Cisco OT Security Practitioner: Protecting the Systems That Power Our World

What does cybersecurity look like when the networks you're protecting control factories, power grids, and critical infrastructure? In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift is joined by Mai Vang, Product Manager at Learn with Cisco, and Mubasher Nawaz, who leads Cisco's certification portfolio, to discuss the new Cisco OT Security Practitioner certification. Together, they explore the growing importance of operational technology (OT) security, how it differs from traditional IT security, and why collaboration between IT and OT professionals is essential to protecting the physical systems we rely on every day. The conversation also examines emerging career opportunities in industrial cybersecurity, the practical skills learners need to succeed, and how hands-on labs and training through Cisco U. can help prepare professionals to secure industrial networks and operational environments. Whether you're an IT professional looking to expand your expertise, an industrial technology specialist interested in cybersecurity, or someone just beginning their learning journey, this episode offers insight into the evolving world of OT security and how to get started. Subscribe to the Cisco Learning Network Podcast for more conversations about Cisco certifications, emerging technologies, and the future of IT.

What’s changing in Cisco’s security certifications—and what does it mean for your next career step? Join Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Rigo Villa and Cisco experts Francois Caen, Kyle Winters, and Mubasher Nawaz as they unpack updates to CCNP Security and CCIE Security, including the redesigned SCOR exam, changes to concentration exams, and the introduction of AI into expert-level practical exams. Learn how these updates reflect real-world security work, explore training and hands-on resources, and hear answers to common questions about exam transitions, continuing education, and preparing for your next certification.

In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, Tanner Swift is joined by CCIE Collaboration Exam Product Manager Kashif Zeeshan, along with Ade Kehinde-Idowu and Charanjeet Singh, also known as CJ, for a focused discussion on preparing for the CCIE Collaboration lab exam. Together, they explore how the CCIE Collaboration exam is evolving, including the addition of AI-focused components, and take a closer look at the design module — where candidates need to think beyond configuration and approach questions from a full solution architecture perspective. Ade shares his personal experience preparing for and passing the updated CCIE Collaboration lab with Webex Calling integration, including practical advice on practice labs, timing, troubleshooting, documentation, and building confidence through repetition. CJ then breaks down a design-focused preparation framework using global dial plan and UCM call routing examples, showing how candidates can connect technical concepts to real customer requirements and business outcomes. The conversation also covers Webex Calling migration, design-module mindset, hands-on preparation, and how AI can support studying — while reinforcing the importance of official documentation, lab practice, and real-world architectural thinking. Subscribe to the Cisco Learning Network Podcast for more conversations about Cisco certifications, emerging technologies, and the future of IT.

In part two of this Cisco Learning Network Podcast conversation on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the future of work, Beth Oommen, Leader of Cisco Networking Academy Global Marketing, speaks with Matt Berndt, Head of Indeed’s Job Search Academy. Matt shares practical advice for early-career technology professionals navigating the job search in an AI-driven market — including how to communicate technical skills clearly, turn experience into evidence, use AI tools thoughtfully, prepare for interviews, and build professional relationships. The conversation also explores the Cisco Networking Academy and Indeed curated job board, the value of learning communities like the Cisco Learning Network, and why staying current with cybersecurity, AI, and career-readiness skills matters as the job market continues to evolve. Subscribe to the Cisco Learning Network Podcast for more conversations about Cisco certifications, emerging technologies, and the future of IT careers.

In part one of this two-part conversation, Cisco Networking Academy Global Marketing Leader Beth Oommen speaks with Giuseppe Cinque, Principal Architect with Cisco Networking Academy, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping cybersecurity work and the skills learners need to prepare for the future. Giuseppe discusses Cisco’s work with the AI Workforce Consortium, how generative AI and agentic AI are being used in cybersecurity, and why AI is more likely to transform jobs than simply replace them. He also explains why early-career cybersecurity professionals should focus on building skills in data, coding, prompt engineering, AI literacy, critical thinking, and responsible AI practices. Whether you’re starting your cybersecurity education, preparing for your first technology role, or trying to understand how AI may change the future of work, this episode offers practical guidance on how to stay curious, keep learning, and build the skills needed to work alongside AI.

The CCNA is evolving to help learners build practical, job-ready networking skills for a world increasingly shaped by AI, automation, security, and cloud-managed architectures. In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift sits down with Mubasher Nawaz, Cisco Certification Portfolio Manager, to discuss the newly refreshed CCNA certification and what learners can expect when the updated exam launches in February 2027. Together, they explore why Cisco is updating the CCNA, how the certification is shifting toward hands-on, scenario-based learning, and why troubleshooting, automation, AI-enabled network operations, and real-world skills are becoming even more important for early-in-career networking professionals. Whether you’re just beginning your networking journey, actively preparing for the current CCNA, or looking ahead to future certification updates, this episode offers helpful context on where the CCNA is headed and how learners can continue preparing with confidence. CCNA Update Blog: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/blogs/a0DQO00000616W92AI/ccna-announcement-blog  CCNA Podcast Thread: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/question/0D5QO00002GdwWx0AJ/allnew-cisco-learning-network-podcast-episodes-coming-your-way-

Major updates are coming to Cisco collaboration certifications in 2026, and learners preparing for CCNP Collaboration and CCIE Collaboration will want to pay close attention. In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift sits down with Scott Hunt, Product Manager for Learn with Cisco and Training Certifications, to discuss the latest changes to Cisco collaboration certifications, including updates to CLCOR, CLACC, and CLHCT. Together, they break down the shift from a primarily on-prem certification track to a more balanced approach that includes both on-premises and cloud technologies, the introduction of new cloud-focused learning paths, and the addition of a new Webex Contact Center specialist certification. They also discuss what these changes mean for current certification candidates, how hiring managers are viewing these skills, and what learners should focus on as they prepare for the updated exams. Whether you're pursuing CCNP Collaboration, preparing for CCIE Collaboration, or looking to stay current with the future of collaboration technologies, this episode provides the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.

Is AI a "magic wand" for your network, or is it a tool that requires a professional playbook? In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, we cut through the industry noise to explore what it truly means to be an AI expert in today’s rapidly evolving tech landscape. Join Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Matt Saunders and Principal Engineer Kareem Iskander as they sit down with Ryan Rose, Director of Product Management for Skills and Certifications at Cisco Learning & Certifications. Together, they break down the "why" and "how" behind Cisco’s latest AI educational offerings. Whether you are a business professional looking to integrate AI into your daily workflows or an IT practitioner aiming to build and secure AI-driven infrastructure, this episode provides the roadmap you need. https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/aitech-exam-topics

Cisco is bringing renewed focus to wireless certifications — and major updates are coming in March 2026. In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift sits down with Andrew Richter, Content Engineering and Program Management lead focused on Wireless and Enterprise Networking, to discuss what’s changing across the wireless certification track. Together, they break down the introduction of the new Wireless Core exam, updates to the CCNP Wireless pathway, changes to the CCIE Wireless practical exam, and what these updates mean for current certification holders. They also explore why these changes are happening now, how industry feedback shaped the new direction, and where learners can find study resources to prepare. Whether you’re already working toward a wireless certification or just curious about where Cisco wireless learning is headed, this episode gives you the context and clarity you need to navigate the road ahead.

In this episode, we continue the conversation on how AI is transforming the world of enterprise networking. You’ll hear how Cisco approached internal AI adoption with caution and clarity, including the importance of private LLM instances and avoiding shadow AI practices. The group also explores how education, governance, and secure tools are critical for protecting data and building trust in AI systems. From prompt injection attacks to certification updates, the episode breaks down how Cisco is evolving its learning paths and certification programs (like CCNA, DevNet, and CCDE) to reflect the skills networking professionals need in an AI-driven future. Whether you’re an entry-level learner or a seasoned network engineer, you’ll walk away with actionable guidance—and a clear call to get involved, experiment responsibly, and help shape the next era of enterprise networking.