In the competitive world of IT networking, arista certification are powerful career tools. Among the most recognized names in this space are Cisco and Arista, both offering respected certification programs. While Cisco has been a longstanding leader in networking, Arista is quickly gaining traction, especially in modern, cloud-centric infrastructures. As organizations shift toward software-defined networks and automation, the question arises: Which certification offers more career growth—Arista or Cisco?

This article compares Arista Certified Engineering (ACE) and Cisco’s certification tracks (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE) across five critical areas to help you make an informed decision for your career in 2025 and beyond.

1. Industry Recognition and Legacy

Cisco has long been the industry giant, with certifications like CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), and CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) considered gold standards. They are widely recognized by employers, especially for roles focused on traditional routing and switching, security, and enterprise networking.

Arista, on the other hand, is a newer player in the certification game but rapidly gaining recognition, particularly among cloud providers, data centers, and large-scale enterprises. Its certification program, ACE, is respected for its relevance in modern networking environments. While Cisco enjoys a broader market presence, Arista’s reputation is rising fast in cloud-driven and automation-heavy networks.

Verdict: Cisco wins in legacy and global recognition, but Arista is catching up fast in modern enterprise networks.

2. Relevance to Modern Networking Trends

Today’s IT landscape is dominated by cloud computing, network automation, programmability, and software-defined networking (SDN). Cisco has made efforts to modernize its curriculum, especially with the updated CCNP and DevNet certifications. However, many Cisco paths still emphasize traditional networking models.

Arista’s certification path is built from the ground up for modern infrastructure. Its Extensible Operating System (EOS) is Linux-based and API-driven, focusing heavily on automation, telemetry, and programmability. For engineers who want to work in cutting-edge environments like hyperscale data centers and cloud-native networks, Arista is the more future-aligned choice.

Verdict: Arista wins for SDN, automation, and modern cloud networking relevance.

3. Certification Structure and Learning Curve

Cisco certifications are extensive, with multiple tracks and a layered approach from entry-level (CCNA) to expert (CCIE). This offers flexibility but also involves time-consuming study paths and costly exams, especially at advanced levels.

Arista offers a more streamlined structure with ACE-A (Associate), ACE-P (Professional), and ACE-E (Expert). The learning curve is steep but practical, focused on real-world configurations, automation, and troubleshooting.

For professionals who want to gain job-ready skills quickly, Arista’s simplified and focused certification route may be more appealing.

Verdict: Arista is more streamlined and practical; Cisco offers more breadth but requires more investment.

4. Career Opportunities and Salary Growth

Cisco-certified professionals enjoy a wide range of opportunities across enterprises, MSPs, and government agencies. A CCNP or CCIE often leads to lucrative roles such as Network Engineer, Network Architect, or Security Consultant.

Arista-certified professionals are in high demand in specialized environments like cloud platforms, financial institutions, and high-performance data centers. While job postings may not always list “Arista certification” as a requirement, knowledge of Arista EOS and skills validated by ACE are often highly valued and can lead to premium salaries, especially in modern infrastructure roles.

Verdict: Cisco offers broader job access; Arista may lead to higher pay in niche, high-end environments.

5. Training and Community Support

Cisco has a vast training ecosystem—official academies, third-party courses, forums, and a massive community. There’s an abundance of prep material for every level.

Arista’s training ecosystem is growing quickly. Official ACE materials, online labs, and a passionate user community are expanding, though still smaller than Cisco’s.

Verdict: Cisco has broader support and resources; Arista’s is growing but more specialized.

Final Thoughts

Which networking certification offers more career growth depends on your goals:

• Choose Cisco if you want global recognition, access to a wide range of job roles, and a deep legacy in traditional networks.
  
  

• Choose Arista if you're targeting roles in cloud networking, automation, and next-gen data centers, where modern skills are rewarded with higher salaries and more strategic responsibilities.
  
  

For many professionals in 2025, the best approach may be earning both certifications, combining Cisco’s broad appeal with Arista’s cutting-edge specialization—positioning yourself at the forefront of the networking world.