Software skills.
CISCO Routing Switching Test
The Cisco Routing and Switching assessment evaluates candidates’ knowledge of Cisco routers and switches, networking protocols, and troubleshooting skills.
Summarize this test and see how it helps assess top talent with:
- Test type
- Software skills
- Duration
- 30 min
- Level
- Intermediate
- Questions
- 30
Available in
- English
Skills measured
Routing Fundamentals
This skill area covers foundational concepts like IP addressing, subnetting, default gateways, and the basics of static and dynamic routing. Understanding routing fundamentals is essential for network engineers to direct traffic across multiple networks efficiently. It also lays the groundwork for working with advanced protocols and ensuring that data reaches the correct destination based on logical addressing. Mastery of these concepts is crucial for diagnosing connectivity issues and configuring routers to operate in complex network topologies.
Switching Concepts
This section focuses on Layer 2 networking principles including MAC address learning, VLANs, trunking, Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), and EtherChannel. Proficiency in switching concepts is vital for segmenting traffic, preventing loops, and ensuring stable local network performance. Since switches form the backbone of enterprise LANs, a deep understanding of switching behavior and port-based forwarding logic ensures smooth data flow, scalability, and fault tolerance in large environments.
Security in Routing & Switching
This skill evaluates knowledge of securing Layer 2/3 infrastructure through tools like ACLs, port security, storm control, BPDU guard, and device hardening practices. Network engineers must ensure that routing and switching environments are safeguarded from unauthorized access, spoofing, broadcast storms, and DoS attacks. Mastery of these security measures ensures that network services remain trustworthy, available, and protected against both internal misconfigurations and external threats.
Routing Protocols
This area includes interior and exterior gateway protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP, RIP, and BGP. It assesses the candidate’s understanding of how routers exchange information, calculate best paths, and handle convergence and redundancy. Routing protocols are the intelligence behind inter-network communication, allowing dynamic adaptation to topology changes. Competency here is crucial for network engineers working in enterprise and service provider environments requiring high availability and route optimization.
Cisco Device Configuration & Management
This skill focuses on CLI commands, configuration file management, device modes (user, privileged, global config), and firmware upgrades. It is essential for engineers to confidently configure and manage Cisco routers and switches, both initially and throughout operational changes. It also includes backup and restore procedures to maintain business continuity. Strong hands-on CLI knowledge ensures accurate implementation, diagnostics, and rollback capabilities.
LAN and WAN Technologies
This section covers physical and data link layer technologies including Ethernet, fiber, PPP, MPLS, DSL, T1, and broadband access. Understanding these technologies enables engineers to deploy and troubleshoot both local (LAN) and wide area (WAN) connectivity solutions. This knowledge is key in hybrid network environments that bridge campus, branch, and remote sites. Proficiency ensures robust site-to-site links and scalable edge connectivity.
IP Services and Features
This skill includes DHCP, NAT, PAT, NTP, Syslog, NetFlow, HSRP, VRRP, and QoS. These services support address allocation, failover, traffic control, and monitoring — all of which are critical in enterprise environments. Engineers must configure and validate these services to ensure optimal traffic delivery, uptime, and accountability. Mastery here supports performance tuning, redundancy, and centralized visibility into network operations.
Network Design & Architecture
This area focuses on structured network planning including hierarchical models (core, distribution, access), redundancy, modular design, and segmentation. Effective design ensures scalability, ease of management, fault tolerance, and performance optimization. Engineers are expected to make architecture decisions that align with business needs and minimize risk. Understanding network design principles supports both greenfield deployment and brownfield enhancements.
SDN and Cisco DNA Center
This skill assesses familiarity with Software Defined Networking (SDN), Cisco’s Digital Network Architecture (DNA), automation, and controller-based management. SDN and DNA simplify configuration, policy deployment, and monitoring through centralized platforms. Engineers must understand TrustSec, software overlays, and zero-touch provisioning to operate in modern programmable networks. This is crucial for organizations transitioning to agile, policy-based, and intent-driven infrastructures.
Network Troubleshooting & Monitoring
This area covers use of diagnostic tools like ping, traceroute, show and debug commands, as well as monitoring with NetFlow, SPAN, and Syslog. Troubleshooting is a critical skill for resolving outages, performance drops, and configuration errors. Engineers must analyze symptoms, isolate root causes, and apply appropriate fixes quickly. Strong troubleshooting skills ensure network stability and reduce mean time to recovery (MTTR).
IPv6 Routing & Transition Strategies
This skill covers IPv6 addressing, header structure, dual-stack deployment, tunneling (e.g., 6to4, ISATAP), and IPv6-enabled routing protocols like OSPFv3 and EIGRP for IPv6. As IPv4 address space depletes, organizations must migrate to IPv6. Engineers must be proficient in handling transition mechanisms, ensuring interoperability, and securing IPv6 traffic. This is vital for future-proofing network infrastructure.
Wireless and Mobility Extensions
This optional but valuable area explores wireless LAN integration with switching environments, including PoE, SSID-to-VLAN mapping, CAPWAP, and roaming. With the rise in wireless-first workplaces, engineers must understand how switches provide power, connectivity, and segmentation for access points. This skill bridges traditional wired networking with mobile enterprise needs, enabling seamless and secure user access.
Cisco Hardware & Platform Awareness
This skill focuses on recognizing Cisco product lines (e.g., Catalyst 2960/9300, ISR/ASR), licensing models (e.g., Smart Licensing), and hardware configuration. Engineers must know hardware capabilities, module compatibility, and upgrade paths. Awareness of physical platforms is essential for planning deployments, ordering correct gear, and managing lifecycles. It also aids in efficient troubleshooting and inventory tracking.
Use of the CISCO Routing Switching Test
The Cisco Routing and Switching assessment evaluates candidates’ knowledge of Cisco routers and switches, networking protocols, and troubleshooting skills.
The CISCO Routing Switching test assesses a candidate’s ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot networks. The test evaluates the candidates’ knowledge of the concepts, protocols, and tools required to manage and maintain a network, ensuring that the network performs optimally. The sub-skills covered in this test are Routing Technologies, LAN Switching Technologies, WAN Technologies, Infrastructure Services, Infrastructure Security, and Infrastructure Management.
This test is crucial when hiring candidates for networking positions, as networking is an essential part of most businesses. Companies need skilled professionals who can design, implement and maintain networks that connect different devices and systems. Networking engineers must have the expertise to configure devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls to create stable and reliable networks.
Assessing a candidate’s knowledge in the above sub-skills helps identify their proficiency in managing and configuring network infrastructure. Candidates who perform well in this test possess the capability to manage complex networking environments, implement best practices, ensure network security, and identify and troubleshoot issues that may arise. Employers can use the test scores to compare the candidates’ proficiency in each sub-skill and evaluate which candidate best matches the company’s networking requirements.
Who is this test for?
The Cisco Routing and Switching certification exams are relevant for network engineers and IT professionals who work with Cisco routing and switching technologies and want to validate their skills and knowledge. The certification exams cover topics such as network design, LAN switching technologies, IP routing technologies, network security, and troubleshooting. These exams are suitable for both entry-level and experienced professionals and validate the ability to design, implement, and troubleshoot Cisco-based networks that include both routing and switching technologies. Cisco offers a range of certification levels, from entry-level to expert, to accommodate professionals at all levels of experience and skill.
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