No. There are certification exams. At least the CCNA/CCNP/CCIE certicates require them.
These exams involve a combination of multiple choice questions and practical assignments in a simulator. While you do need to know the curriculum well to pass, the exam isn’t hard if you do.
Source: Took CCNA eons ago which has long sinceexpired. Recently started considering to recertify, as well as get my CCNP. I’m already working as an NP with C hardware, so it only makes sense for me to hold a valid cert.
I get that but not to sound mean I was asking if I do all their 100 hour courses and pass can I just go to my local college and ask them to give me a test to certify me?
IMPORTANT EDIT: It seems a lot has changed regarding how this is done. Amongst other things, CCNA can be taken online these days. If your system meets the requirements (windows and macos only, sadly), you don’t have to show up to a testing location. Outside of that, you find a testing location near you via the link posted further down.
Most likely not. Cisco certs and their exams are administered by Cisco and not by normal educational institutions.
However, some educational institutions might be able to run the exam. If you feel you know the material well enough, you can contact any of the certification places and have an exam.
Technically, you don’t need to pass anything in advance to take the exam, but it helps to make sure you know the necessary material. On that note, if you’re into hardcopy study material, these books cover everything. They’re not as intimidating as they look, and they’re quite well written:
More info about registering and finding a location here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/learn/training-certifications/exams/registration.html
Edit: Looks like Cisco is partnering with Pearsons now. You register online and pick the exam location
You would still have to pass the cert exams. The programs are to prepare you for the exams.