Cyber Security

Celebrate Pi Day With Cisco Learning (We’re Saving You a Slice)

March 12, 2023

Behind the scenes at Cisco, Pi Day is something we plan weeks—even months—in advance. This year, we’re bringing back our Pi Day sale on learning products at the Cisco Learning Network Store. And while that is something to celebrate and look forward to, it doesn’t exactly answer the inevitable question that’s been nagging at your mind…

What does Pi Day have to do with Cisco learning and certifications?

You are not wrong. We have something to explain. After all, unless you have some form of “math” in your job title, Pi Day is probably not a day you pay attention to. Pi Day might pass you by, if it weren’t for the puns that do more for your pie cravings than the recognition of the day’s actual significance.

Don’t worry, I’ll spare you the puns and analogies and get straight to the point. Read on to find out why we chose Pi Day to run a 24-hour flash sale on learning and certification products, what you need to know, and some tips to keep in mind as we approach the big day.

If Valentine’s Day is for lovers, Pi Day is for students

Valentine’s Day comes with flowers and chocolate; Pi Day has pies. It’s fair to say that many don’t approach any day with its root cause in mind. Ironically, no one has ever traced the first discovery of pi, even though its use dates back at least 4,000 years. So, what is Pi Day recognized for? forexactly?

On the surface, we know that Pi Day recognizes the mathematical constant pi, or π, as the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. Pi Day is not about what pi is is, though. This is about what pi is meaning on a larger scale. Pi has become integral to how we understand the physical world. From calculating circles to measuring angles, the constant pi has been in circulation for a long time. Without it, we would have to (literally) reinvent the wheel. Each. Single. Time.

Now, let’s look at this concept of Pi and replace it with learning. Just as Pi is a constant in the physical world, learning is a constant in the world of technology. If you want to understand the full “circle” of solutions, networks, automation, and more, you will need to learn

Delivering slices of tech learning on Pi Day

Every version of your success story begins with a commitment to learning. That’s where we come in, providing you with learning and certification resources that empower you to reach your tech career goals. One of the places where you can find learning products for Cisco technologies, certifications, labs, and more is the Cisco Learning Network Store.

Official Cisco e-learning

Cisco certification exams are tough—and they should be. Finding study material that adequately prepares you for the Cisco exams can be a challenge in itself. And unless you go with an authorized one Cisco Learning PartnersTreading into the territory of other training vendors can be a gamble.

In the worst case scenario, you will become a victim a scam that could jeopardize your ability to get certified—forever. In the best case scenario, you will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to pass the exam and become certified. And that’s great, right? Yes, yes, it is.

But it could be Better.

Learn, earn CE credits, recertify

Every Cisco certification, except Cisco Certified Service Technician (CCST) certifications., expires three years from the date you were certified (or last certified). To maintain active certification, you must complete eligible activities before the end of that 3-year window. Once you meet the recertification requirements, you reset the clock on that 3-year window.

One of the ways you can revalidate your Cisco certification is by earning Continuing Education (CE) credits by completing qualifying courses.

Example:

Let’s say you already have a CCNA certification and want to specialize in enterprise networking technologies. You are interested in the CCNP Enterprise certification, but you know it will take time before you are ready to take the exams; a foundational core, and one in the concentration of your choice. You decide to focus on preparing for the main exam, using the official e-learning course as your main study resource. Once you complete the course, you will also have the opportunity to earn 64 CE credits. That more than meets the 30-credit recertification requirement for your CCNA.

If learning is your primary goal, recertification will be an outstanding benefit. You are reaffirming by doing the things you already do. However, you cannot earn Continuing Education (CE) credits toward recertification unless you complete an official Cisco learning course.

If you currently hold a Cisco certification, you can visit our Recertification Policy to learn more about the requirements for each certification level, eligible activities, how to claim CE credits, and more.