Learn About Changes To Cisco’s CCNP Certification

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About a year ago, some significant modifications were made to the exams required for Cisco’s CCNP certification. If you’re planning to pursue a CCNP course, you must know about the Cisco certification program and CCNP courses’ major changes.

What is CCNP?

CCNP is a well-known course, and many people are familiar with it. But if you have never heard of it before, here’s a short review:

CCNP is a Cisco certified network professional certification that is mainly useful for IT professionals. This certification is meant for professionals looking for specialised training programs to sustain, plan, and organise Cisco’s broad spectrum of high-end network solution products. IT professionals with a minimum of one year of experience in professional networking can apply for this certification. 

CCNP is the most famous intermediate-level certification provided by Cisco and is in great demand. CCNP certification costs may vary according to the course and duration.

Benefits of CCNP certification

  1. CCNP certification has a lot of advantages for working professionals. CCNP certificate holders are held in high regard. They are qualified for many jobs such as network engineer, IT manager, computer systems and network administrator, computers and information systems manager, among several other jobs.
  2. A certified CCNP professional earns a substantially higher salary than what is given to their non-certified counterparts.
  3. A person with CCNP certification gets a detailed understanding of the computer networking industry. Additionally, while preparing for the examination, you get to have extensive knowledge of the field you will be working in and be aware of your field’s essential requirements. At the end of your CCNP training, you will be highly proficient in your work and possess all the technical skills required to find fast and accurate resolutions for various viruses and spiteful threats.
  4. Once you get your CCNP certification, you can showcase your profound knowledge and expertise in computer networking. Receiving CCNP training from reputed organisations like Cisco certification will increase your chances of success. It will be considered that you have received the best training available in the industry. 
  5. Working professionals with a degree in CCNP courses get the opportunity to keep up with the advanced technology and stay updated with the leading-edge developments and trends in networking technologies.
  6. A CCNP course can boost your confidence as it is globally recognised and is invaluable for recruiters and organisations. Moreover, this certification also allows you to take up advanced learning courses concerning further education. If you have a Cisco certification, you can conveniently apply for more advanced certifications. 
  7. While preparing for your CCNP exam, you will receive training in different areas of computer networking, such as network installation, arrangement, and debugging. The training and experience you acquire through this certification will prepare you for a wide array of work opportunities.

Changes made to the CCNP exam

Now that we have discussed the benefits of having a CCNP certification, let’s take a look at the changes that have been made in the CCNP exam requirements as of February 24th, 2020.

CCNP tracks that were available before February 24th, 2020, include:

  • CCNP Cloud
  • CCNP Designs
  • CCNP Collaboration
  • CCNP Data Center
  • CCNP Routing and Switching
  • CCNP Service Provider
  • CCNP Wireless
  • CCNP Security

 CCNP tracks that are currently available are:

  • CCNP Data Center 
  • CCNP Collaboration
  • CCNP Enterprise
  • CCNP Security
  • CCNP Service Provider
  • Cisco Certified DevNet Professional (new)
  • Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional (new)

New examination requirements for CCNP 

As you can see in the above list, some CCNP courses have been removed and are no longer available. Another significant change is that formal prerequisites are no longer needed for CCNP examinations.

However, you are still required to breeze through a core examination and one of three to eight concentration exams to procure your CCNP course certification.

Earlier, you were expected to pass 3 or 4 exams (according to your track) to attain each CCNP certification, but now you are only required to pass two exams for every track-

  • A technology core examination that will cover familiar as well as fundamental concepts
  • A concentration examination that will give you more in-depth knowledge of the technology

 Under the present guidelines, generally, a CCENT certification is required to get a CCNP certification. 

Final Thoughts

The changes to Cisco courses and certification programs have made them even more accessible and popular by reducing the number of exams required. The present CCNP courses are now providing emphasis and direction at the point where it is most needed.

For those who are presently working on their CCNP training, you’re in an ideal place. Good luck in the future!

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