
Cisco certifications are highly regarded in the IT industry, and they can significantly boost your career prospects. These certifications validate your knowledge and skills in various networking domains, from routing and switching to security and wireless technologies. However, obtaining Cisco certifications comes at a cost. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with Cisco certifications, including exam fees, training options, and potential additional expenses.
Mandatory Exam Fees
The primary cost associated with earning a Cisco certification is the exam fee. Cisco offers certifications at various levels, from entry-level to expert, and the exam fees vary accordingly. Here are some of the common Cisco certification levels and their associated exam fees:
Classification of Cisco Certifications
Read more: Cisco Certification Path in 2025
Entry Level

Associate Level

Professional Level
1. DevNet Professional

Read more: Is Cisco DevNet Certification worth it
2. CCNP Enterprise

Read more: CCNP Enterprise Exam Guide and Tips
3. CCNP Collaboration

Read more: Is CCNP Encor Worth it
4. CCNP Data Center

5. CCNP Security

Read more: How to Pass SCOR 350-701 Exam
6. CyberOps Professional

7. CCNP Service Provider

Expert Level

Read more: In-Depth Comparison of CCNA vs CCNP
Payment Methods for Cisco Certification Exams
1. Cisco written exams
Pearson VUE is responsible for taking all Cisco exams except CCIE lab exams. Pearson VUE accepts two methods to pay for an exam:
- Using your credit card at the time of exam registration
- Prepayment method using the Cisco Learning Credits applied at the exam voucher.
2. CCIE lab exams
There are lab exams for the professional level exams as mentioned above. These lab exams must be paid to take the exam.Â
Exam vouchers for Learning Credits
Cisco vouchers can be earned and used to gain the Cisco Learning credits. The exam vouchers are available at a fairly low cost.
3. Study Materials
You’ll need study materials such as books, online courses, practice exams, and lab equipment to prepare for Cisco certification exams. The cost of study materials can vary widely depending on your chosen resources and how you prefer to study. Here are some common expenses associated with study materials:
a. Official Cisco Study Guides:
Cisco’s official certification guides can cost anywhere from $40 to $80 per book.
b. Online Courses:Â
Online courses and video training from platforms like Cisco Learning Network or Cisco’s authorized training partners can range from $250 to $500 or more, depending on the course and duration.
c. Practice Exams:Â
Practice exam bundles can cost around $25 to $90.
d. Lab Equipment:Â
If you’re pursuing certifications that require hands-on lab work, you may need to invest in networking equipment or use virtual labs. Costs for lab equipment can vary widely based on your needs. Sample lab environments are available at $50 which is to provide you a demo sapmle lab exam.
4. Training and Bootcamps
Many IT professionals choose to attend training courses or bootcamps to prepare for Cisco exams. These instructor-led programs can provide focused and structured learning experiences but come at an additional cost. Prices for Cisco training courses can range from $1,000 to $4,000 or more, depending on the level of certification and the duration of the training.
5. Renewal Fees
Cisco certifications are typically valid for three years, after which you must renew them to maintain your certified status. Cisco offers several options for renewal, including taking and passing a higher-level exam or completing Continuing Education (CE) credits. Renewal fees for exams or CE credits vary and should be factored into your ongoing certification costs.
6. Miscellaneous Expenses
There may be additional costs associated with certification, such as travel expenses if you attend in-person exams or training sessions at a Cisco authorized testing center. These costs will vary depending on your location and individual circumstances.
Final Coda
Earning Cisco certifications can be a valuable investment in your IT career, but it’s essential to budget for the associated costs. Before pursuing a certification, research the specific requirements and costs associated with that certification track. You have got a clear idea of hiow much does the Cisco certifications cost, make sure to explore different training and study material options to find the most cost-effective approach for your learning style and career goals. By planning and budgeting carefully, you can embark on your Cisco certification journey with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Cisco certifications are not free. You have to pay for each exam. Lab exam fee is also applicable for some exams.Â
Dumpsgate provides the most affordable and reliable practice dumps for Cisco exams. The cost of the dumps ranges from $27-$30 only.Â
The cost of the specialty and professional exam is high. This is because the professional and expert exams include lab exam fee.Â
Yes, the cost of Cisco certifications is worth of its cost. You income produced after these certification is much higher than the exam cost.Â