What was the Cisco CCNA Service Provider? Purpose, History, & Alternatives

Editor's note: The Cisco Certified Networking Associate Service Provider (CCNA SP) certification has been retired. Cisco restructured its certification program and retired several specialty certifications. The current certification framework focuses on a consolidated CCNA certification, which covers a broader range of networking fundamentals.

Workplaces are increasingly in need of skilled IT professionals who can serve in troubleshooting roles within carrier-class NGN core network infrastructures, making the Cisco Certified Network Associate Service Provider (CCNA SP) a highly desirable certification. The CCNA SP certification typically equips learners for service provider network engineer, technician, designer, and architect roles.

What is the Cisco Certified Networking Associate Service Provider (CCNA SP)? (Now Retired)

The Cisco Certified Networking Associate Service Provider (CCNA SP) certification was designed to affirm learners' ability to configure, implement, and troubleshoot baseline Cisco Service Provider Next-Generation networks, as well as to deploy, maintain, and improve carrier-grade network infrastructures. 

The certification was retired, but information about the certification can be helpful for networking professionals looking to grow their careers and find a similar certification. 

The CCNA SP certification was made up of two exams: 

Cisco CCNA Service Provider 640-875 SPNGN1

• Time allotted for the exam: 90 minutes 

• Number of questions: 65-75 questions 

• Passing score: Cisco does not publish the passing score for its exams 

• Question types: Multiple choice/single answer; Multiple choice/multiple answer; Drag and drop; Fill-in-the-blank; Simulation; Testlet; Simlet 

• Exam registration: Pearson VUE 

• Exam cost: $250 (USD)* per exam *Learn more about exam fees from Pearson VUE

• Exam topics: Building Cisco Service Provider Next Generation Networks (SPNGN1), Part 1 (640-875) (free resource)

Cisco CCNA Service Provider 640-878 SPNGN2

• Time allotted for the exam: 90 minutes 

• Number of questions: 65-75 questions per exam 

• Passing score: Cisco does not publish the passing score for its exams 

• Question types: Multiple choice/single answer; Multiple choice/multiple answer; Drag and drop; Fill-in-the-blank; Simulation; Testlet; Simlet 

• Exam registration: Pearson VUE 

• Exam cost: $250 (USD)* per exam *Learn more about exam fees from Pearson VUE 

• Exam topics: Building Cisco Service Provider Next-Generation Networks (SPNGN2), Part 2 (640-878) (free resource)

The CCNA SP certification carried no formal prerequisites.

What Certification to Get Instead of the CCNA SP 

Cisco restructured its certifications to focus on job-based certifications rather than multiple specialty certifications. As a result, many popular certifications were retired without direct replacements, including CCNA Cloud, CCNA Security, CCNA Collaboration, and CCNP Security.

So, what are your options if you wanted to get the CCNA SP but now can't? If you currently hold no Cisco certifications, consider getting the CCNA. While much broader, it will set you up with the skills and knowledge to obtain more specialized certifications, like the Cisco Certified Specialist—Service Provider Core. 

• Cisco Certified Network Associate: The CCNA certification covers a broad range of networking fundamentals, including network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation. It provides a solid foundation in networking, making it a versatile and valuable certification for anyone in the networking field, including those working with service providers.

• CCNP Service Provider: This certification focuses on advanced skills and knowledge in service provider network engineering, including IP Next-Generation Network (NGN) architecture and advanced routing protocols. It builds on foundational networking skills and provides specialized knowledge in service provider technologies, making it ideal for professionals aiming to work in service provider environments.

• CompTIA Network+: This vendor-neutral certification covers networking concepts, infrastructure, network operations, network security, and network troubleshooting. It provides a comprehensive understanding of networking principles and practices, making it a strong foundational certification for those entering the networking field.

Cisco provides an excellent certification overview that succinctly outlines each certification, its prerequisites, and related careers.

How Much Can You Earn with a CCNA Cert?  

Depending on professional experience, an employee who holds a CCNA certification can earn, on average, $89,000. Payscale.com reports a range of salaries for employees holding any CCNA certification between $48,000 and $114,000. 

Please note that Payscale.com/ did not have data specifically pertaining to the CCNA SP but rather a salary range for those holding a CCNA certification.

Cisco's Recertification Process 

Cisco's certifications are valid for three years from the date of certification. Learners can recertify by passing the same exam, a professional concentration exam, or any Cisco Certified Specialist Exam. You can also combine continuing education credits with an exam to recertify.

Final Thoughts on the CCNA SP 

The CCNA SP was the first step for many professionals looking to become a Service Provider expert. Despite the retirement of this certification, there is still a path forward. Start with the broader CCNA certification, then move on to specialty certifications that will help validate the skills you need. 

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