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Entry-level certification

The lowest level of Cisco's certification is Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT), which covers basic networking knowledge. It is appropriate for entry-level network support position. CCENT certified people can install, manage, and troubleshoot a small enterprise network, including basic network security.CCENT is the first step towards a CCNA certification.

The CCENT certification is earned upon passing the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) Exam (640-822).

Associate certifications

Associate Certifications is the 2nd of 5 levels of Cisco certs. This level divides all Cisco certifications into separate subject matter paths.

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

The Cisco Certified Network Associate certification is popular, and covers skills necessary to administer Cisco devices on small or medium-sized networks.This certification is earned upon passing the ICND1 640-822 and ICND2 640-816 exams. Examinees may take the exams separately or the single 640-802 CCNA composite exam.^[7]

These exams are conducted by Pearson VUE test centers.

CCNA Paths

At the CCNA level, CCNA certified individuals will specialize in specific technologies. All specialized tracks require an individual to pass and maintain a CCNA certification.

CCNA Security

CCNA Security validates knowledge of security infrastructure, threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and threat mitigation. Skills include installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices. This certification is earned by passing the IINS 640-553 (Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security, or IINS) exam.

CCNA Voice

The Cisco CCNA Voice certification validates a skill set for specialized job roles in voice technologies such as voice technologies administrator, voice engineer, and voice manager. The CCNA Voice certification involves implementing Cisco IOS Unified Communications. It validates skills in VoIP technologies such as IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, and voicemail solutions. Candidates also get exposure to the Cisco Unified Communications architecture and design covering mobility, presence, and TelePresence applications.

The CCNA Voice certification is earned by passing the 640-461 ICOMM V8.0 (Introducing Cisco Voice and Unified Communications Administration)

CCNA Wireless

The CCNA Wireless certification validates the knowledge of professionals supporting wireless LANs including Networking Associates/Administrators, Wireless Support Specialists and WLAN project managers. The CCNA Wireless certification involves implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials.

The CCNA Wireless Certification validates candidate's skills in the configuration, implementation and support of wireless LANs, specifically those networks using Cisco equipment. Students completing the recommended Cisco training are provided with information and practice activities to prepare them for configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting basic tasks of a Cisco WLAN in SMB and Enterprise networks. Employers will be able to validate their staff have the skills needed for basic wireless networking on a Cisco WLAN in SMB and enterprise networks after completing certification.

The CCNA Wireless certification is earned by passing the 640-721 IUWNE (Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials) exam.

CCNA Routing & Switching

This certification is earned by passing the 640-822 ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) and 640-816 ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 2 (ICND2)) or 640-802 CCNA composite exam.^[13]

CCNA (SP Operations)

CCNA Service Provider Operations validates basic knowledge and skills in a prescriptive troubleshooting environment within a carrier class IP NGN core network infrastructure.

This certification is earned by passing the 640-822 ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) and 640-760 SSPO (Supporting Cisco Service Provider IP NGN Operations (SSPO) ) or 640-760 SSPO (Supporting Cisco Service Provider IP NGN Operations (SSPO) )and possess any valid CCNA certification.

CCDA (Cisco-Certified Design Associate)

CCDA-certified people can design switched or routed networks of LANs, WANs, and broadband services.

A CCNA certification is not required to take the CCDA exam (640-863 DESGN), but Cisco recommends being familiar with CCNA-level material, as well as BCMSN-level knowledge of Cisco-based LANs.

Professional certifications

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification validates knowledge and skills required to install, configure and troubleshoot converged local- and wide-area networks with 100 to 500 or more end-devices. A valid CCNA certification is required to obtain and maintain a CCNP certification.

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

The CCNP certifies the ability to work with medium-sized networks with technologies such as QoS, broadband, VPNs, and security-oriented features. In addition to CCNA exams, professionals must pass either four separate exams, or a composite exam along with two separate exams.

• 642-901 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)
• 642-812 BCMSN: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)
• 642-825 ISCW: Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW)
• 642-845 ONT: Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT)

From July 31, 2010, the CCNP Certification will change back to incorporate the troubleshooting exam. Until that point both exam paths will be available from March 10, but candidates already in the process of certifying may use their passing scores on ISCW and ONT. This path is not recommended for candidates who have not yet attempted ISCW or ONT. These candidates should pursue the new path.

• 642-902 ROUTE: Implementing Cisco IP Routing (ROUTE)
• 642-813 SWITCH: Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH)
• 642-832 TSHOOT: Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (TSHOOT)

The BSCI/ROUTE and BCMSN/SWITCH tests can be taken as one single composite test known as the 642-892 Composite.

For a more detailed view of all the different CCNP certification paths up until July 31, 2010 - including release dates for the ROUTE, SWITCH and TSHOOT exam - see the CCNP website.

Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)

The CCDP certification is an advanced network design certification validating knowledge of Cisco devices and the way to interconnect them. With a CCDP certification, a network professional can discuss, design, and create advanced addressing and routing, security, network management, data center, and IP multicast complex multi-layered enterprise architectures that include virtual private networking and wireless domains. Active CCNA and CCDA certifications are required to earn this certification. As of Aug. 1, 2010, changes in the CCNP program have necessitated changes in the CCDP program. Notably, the routing-focused and switching-focused exams (642-901 BSCI & 642-812 BCMSN) have been discontinued (as has the 642-892 Composite). These have been replaced with updated versions.

There are two exams in common between the CCNP and CCDP (642-902 ROUTE & 642-813 SWITCH); thus one certified for CCNP and CCDA can attain CCDP certification by passing a single test (642-873 ARCH).

Required Exams:

• 642-901 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) or 642-902 ROUTE: Implementing Cisco IP Routing (ROUTE)
• 642-812 BCMSN: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN) or 642-813 SWITCH: Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH)
• 642-873 ARCH: Designing Cisco Network Service Architecture

OR

• 642-874 ARCH: Designing Cisco Network Service Architecture

Last day to test for exams 642-812, 642-892 and 642-901 was July 31, 2010.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP)

The CCIP certification is a professional certification covering the end-to-end protocols used in large scale networks.

To attain this certification tests must be passed in the areas of routing, BGP, MPLS, Quality of service and the routing exam from the CCNP track (642-901 BSCI) modified to 642-902 ROUTE.

Required Exams:

• 642-901 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) or 642-902 ROUTE: Implementing Cisco IP Routing
• 642-642 QOS: Quality of Service
• 642-611 MPLS: Implementing Cisco MPLS
• 642-661 BGP: Configuring BGP on Cisco Routers

There are two composite exams that can be done in place some of the above.

• 642-691 BGP+MPLS: BGP + MPLS Exam (composite in place of 642-611 + 642-661)
• 642-892 BSCI+BCMSN: Routing + Switching Exam (composite in place of 642-901) or 642-902 ROUTE: Implementing Cisco IP Routing

Last day to test for exams 642-901 and 642-892 is July 31, 2010.

Cisco Certified Network Professional-Security (CCNP-Security)

The CCNP Security certification program is aligned specifically to the job role of the Cisco Network Security Engineer responsible for security in routers, switches, networking devices and appliances, as well as choosing, deploying, supporting and troubleshooting firewalls, VPNS, and IDS/IPS solutions for their networking environments.

CCNP Security Syllabus

CCNP Security prerequisites

CCNA Security or any CCIE Certification can act as a pre-requisite.

CCNP Security exams and recommended training

• 642-637 SECURE v1.0 Secure v1.0 Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches (SECURE v1.0)

• 642-617 FIREWALL v1.0 Deploying Cisco ASA Firewall Solutions (FIREWALL v1.0)
• 642-647 VPN v1.0 Deploying Cisco ASA VPN Solutions (VPN v1.0)
• 642-627 IPS v7.0

Available: 2010-11-26

Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)

The CCSP certification is an advanced network security certification. Candidates for the certification are tested for advanced knowledge of various Cisco security products.

To attain this certification several tests must be passed in the areas of VPN, IDS, PIX firewall, Secure IOS, the Cisco SAFE, as well as having a CCNA or higher level certification (e.g. CCNP or CCIP).

The common practice is to take four exams, one of which is selected from a list of electives.

Required exams:

• 642-504 SNRS: Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches
• 642-524 SNAF: Securing Networks with ASA Foundation
• 642-533 IPS: Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention System

And one of the following:

• 642-591 CANAC: Implementing Cisco NAC Appliance
• 642-545 MARS: Implementing Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System
• 642-515 SNAA: Securing Networks with ASA Advanced

Cisco Certified Network Professional Voice (CCNP Voice)

Formerly known as Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP).

The Cisco Certified Network Professional for Voice (CCNP Voice) certification validates advanced knowledge and skills required by Network Engineers in order to determine the right technology and solutions in order to architect secure Cisco Unified Communications networks. With a CCNP Voice certification, a network professional demonstrates the skills required to implement and manage network infrastructures to provide unified communications services. The CCNP Voice curriculum emphasizes Cisco Router IOS and Catalyst Switch UC features as well as techniques to optimize these technologies in a single, integrated network UC solution. In addition, CCNP Voice leverages the CCNA Voice certification as a prerequisite.

The required exams for a CCNP Voice certification is as follows:

• 642-437 Cvoice v8.0: Implementing Cisco Voice Communications and QoS Implementing Cisco Unified Communications
• 642-447 CIPT1 v8.0: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Part 1
• 642-457 CIPT2 v8.0: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Part 2
• 642-427 Tvoice v8.0: Troubleshooting Cisco Unified Communications
• 642-467 CAPPS v8.0: Integrating Cisco Unified Communications Applications Exams]

Cisco Certified Wireless Professional (CCNP Wireless)

The CCNP Wireless is a certification covering all aspects of wireless networking principles and theory.

To attain this certification, four tests must be passed in the areas of Wireless Site Survey, Wireless Voice Networks, Wireless Mobility Services, Wireless Security and must have a valid CCNA Wireless certification. The required exams for a CCNP Wireless certification is as follows:

• 642-731 CUWSS: Conducting Cisco Unified Wireless Site Survey (CUWSS)
• 642-741 IUWVN: Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Voice Networks (IUWVN)
• 642-746 IUWMS: Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Mobility Services (IUWMS)
• 642-736 IAUWS: Implementing Advanced Cisco Unified Wireless Security (IAUWS)

Expert-level certifications

Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)

CCDE Assesses advanced Network Infrastructure Design Principles and Fundamentals for large networks. A CCDE can demonstrate an ability to develop solutions which address planning, design, integration, optimization, operations, security and ongoing support focused at the infrastructure level for customer networks.

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert is the highest level of professional certification that Cisco currently provides and is considered one of the hardest certifications in the world.There are six active CCIE tracks, as shown below. As of October 6, 2010 there are 25,810 people with active CCIE certifications in the world and from 2002 to 2005 it was voted as such in CertCities magazine. It has also been voted the most technically advanced IT certification by CertMag, and is generally reported as the highest salaried certification in IT salary surveys.

Cisco began its CCIE program in 1993 originally with a two day lab, later changing it to the one day format used today. Fewer than 3% of Cisco certified individuals attain CCIE certification, and on average will spend thousands of dollars and 18 months studying before passing. Many candidates build training-labs at home using old Cisco equipment, selling it again to other candidates after passing. Alternatively candidates may rent "rack time" online and practice lab scenarios on Cisco equipment hosted on the Internet for that purpose.

The CCIE consists of a written exam and a "lab" exam (each in the specific area of the chosen track). The written exam is required to take the lab exam, and has a cost of per attempt. The written exam consists of 100 questions that must be completed within 2 hours. [Candidates used to have 3 hours.] Upon passing the written exam, the candidate has eighteen months to take the lab exam. If the first attempt is unsuccessful the candidate has three years from the date the written exam was passed to successfully complete the lab. The lab is an eight hour hands-on exam designed to demonstrate that the candidate not only knows Internetworking theory, but also demonstrates advanced hands on mastery. If a candidate does not pass the CCIE lab in that time, they must pass the CCIE written exam again before making additional attempts at the CCIE lab exam. As many attempts can be made to pass the lab exam for up to three years after passing the written, so long as the first attempt is within 18 months. There is a minimum waiting time between attempts of one month.

The CCIE Lab is currently per attempt and is offered only at ten Cisco lab exam locations worldwide. The locations may be found on the Cisco certifications website. Some CCIE tracks do not have lab exams available at all locations. For example, the Storage Networking lab is available only at the Research Triangle Park, NC and Brussels locations. In addition, according to a survey by Cisco the average cost to prepare for CCIE certification is as of April 2006, spent mostly on practice equipment and self study material.

There are no formal prerequisites for the CCIE exam, but Cisco recommends one has at least 3–5 years experience in networking before attempting to become a CCIE. CCIE was the first Cisco Certified qualification, and as such there were no other certifications that could be taken prior. The development of the associate and professional certifications was due to recognition of the fact that a CCIE is overkill for many networking personnel, and also for the vast majority of businesses who employ such people, and that certifications needed to be offered at lower levels. Despite the development of the lower certifications, Cisco has chosen not to make them formal requirements for the CCIE certification.

It is possible to hold multiple CCIE certifications. This is done by passing both the written and the lab exam in a particular track. As of September 9, 2008, there are 1,729 individuals who hold multiple CCIE certifications. Of those, 274 hold three or more CCIE certifications.

This qualification was cited as "essentially a PhD in the internet" by Adam McCombs in Season 1 Episode 10 of Shark Tank.

CCIE Numbering and Recertification

Upon successful completion of the hands on lab exam, a new CCIE is awarded a CCIE number. The first CCIE number allocated (in 1993) was 1024, and has increased incrementally from there. A lower number indicates that the CCIE was awarded some time back, a higher number indicated a more recently awarded certification. As of August 2011, the highest CCIE number allocated was just over 30000.

Number 1024 was allocated to the first CCIE lab location, rather than to an individual, and featured as a plaque at the entrance to the lab. Number 1025 was awarded to Stuart Biggs, who created the first written exam and first lab exam. The first person to pass both CCIE written and lab exams was Terry sleter, who was consulting to Cisco at the time when the lab was being devised. Terrance Slattery (CCIE 1026) was therefore the first CCIE who passed both exams, and the first CCIE who was not an employee of Cisco.

Any CCIE who obtains further CCIE certifications, is not awarded any further numbers, the new CCIE certification is awarded under the same number as the original.

Every two years a CCIE has to take a CCIE written test to retain the certification. If this is not done, the CCIE is in a suspended status. After one further year, if a written test has not been undertaken and passed, the CCIE is then revoked. The CCIE certification can then only be re-gained by taking the written exam and lab exam from scratch.

Recertification can be obtained by passing any CCIE written exam. Recertification can occur up to 2 years before a CCIE's expiration date. After passing a CCIE written exam for recertification, a CCIE must wait 6 months before re-taking the test to use for re-certification.

Source : Wikipedia