Microsoft Certification vs Cisco Certification

Microsoft Certification: 

Microsoft is one of the top companies and it provides certifications in various technologies which enable individuals to boost their careers in the IT field. These certifications provide value to your resume whenever you apply for any job in any organisation. Microsoft provides MCSE certifications that are valid for a time period of 3 years after which you need to renew them.

Some of the Microsoft certifications are as follows-

• Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCST)
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
• Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD)
• Microsoft Certified Architect (MCA)
• Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT)
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

Advantages-

• It is well renowned software company and mostly familiar with everyone even who comes from non IT professionals.
• This certification gives you special preference when applying for a job.
• With this course, you get the experience to work with Microsoft servers and software.

Disadvantages-

• These examinations are tough.
• Not every IT company makes use of Microsoft techniques.
• With this course, one only gets to know about the Microsoft software and computer language associated with it.

Cisco Certification:

Cisco is one of the main organisations in the networking and cyber security field and it provides a number of certifications in the cyber security and networking field, these certifications have a valid time period of some years depending on the type of certification after which you need to renew it by giving the exam again. 

Some of the CISCO certifications are as follows-

• CCENT Certification
• CCNA Certification
• CCDA Certification
• CCNP routing and Switching

Advantages-

• With CISCO certification, one seems to be experienced in IT networking.
• With this certification, one can apply the knowledge to various IT brands.

Disadvantages-

• The program is expensive.
• It is very hard to avail this certificate.
• This certificate needs to be renewed after every three years.

Below is a table of differentiation between Microsoft Certification and Cisco Certification:

	Microsoft Certification	Cisco Certification
1.	This certification is for aspirants who want to build their careers in the technology field.	This certification is for aspirants who want to build their careers in the cyber security and networking field.
2.	It helps in getting opportunities to work on Microsoft projects.	It helps in getting opportunities to work on complex networking hardware and software tools of Cisco.
3.	There are different levels of Microsoft Certification.	Basically, five levels are available for Cisco certification.
4.	It offers higher number of programs as compared to CISCO.	It offers less certification programs than Microsoft.
5.	The exam is hard to crack.	One of the toughest exams to crack.
6.	The cost of certification is low as compared to Cisco.	Cisco Certification cost is high.
7.	They use their own platform for providing training.	They use Netacad for basic training and for the advance they have their own platform.
8.	MCST, MCSA, MCSE etc are some certifications.	CCNA, CCNP, and CCDA are some Cisco certifications.
9.	Training strategy depends on the type of certifications.	It covers both hand on and theoretical strategies for all types of certifications.

Conclusion-

Microsoft focuses on server maintenance and CISCO on networking system. Therefore, it’s always an individual choice about what one wants to peruse based on the preference and interest.