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

Behind the scenes at Cisco, Pi Day is something we plan out 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 bubbling in the back of your mind…

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

You’re not wrong. We have some explaining to do. After all, unless you have some form of “math” in your job title, Pi Day probably isn’t a day you pay much attention to. Pi Day might even pass you by, were it not for the puns that do more for your pie cravings than acknowledge the day’s actual significance.

Don’t worry, I’ll spare you from the pi 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, then Pi Day is for learners

Valentine’s Day has its flowers and chocolates; Pi Day has its pies. It’s fair to say that many don’t approach either day with its rooted origin in mind. Ironically enough, no one has been able to trace the initial discovery of pi, though its usage dates back at least 4,000 years. So, what is Pi Day recognized for, exactly?

On the surface, we know that Pi Day recognizes the mathematical constant pi, or π, as the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. Pi Day isn’t about what pi is, though. It’s about what pi means on a larger scale. Pi has been fundamental to how we understand the physical world. From calculating circles to measuring angles, the constant pi has long been in circulation. Without it, we would (literally) need to reinvent the wheel. Every. Single. Time.

Now, let’s look at this concept of Pi and replace it with learning. Just like how 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 so on, you will need to learn.

Serving slices of tech learning on Pi Day

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

Official Cisco e-learning

Cisco certification exams are hard—and they are supposed to be. Finding the learning material that adequately prepares you for Cisco exams can be a challenge in and of itself. And unless you’re going with an authorized Cisco Learning Partner, stepping into the territory of other training vendors can be a gamble.

In the worst-case scenario, you fall prey to a scam that can jeopardize your ability to get certified—forever. In the best-case scenario, you gain the knowledge and skills required to pass the exam and certify. And that’s great, right? Yes, yes, it is.

But it could be even better.

Learn, earn CE credits, recertify

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

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

For example:

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

If learning is your primary goal, recertification becomes a residual benefit. You recertify by doing the things you’re already doing. However, you won’t 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.