Does AWS Require CCNA or Just Networking Knowledge?

If you’re planning a career in cloud computing, networking, or IT infrastructure, you’ve probably asked yourself: Does AWS require CCNA? The confusion usually comes from overlap. AWS involves networking. CCNA is a networking certification. So naturally, people assume one might require the other. In reality, the relationship between AWS and CCNA is far more nuanced. One is cloud-platform specific, the other is vendor-specific networking, and neither is a strict prerequisite for the other.

Does AWS require CCNA?

Does AWS require CCNA?

No, AWS does not require CCNA, neither for AWS certifications nor for most cloud-focused job roles. Amazon Web Services does not list CCNA or any Cisco certification as a prerequisite for learning AWS or earning AWS certifications.

However, AWS does require a basic understanding of networking concepts. Services such as VPC, EC2, Route 53, and Elastic Load Balancing rely on knowledge of IP addressing, subnets, routing, and security rules. Because CCNA teaches these fundamentals in depth, many learners assume it is mandatory, but that is a misconception.

In reality, AWS exams and real-world AWS roles focus on cloud-native networking, not on configuring Cisco routers or switches. You can learn all the required networking concepts directly through AWS training materials without holding a CCNA certification.

AWS vs CCNA differences

AWS vs CCNA differences

While both AWS and CCNA are well-known in the IT industry, they serve different purposes, skill sets, and career paths.

What is AWS?

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a cloud computing platform developed by Amazon that provides on-demand access to computing power, storage, databases, networking, and a wide range of cloud services.

Instead of building and maintaining physical data centers, organizations use AWS to:

• Deploy applications faster
• Scale resources automatically
• Reduce infrastructure costs
• Operate globally without owning hardware

AWS powers everything from startups to enterprises by offering services such as compute (EC2), storage (S3), databases (RDS), serverless computing (Lambda), and cloud networking (VPC).

AWS certifications validate skills in:

• Cloud architecture and design
• Application deployment
• Systems operations
• DevOps and automation
• Security, analytics, and machine learning

What is CCNA?

What is CCNA?

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) is a networking certification focused on building and managing traditional and enterprise networks, primarily using Cisco technologies.

CCNA emphasizes how data moves through networks, including:

• Routing and switching
• IP addressing and subnetting
• Network security fundamentals
• LAN and WAN technologies
• Network troubleshooting

Cisco has long been a global leader in networking hardware and solutions, and CCNA remains a foundational certification for professionals working with network infrastructure, whether on-premises or hybrid environments.

CCNA is commonly pursued by individuals aiming for careers such as:

• Network Engineer
• Network Administrator
• Systems Administrator
• Infrastructure Support Engineer

AWS vs CCNA: Side-by-side comparison

FAQs

1. Which is best, CCNA or AWS?

There is no single best choice between CCNA and AWS, as each serves a different career path. AWS is better for professionals aiming to work in cloud computing roles such as Cloud Engineer, DevOps Engineer, or Cloud Architect, while CCNA is more suitable for those pursuing traditional networking roles like Network Engineer or Network Administrator. The right option depends on whether your career focus is on cloud technologies or network infrastructure.

2. Should I get AWS or CCNA?

If your goal is to enter cloud computing or work with modern cloud platforms, AWS is the better first choice. However, if you want a strong foundation in networking or plan to work with on-premises or hybrid environments, CCNA may be more appropriate.

Final thoughts

So, does AWS require CCNA? No, AWS does not require CCNA, either for certification exams or for most cloud-focused roles. AWS and CCNA serve different layers of IT. AWS focuses on cloud platforms and services, while CCNA focuses on networking fundamentals and infrastructure. Although networking knowledge is important in AWS, you do not need a Cisco certification to succeed in the cloud. The smartest path isn’t about collecting certifications; it’s about choosing the right certification at the right stage of your career.