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Global IT developer Cisco announced it at its annual Cisco Live! EMEA events that offer new certifications and courses for AI skills to support the AI-enabled workforce.
These new products range from the fundamentals of AI to advanced network design classes for professionals who design, build and execute networks that support AI workloads, to learning how to incorporate AI into specific roles.
“We believe that AI-powered workforce is important because there is a huge potential for AI, but if we don't act intentionally, we can deepen digital disparities and ensure that populations are not left behind. “We are moving forward at full speed to help us transform this latest technology and prepare and speed up the use of AI for frontline purposes.
IT Giants say they allow skill-based AI preparation in three ways:
- Introducing the latest AI courses for those looking to better understand AI and why it is important. Available to everyone on Netacad.com.
- A new learning path is created through Cisco U, where engineers and architects will build AI skills for professional roles and learn the skills needed to implement AI solutions on Cisco Infrastructure.
- Cisco updates existing learning materials in its data centers and security authentication tracks, and incorporates AI-related information for IT professionals into various levels of expertise.
Cisco Infrastructure Learning Path AI Solutions
Cisco's new AI infrastructure learning path covers the entire AI learning continuum. This allows users to acquire the AI infrastructure skills they need to advance their organization and individual careers.
The first leg of the new learning path called Essentials is Cisco's current Rev from Recert, running from February 7th to March 24th. Advanced materials will also be available before Cisco Live Us in June 2025.
“Essentials are everything you need to start building an AI infrastructure,” writes Merat. “It starts with a series on AI fundamentals and AI infrastructure requirements, which then covers AI network architecture, AI data considerations (including privacy and sovereignty), compliance (sustainability and power management), and hardware resources.”
Cisco points out that the material is primarily aimed at DC network engineers, DC systems engineers, IT infrastructure architects, IT operations engineers, and those working on a multi-vendor approach to building AI infrastructure.
Add AI to Cisco Certification
Additionally, Cisco will update existing certifications to include relevant AI-related materials for multiple levels of IT professionals. At the associate level, candidates learn how to use predictive AI to protect their networks, while at the professional level, candidates learn how to use AI-driven and AI-driven analytics.
Some of the new certification highlights include:
- CCDE AI Infrastructure Selection Test: The first day of the new elective test, announced last June, will be on February 9th at Cisco Live Amsterdam. This was the first addition to Cisco certification offerings. It covers topics such as designing scalable AI solutions, leveraging AI in network automation, ensuring secure and efficient data processing in an AI-driven environment.
- New CCDE Specialist Badge: Also, starting from February 9th, CCDES will be eligible to win a new badge that reflects electives selected during the exam by CCDE-certified experts. Badges are available in electives in large networks, on-prem and cloud services, workforce mobility, and new AI infrastructure.
- Certification of data centers including AI: Cisco DCID concentrations now include AI and AI infrastructure domains that validate your skills in designing modern data center AI infrastructure. Additionally, the company will rename DC Design Certification as the design of the Cisco Data Center infrastructure for traditional and AI workloads.
- Network Engineer Badge AI will be available externally: Candidates who complete their understanding of AI and LLMS as a Network Engineer tutorial will be directed to evaluation upon completion. After passing the rating, they can request a badge to trust. It examines the skills to understand the theory, background, and use cases of AI and LLMS as a network engineer.
- Integrating AI-related skills across certification, learning and training: Cisco will also add AI and ML skills related to existing certifications. Additionally, Cisco cybersecurity authentication has been updated to enhance incident response and threat defense to reflect AI use. They incorporated AI/ML skills and operations into multi-cloud expert certifications, particularly Cloud Connectivity (ENCC), Secure Cloud Access (SCAZT), and Network Assurance (ENNA) certifications and training. Enna also incorporates advances in AI/ML embedded in Cisco Thousand AIDS.
“As always, we are committed to continuing our study materials and certifications, and continuing to accredit IT professionals to meet new technology and new demands, and Cisco's new AI learning journey will enable everyone to build AI skills,” Meratt said. “The continued growth of AI programming for learners reflects Cisco's ability to help market demand, talent transitions, and create career and economic opportunities around the world.”
Cisco has been preparing to ensure that our partners and customers are ready for the AI revolution. Learn more about Cisco's new AI solutions to accelerate adoption.
