications also offer structured learning paths, making it easier for professionals to develop specialized knowledge. For instance, someone interested in automation could pursue the Cisco DevNet track, while those looking to expand into a multi-cloud environment might opt for both Azure and Google certifications.
Additionally, certifications often come with access to exclusive learning communities, early insights into emerging technologies, and ongoing professional development resources.
The Role of Continuing Education
Cisco’s certification structure requires recertification every three years for associate-level credentials. Professionals must either retake the certification exam or earn a combination of Continuing Education (CE) credits and advanced credentials.
This ensures that professionals remain current with technological advancements and maintain relevance in the fast-changing IT landscape. Platforms like labs support this by offering updated training material, lab exercises, and practice tests aligned with current exam objectives.
The Role of Continuing Education in Professional Growth
Introduction
Continuing education refers to the ongoing process of acquiring new knowledge and skills throughout one’s professional life. In an era where industries are rapidly evolving due to technological advancements, globalization, and shifting market demands, continuing education is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Professionals across all sectors are now expected to update their skills regularly to remain competitive and relevant.
Continuing education encompasses a wide range of learning formats, including formal courses, certifications, workshops, online training, and self-directed learning. Whether you are in healthcare, information technology, education, business, or trades, the value of continuing education lies in its capacity to enhance job performance, open new career opportunities, and ensure long-term career sustainability.
The Importance of Lifelong Learning
Keeping Up with Industry Changes
Industries change rapidly. In fields like IT, for example, technologies become obsolete in a matter of years. Professionals need to keep pace with new programming languages, security protocols, cloud platforms, and tools. Similarly, in the healthcare industry, practitioners must stay updated with the latest treatment techniques, medications, and regulatory standards.
Enhancing Job Performance
Continuing education equips professionals with current knowledge and best practices that improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making. For example, a marketing professional who learns new digital tools or analytics strategies can contribute more effectively to campaign success. Likewise, a teacher who engages in professional development can apply innovative teaching strategies that better engage students.
Career Advancement
In many organizations, promotions and career advancements are directly linked to educational qualifications and certifications. Employees who invest in continuing education demonstrate initiative and commitment to their roles. They are often more competitive candidates for leadership positions and higher responsibilities.
Meeting Licensing Requirements
Some professions require continuing education to maintain licenses or certifications. For example, nurses, electricians, and real estate agents often have to complete a set number of hours of continuing education annually. These requirements ensure that practitioners remain competent and compliant with current laws and industry standards.
Forms of Continuing Education
Certificate Programs
These are short-term training programs that provide specialized knowledge in a specific area. Examples include project management, cybersecurity, or digital marketing. Certificate programs are ideal for professionals looking to upskill without committing to a full degree program.
Professional Certifications
Certifications such as Cisco’s DevNet Associate or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals validate a professional’s expertise in a given area. These are often required or highly recommended in technical and professional fields. They help distinguish candidates in a competitive job market.
Online Courses and MOOCs
Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) from platforms like Coursera, edX, and labs have revolutionized continuing education. They offer flexible learning opportunities that can be pursued at one’s own pace. Online courses often include video lectures, readings, assignments, and discussion forums to simulate traditional classroom learning.
Seminars and Workshops
These short-term learning events focus on specific topics and offer hands-on experiences, networking opportunities, and real-time problem-solving. They are particularly useful for experiential learning and staying updated with the latest trends.
Conferences and Webinars
Attending industry conferences and webinars allows professionals to learn from experts, interact with peers, and gain insights into new trends and technologies. These events often feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and breakout sessions.
Benefits of Continuing Education
Increased Earning Potential
Investing in education can yield significant financial returns. Professionals with advanced certifications or degrees often command higher salaries. According to various industry reports, individuals who engage in continuing education can increase their earnings by 20% to 40% over time.
Job Security
In uncertain economic climates, the most adaptable employees are the ones who retain their jobs. By continuously updating skills, professionals increase their value to employers. They become versatile team members capable of handling a range of tasks and responsibilities.
Personal Fulfillment
Beyond career advancement, continuing education also leads to personal growth. Learning new skills can be intellectually stimulating and fulfilling. It fosters confidence, creativity, and critical thinking.
Building Professional Networks
Many continuing education platforms and events offer networking opportunities. By interacting with peers, instructors, and industry experts, professionals can build relationships that may lead to job referrals, partnerships, or mentorship opportunities.
Challenges in Pursuing Continuing Education
Time Constraints
Balancing work, family, and education can be challenging. Many professionals struggle to find time for courses or study. Online and self-paced programs can alleviate some of these pressures.
Financial Barriers
Education can be expensive. However, many employers offer tuition reimbursement, and scholarships and grants are available through various organizations. Some platforms, like labs, provide affordable or free learning resources.
Motivation and Discipline
Self-directed learning requires a high level of motivation and discipline. Without classroom accountability, learners may procrastinate or fail to complete courses. Setting clear goals and creating a study schedule can help maintain focus.
The Role of Employers
Forward-thinking organizations recognize the value of an educated workforce. Many companies now offer:
- Tuition reimbursement programs
- In-house training and development
- Time off for professional development
- Access to online learning platforms
By investing in employee education, employers benefit from improved performance, higher retention rates, and a stronger competitive edge.
Future Trends in Continuing Education
Microlearning
This trend involves short, focused learning modules that address specific skills or topics. Microlearning is ideal for busy professionals and aligns with the fast-paced nature of modern work environments.
AI and Personalized Learning
Artificial intelligence is making it possible to deliver personalized learning experiences based on individual strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Adaptive learning platforms can adjust content and difficulty in real time.
Credentialing and Digital Badges
Digital credentials are gaining popularity as proof of skill acquisition. They can be easily shared on LinkedIn or included in digital resumes, making it easier for employers to verify qualifications.
Blended Learning Models
Combining online and in-person instruction, blended learning offers flexibility and hands-on experiences. This model is particularly effective for technical and healthcare training.
For professionals who started their journey with CCNA Cloud, continuing education is a logical next step. Whether it’s progressing to Cisco DevNet Professional or branching into cloud architecture, a commitment to ongoing learning is essential.
Employer Preferences in a Post-CCNA Cloud Era
Employers today are not only looking for certification credentials but also expect hands-on experience and an understanding of real-world cloud implementations. Certifications remain important, but employers value professionals who can:
- Adapt to hybrid and multi-cloud environments
- Automate infrastructure and deployment workflows
- Secure cloud resources against modern threats
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers and security personnel.
- Align cloud strategies with business goals.
Cisco-aligned certifications remain a strong signal of technical competence, particularly in network-centric environments. However, professionals should also seek broader skills through cross-platform experience and certifications from Microsoft, Google, and other vendors.
How Labs Supports Career Progression
. Labs offers a comprehensive suite of tools to support professionals in achieving and maintaining their certifications. Its offerings include:
- On-demand video training for self-paced learning
- Practice exams that simulate real test environments
- Performance-based labs that reinforce hands-on skills
- Instructor support and community forums
- Certification progress tracking and goal planning
These resources make it easier for learners to stay on track and maintain momentum in their careers, especially when balancing job responsibilities with certification preparation.
Cisco’s Evolving Certification Structure and Strategic Outlook
The New Cisco Certification Framework
In response to the fast-changing IT landscape, Cisco revamped its certification structure in 2020 to create a more streamlined and role-focused approach. Instead of offering dozens of narrowly defined certifications like CCNA Cloud, Cisco consolidated and modernized its offerings to better reflect the skills that today’s IT professionals need.
The current framework emphasizes real-world, job-ready competencies with a stronger focus on software, automation, and cloud-native technologies. Certifications are now grouped by level—Associate, Professional, and Expert—and by track, such as Enterprise, Security, Collaboration, and the newly emphasized DevNet.
This change has made it easier for learners to navigate their certification journey and adapt their paths as technologies and business needs evolve.
Integration of Cloud Skills Across Tracks
Although CCNA Cloud is no longer available, cloud-related knowledge has been integrated into several other certifications across Cisco’s portfolio. For instance:
- CCNA (200-301) now includes basic automation and cloud topics.
- Cisco DevNet Associate (200-901) focuses heavily on software development, automation, APIs, and cloud integration.
- CCNP Enterprise and CCNP Security include modules relevant to hybrid networking and cloud security.
- Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate incorporates concepts of securing data in cloud-based environments.
This integration reflects Cisco’s strategic shift from hardware-centric solutions to software-defined infrastructure and cloud-first ecosystems.
Why Cisco Shifted to Role-Based Certifications
The move toward role-based certifications is rooted in aligning learning outcomes with actual job functions. As roles like DevOps Engineer, Cloud Security Analyst, and Infrastructure Automation Engineer became more prominent, Cisco responded by offering certifications that better matched these emerging responsibilities.
Instead of training for narrow technologies, candidates now gain cross-disciplinary knowledge that prepares them for a variety of real-world scenarios. For example, a network engineer today might also need to script automated deployment pipelines or manage cloud-based network services—skills that weren’t emphasized in earlier certifications like CCNA Cloud.
This shift also supports continuous learning and upskilling, as professionals can move horizontally across tracks or vertically within a specialty.
How to Navigate the New Cisco Pathways
Professionals who previously held—or aimed for—CCNA Cloud can still map their learning journey effectively under Cisco’s new model. Here’s how to approach it:
- Start with CCNA (200-301) for foundational networking skills and exposure to cloud concepts.
- Pursue DevNet Associate (200-901) to dive deeper into automation and cloud APIs.
- Specialize with CCNP certifications based on your focus, such as CCNP Enterprise (for hybrid networking) or CCNP Security (for securing cloud services).
- Explore CyberOps if you’re interested in monitoring and securing cloud-based infrastructure.
Each of these certifications builds on foundational cloud skills and leads to more advanced capabilities over time.
Continued Relevance of Cisco in the Cloud Era
Even as cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud dominate the public cloud market, Cisco remains a vital player, especially in hybrid cloud, private cloud, and edge computing environments.
Cisco’s technologies, such as ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure), Cisco Meraki, and Cisco UCS, are still widely used to extend and integrate on-premises systems with public cloud services. Understanding Cisco’s ecosystem continues to be a valuable asset, particularly in large enterprises.
Professionals who gain Cisco certifications remain highly employable, as they can bridge the gap between legacy infrastructure and cloud-native systems.
Emphasizing Automation and Programmability
The rise of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) and Network as Code means that automation and programmability are no longer optional skills—they are essential. Cisco’s DevNet track addresses this head-on by equipping learners with the ability to automate infrastructure, leverage APIs, and build integrations that power cloud-native and hybrid environments.
This represents a significant evolution from the days of CCNA Cloud, which primarily focused on cloud administration. The modern Cisco professional is expected to build, automate, and secure complex, scalable environments using code.
Strategic Outlook for IT Professionals
As organizations continue their digital transformation journeys, professionals with cloud, networking, and automation skills will remain in high demand. Cisco’s revamped certification structure provides a future-proof foundation for these evolving roles.
To stay competitive in the job market, IT professionals should:
- Pursue continuous learning and recertification
- Diversify their certification portfolio across platforms and vendors.
- Stay current with automation tools, DevOps practices, and cloud-native design.
- Balance deep Cisco expertise with cross-platform cloud proficiency.y
In doing so, they ensure career longevity and relevance, regardless of how quickly the technology landscape evolves.
Final Thoughts
The retirement of CCNA Cloud marked the end of a chapter in Cisco’s certification history, but it also ushered in a more flexible, role-centric future. Cisco’s new certifications empower professionals to thrive in a hybrid, automated, cloud-integrated world.
By aligning your learning journey with this modern framework—and combining it with platforms like labs for hands-on practice—you can build a career that’s both adaptable and resilient.
In the final section, we’ll bring everything together with practical tips for transitioning from CCNA Cloud to a new certification plan and how to use available resources to stay ahead in your cloud career.
