Whether you’re a sysadmin, reseller, or simply Meraki-curious, learning Meraki technology is a valuable skill. Here’s your structured roadmap to becoming a certified Meraki Expert.
1. Start Small with Meraki FIT (Foundations Introductory Training)
What it is:
Meraki FIT is the perfect free starting point. It’s self‑paced video training aimed mainly at sales professionals, but it’s invaluable for anyone new to Meraki.
You’ll learn:
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Meraki Dashboard basics
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Cloud-managed networking principles
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Demoing Meraki devices
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Quoting and solution basics
You’ll receive completion certificates for each module.
2. Progress to ECMS Training (ECMS1 & ECMS2)
The real hands-on meat is in ECMS, Engineering Cisco Meraki Solutions.
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ECMS1: A 1-day virtual intensive
ECMS2: A 3-day lab-focused session, now often delivered virtually
These sessions go beyond theory and are ideal for setting up dashboards, provisioning devices, and troubleshooting.
3. Pass the ECMS 500-220 Exam for Certification
Ready to prove your skills? Take the 500‑220 ECMS exam to earn the Cisco Meraki Solutions Specialist certification.
Key details:
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Duration: 90 minutes, proctored
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Result: Pass/fail, results usually within 48 hours
What it validates:
Ability to design, deploy, manage, monitor, and troubleshoot Meraki networks (MX, MR, MS, MV, Insight, etc.)
4. Explore the Official ECMS Exam Blueprint
Understanding exam topics helps you study smarter:
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Cloud architecture & licensing (15%)
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Network design (30%) - Auto VPN, high-density Wi-Fi, HA
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Implementation (25%) - MX, MS, MR configurations, SM, MV
Monitoring & Troubleshooting (30%) - Dashboard tools, APIs, Insight
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Reading alone won’t get you certified, practical experience will.
“Best advice is to get a couple pieces of each piece of equipment… and really dive into the dashboard.”
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Use dCloud labs or sandbox environments
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Join Meraki Community forums and Reddit for peer support and self-study resources
6. Stay Certified: Renew Every 3 Years
Your Meraki specialist certificate lasts 3 years. Keep it alive via:
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Earning Continuing Education (CE) credits
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Or simply retaking the ECMS 500‑220 exam
Your Meraki Certification Journey at a Glance
|
Step |
Action |
Why It Matters |
|
1️⃣ |
Complete Meraki FIT |
Build foundational knowledge and confidence |
|
2️⃣ |
Take ECMS1 & ECMS2 |
Hands-on and guided preparation |
|
3️⃣ |
Pass ECMS 500-220 Exam |
Earn the Meraki Solutions Specialist certification |
|
4️⃣ |
Practice in lab environments |
Gain real-world familiarity |
|
5️⃣ |
Engage in community and forums |
Discover tips, labs, and study guides |
|
6️⃣ |
Recertify every 3 years |
Stay current and maintain your badge |
🎓 Private 1:1 Training with The Networking Nerds
Want to go beyond standard courses? The Networking Nerds offer private one-to-one deep dive training with our Meraki experts. We’ll walk you through real-world scenarios, advanced configurations, and troubleshooting tips tailored to your environment, so you can accelerate your journey to becoming a true Meraki expert.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a Meraki expert is a clear journey, starting with foundational FIT modules, building through ECMS training, verifying with the exam, and reinforcing with practice.
Once certified, you can manage Meraki networks confidently and help others do the same.
