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 or other network or security devices.

CCNA specializations include service provider, data center, industrial, cloud, and routing and switching. Routing and switching certification can be used to meet prerequisites for additional specialty certifications in wireless, industrial 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 designed for current IT professionals. Individuals can pursue the MCSE credential in the following specialties: SharePoint, messaging, communication, business intelligence, enterprise devices and apps, private cloud, server infrastructure and data platform. Most credentials require completion of 4-5 exams.

While there are no specific prerequisites for MCSE exams per se, Microsoft notes that for each exam, test-takers typically have experience working with the IT tools in question. In addition, some of the optional preparatory courses offered by Microsoft call for at least two years of experience with Microsoft technology, whether that's servers, databases or other IT tools. MCSE certifications must be renewed every three years by passing a recertification exam.