Cisco Certified Operations Technician: Duties & Job Market

Strong communication skills, an in-depth understanding of computer networks, and a willingness to complete a certification program can lead to a fulfilling career as a Cisco-certified operations technician.

Duties of a Cisco certified operations technician
Operations technicians are responsible for monitoring company networks, troubleshooting problems, and communication with customers and vendors. Many companies rely on their computer network to be up and running 24/7, so night shifts and weekend hours are common among operations technicians.

Cisco-certified operations technicians have received an IT professional certification and are specifically qualified to provide support for Cisco products. Cisco is an international corporation that designs and sells computer networking technology including routers, access servers, and security technology.

Where to find Cisco certified operations technician jobs
As businesses implement networking technology, Cisco certified operations technicians will be able to find jobs in a wide range of industries -- offering technical support from a help desk, monitoring a small business network, or joining the IT team at a large corporation.

Cisco certified operations technician programs
Operations technicians are typically expected to hold at least an associate's degree in computer science, with a greater range of opportunities available to those who hold a four-year degree of higher. From there, candidates can complete their Cisco certification is offered at four levels: Entry (CCENT), Associate (CCNA/CCDA), Professional (CCNP/CCIP/CCDPCCSP/CCVP), and Expert (CCIE). Specialist certifications are also offered in various security, telephony, and wireless technologies.

Demand for Cisco certified operations technician jobs
As more and more businesses rely on networking technology, they'll need operations technicians who can ensure everything is running smoothly. On the whole, the demand for computer support specialists is expected to increase by 18 percent between 2006 and 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And in companies where Cisco products are used, Cisco certified operating technicians will enjoy a competitive edge in this fast-growing field.

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