printable format  e-mail to a friend More Cert Basics The Basic Elements of Cisco Certification Cisco® Certs Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP) Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP) Cisco Qualified Specialist (CQS)

	Who should pursue Cisco certification?
	What kind of work does a CCNP do?
	What kind of work does a CCDP do?
	Where do I begin?
	What is required to attain my Cisco certifications?
	How do I prepare for the CCNA?
	What's CCNA-WAN Switching?
	How do I prepare for the CCNP?
	What changes are happening to the CCNP?
	How do I obtain a CCDA title?
	How do I pursue the CCDP?
	What changes are happening to the CCDP program?
	How do I obtain a CCNP-WAN Switching?
	Can I obtain a CCDP-WAN Switching?
	What are Cisco Specializations?
	How do I get my CCIE?
	What's the CCIE Routing and Switching?
	What's the CCIE WAN Switching?
	What's the ISP Dial CCIE?
	Are there recertification requirements for Cisco certifications?
	Are there CCIE recertification requirements?
	Where can I attain Cisco training?
	How much will my Cisco certification cost?
	Where do I take Cisco exams?
	Are beta exams available?

If you have a year or more of hands-on experience in networking, then you might be interested in tackling the Cisco Systems' Cisco Certified Network Associate title, or CCNA. As a CCNA Network Engineer you could be involved with set-up and configuration of Cisco products. Day-to-day tasks will involve installing, configuring, and operating a simple routed local area network (LAN), routed wide-area network (WAN), and switched LAN networks.

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To obtain Premier Partner status, Cisco requires companies to have certified professionals on staff. A CCNA within a company that sells Cisco products and services typically gets involved with post-sale services. Cisco also offers a Cisco Certified Design Associate title, or CCDA, conferred on Design Engineers who help design the LAN or WAN. This is typically a pre-sales-oriented job.

As you grow in experience and knowledge, the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) titles can take you to new heights. It's recommended in the industry that you have a year of experience in using Cisco products before attempting the CCxP certifications.

What kind of work does a CCNP do?

The job market is starving for experienced talent, and the pay reflects the need. As a CCNP you might have the job title of Senior Network Engineer and perform the following post-sales responsibilities: system implementation services in small to medium networks, engineering an IP addressing plan, creating configuration files, and creating the test-bed and staging areas for platform development.

What kind of work does a CCDP do?

A CCDP focuses on pre-sales support in the following areas; design and configuration of complex routed LANs, WANs, and complex switched LANs.

Where do I begin?

To obtain the CCxP titles, you need to obtain the CCNA title first. By the time you achieve the higher titles, you will probably have from three to five years of experience with networking and Cisco products.

What is required to attain my Cisco certifications?

Cisco certification is currently considered one of the toughest certifications to achieve in the IT industry. Cisco requires you to be proficient with IOS, its Internetworking Operating System, which runs on almost all of their products. It also requires you to be proficient with networking concepts, terms, and planning.

Cisco provides two basic routes to follow in your certification efforts. The most popular is Routing and Switching. The focus is on implementation of Cisco routers and LAN switches in small to medium and enterprise networks.

How do I prepare for the CCNA?

This CCNA title requires you to pass one test, numbered 640-407 by Cisco: the CCNA 1.0: Cisco Certified Network Associate exam. In March 2000, Cisco expected to go into beta testing with a new version of the CCNA exam, this one numbered 640-507.

To prepare for your CCNA exam, you have several options. Cisco recommends that you work through its $50 self-study CD-based program, Internetworking Technologies Multimedia (ITM), then attend a five-day instructor-led training course, Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices. You can also tackle the exam through your own preparations, attending independent training or through self-study materials, such as those published by book, video, and CBT companies.

Learn more at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/lan/ programs/ccna.html.

What's CCNA-WAN Switching?

A lesser known variety of CCNA specializes in WAN Switching. These CCNAs typically install WAN switches and are employed by companies that sell WAN switches or those such as ISPs that implement network services. The titles they hold are often WAN Switch Technician, WAN Switch Installer, or Field Operation Staff. The test for this certification is called the CCNA-WAN Switching, exam 640-410.

To prepare for this version of the test, Cisco recommends that you work through its $100 self-study CD-based program, WAN Quick Start (WQS), then attend a four-day instructor-led training course, Installing Cisco WAN Switches. Since this exam is less popular than the Routing and Switching test, you'll have difficulty finding self-study materials made by companies other than Cisco.

Learn more at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/wan/ programs/ccna.html.

How do I prepare for the CCNP?

Once you've passed either CCNA you can consider moving towards the CCNP, either for Routing and Switching or for WAN Switching.

Let's cover the CCNP for Routing and Switching, since that's the most popular. Cisco is currently revamping its training and exams for the CCNP certification. We'll cover what's existing and what's ahead.

You have two exam tracks you can follow. One involves taking four exams, the other two.

Either approach demands the same level of preparation.

If you intend to take Cisco training, here are the courses currently offered:

• Advanced Cisco Routing and Configuration (ACRC)
• Cisco LAN Switch Configuration (CLSC)
• Configuring, Monitoring, Troubleshooting, and Dialup Services (CMTD)
• Cisco Internetworking Troubleshooting (CIT)

The tests that follow on these include:

• Advanced Cisco Router Configuration (ACRC 11.3, exam 640-403)
• Cisco LAN Switch Configuration (CLSC 1.0, exam 640-404)
• Configuring, Monitoring, & Troubleshooting Dialup Services (CMTD 8.0, exam 640-405)
• Cisco Internetwork Troubleshooting (CIT 4.0, exam 640-406)

You can also eliminate exams 403, 404, and 405 by taking an accelerated test, Foundation Routing and Switching (FRS 1.0, exam 640-409). But be forewarned: The objectives list for this test is 12 pages long, and you'll be facing a very long exam that lasts for several hours.

Learn more at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/lan/ programs/ccnp.html.

What changes are happening to the CCNP?

Shortly, the following training track will be complete:

• Building Scalable Cisco Networks (BSCN), expected to be available in March 2000.
• Building Cisco Multilayer Switches Networks (BCMSN), a five-day instructor-led class.
• Building Cisco Remote Access Networks (BCRAN), a five-day instructor-led class.
• Cisco Internetworking Troubleshooting (CIT), a five-day instructor-led class.

Those classes lead to these exams:

• Routing (640-503), expected in beta in March 2000.
• Switching (640-504), currently in development.
• Remote Access (640-505), currently in development.
• Support (640-506), currently in development.

You can eliminate exams 503, 504, and 505 by tackling the Foundation exam (509), but it too will be accelerated. A date hasn't been announced for the beta version of that exam.

You can read a Cisco FAQ about the changes to the program at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/ certprog/faq1.html.

How do I obtain a CCDA title?

Preparation for the CCDA is Designing Cisco Networks (DCN), a $389 self-paced training CD.

From there you take the Designing Cisco Networks (DCN) exam, 640-441.

Learn more at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/lan/ programs/ccda.html.

How do I pursue the CCDP?

To pursue the next level of certification, the CCDP, you follow the same track as CCNA up to a point:

If you intend to take Cisco training, here are the courses currently offered:

• Advanced Cisco Routing and Configuration (ACRC)
• Cisco LAN Switch Configuration (CLSC)
• Configuring, Monitoring, Troubleshooting, and Dialup Services (CMTD)

But instead of taking the Cisco Internetworking Troubleshooting (CIT) course, as you would when you pursue the CCNP, you would take the Cisco Internetwork Design (CID) class.

Also, you're expected to pass the same exams as a CCNP, up to a point. The tests include:

• Advanced Cisco Router Configuration (ACRC 11.3, exam 640-403)
• Cisco LAN Switch Configuration (CLSC 1.0, exam 640-404)
• Configuring, Monitoring, & Troubleshooting Dialup Services (CMTD 8.0, exam 640-405)

But instead of taking the Cisco Internetwork Troubleshooting test (CIT 4.0, exam 640-406), you would tackle the Cisco Internetwork Design exam (CID, 640-025).

Learn more at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/lan/ programs/ccdp.html.

What changes are happening to the CCDP program?

Shortly, the following training track will be complete:

• Building Scalable Cisco Networks (BSCN), expected to be available in March 2000.
• Building Cisco Multilayer Switches Networks (BCMSN), a five-day instructor-led class.
• Building Cisco Remote Access Networks (BCRAN), a five-day instructor-led class.

These are the same courses you would take in following the CCNP track. To pursue the CCDP, however, you would also attend:

• Cisco Internetwork Design (CID), a five-day instructor-led class.

Those classes lead to these exams:

• Routing (640-503), expected in beta in March 2000.
• Switching (640-504), currently in development.
• Remote Access (640-505), currently in development.

These are the same tests you'd face in going after your CCNP title. But you also have to pass:

• Cisco Internetwork Design (640-025).

You can eliminate exams 503, 504, and 505 by tackling the Foundation exam (509), but it too will be accelerated. A date hasn't been announced for the beta version of that exam.

Learn more about the new CCDP track at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/lan/ programs/ccdp.html.

You can read a Cisco FAQ about the changes to the program at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/ certprog/faq1.html.

How do I obtain a CCNP-WAN Switching?

Once you have your CCNA-WAN Switching title, you can pursue the CCNP-WAN Switching. Cisco recommends that you take the following courses:

• Multiband Switch and Service Configuration (MSSC), a five-day instructor-led class.
• BPX Switch and Service Configuration (BSSC), a four-day class.
• MGX ATM Concentrator Configuration (MACC), a five-day class.
• Cisco StrataView Plus Installation and Operations (SVIO), a four-day class.

The exams you must pass include:

• Multiband Switch and Service Configuration 8.5 (MSSC, 640-419)
• BPX Switch and Service Configuration 2.1 (BSSC, 640-425)
• MGX ATM Concentrator Configuration (MACC, 640-411)
• Cisco StrataView Plus (CSVP 1.0, 640-422) or the newer exam StrataView Plus Installation and Operations (SVIO, 640-451).

Learn more at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/wan/ programs/ccnp.html.

Can I obtain a CCDP-WAN Switching?

After you've achieved the CCNP-WAN Switching, you can pursue the CCDP-WAN Switching. The training consists of working through a $100 self-study CD, Designing Switched WAN and Voice Solutions (DSWVS). Then you must pass exam 640-413, Designing Switched WAN Voice Solutions (DSWVS 2.0).

Learn more at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/wan/ programs/ccdp.html.

What are Cisco Specializations?

Once you have achieved a CCNP or CCDP designation, you might consider going after a specialization to further distinguish yourself. Most require you to pass a single additional exam, though some require multiple tests.

Why specialize? Presumably, your expertise and net worth will increase dramatically. But just as importantly, a specialization will help you focus your training efforts and time.

Current specializations for CCNPs include:

• Security, which focuses on the knowledge and skills required in building and maintaining Cisco security solutions, including standalone firewall products and Cisco IOS software features.
• Voice Access, for people implementing and supporting, data/voice integration solutions at the network access level. These solutions include IP, ATM, and Frame Relay uplink access products.
• SNA/IP Integration for those who are installing, configuring, implementing, and troubleshooting Cisco routers in SNA environments.
• LAN ATM, for network professionals involved in building and maintaining campus ATM networks, which are based on LAN emulation services offered over ATM switches.
• SNA/IP Network Management, for those who are implementing and supporting SNA/IP network management solutions for multilayer (routing and LAN Switching) networks.
• Network Management, for IT pros implementing and supporting network management solutions for multilayer (routing and LAN switching) networks.

The current specialization for CCDPs is:

• SNA/IP Integration, for those people who need to translate complex SNA networking requirements into a network design.

You can learn more at Cisco's Web site at: http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/ special/course.html.

How do I get my CCIE?

Cisco considers those holding the CCIE title to be "the master builders of the New World of networking."

You can tackle the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) title with no previous certifications at all. You can take a single written test and, if you pass it, schedule your lab test, which lasts two days (presuming you make it beyond day one).

However, currently, just over 4,000 people--of all the tens of thousands working with Cisco technology--hold the CCIE designation. There's a reason for that: It's hard!

More likely, you'll work your way through your CCNA, then CCNP or CCDP, then take on the CCIE challenge.

There are three kinds of CCIEs: Routing and Switching, WAN Switching, and ISP Dial.

What's the CCIE Routing and Switching?

This person can Install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot complex routed LAN, routed WAN, switched LAN and ATM LANE networks, and Dial Access services; diagnose and resolve network faults; use packet/frame analysis and Cisco debugging tools; and document and report the problem-solving processes used.

You must pass a multiple-choice, two-hour, 100-question exam as a prerequisite for tackling the lab portion of the certification.

Learn more at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/625/ccie/certifications/routing.html.

What's the CCIE WAN Switching?

These people know WAN backbone switching for integrated data, voice, video, and Internet traffic and have general experience in information systems technology, as well as Cisco product experience.

You must pass a two-hour, multiple choice, 123-question exam as a prerequisite for tackling the lab portion of the certification.

Learn more at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/625/ccie/certifications/wan.html.

What's the ISP Dial CCIE?

The ISP Dial CCIE understands IP routing, dialup, remote access, and WAN technologies.

You must pass a multiple-choice, two-hour, 100-question exam as a prerequisite for tackling the lab portion of the certification.

You can read about one person's efforts to achieve his CCIE status, as Paul Cernick shares his "CCIE Saga."

Learn more at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/625/ccie/certifications/isp_dial.html.

Are there recertification requirements for Cisco certifications?

Cisco said it will announce recertification requirements for people who hold the CCNP and CCDP designation in 2000. You'll have to obtain recertification every two years, probably by taking a new exam or attending technical training.

Are there CCIE recertification requirements?

To ensure the distinction of the CCIE, Cisco introduced a recertification requirement. This ensures that the CCIE credential remains a meaningful measure of individual technical know-how for as long a CCIE is active in the industry. Recertification requirements must be fulfilled every 24 months.

You can either:

• Attend five CCIE-level technical training sessions at a CCIE or Networkers Conference.
• Pass one written recertification exam administered by Sylvan Prometric.

Where can I attain Cisco training?

There are as many places to get Cisco certification classes and materials as there are minutes in a day. You can attend instructor-led Cisco Certified Training Partner classes at about $2,000 a week. Also, the Cisco Networking Academy is offered at many community colleges and technical training facilities. Self-study books and resources are also available from many places. You can also attend Cisco bootcamps. Last, and importantly, Cisco's Web site contains massive amounts of documentation, that make for a great, inexpensive training resource.

How much will my Cisco certification cost?

Since there are many routes to achieving your Cisco certification, we can't tell you the price. But we can tell you how to calculate the expense.

List out what training and exams you require for the certification you decide to pursue.

If you will be attending classes, then plan for $2,000 a class, along with any necessary travel and "lost-opportunity" costs (those you incur by not being able to bill while sitting in a classroom). If you're going the self-study route, plan to use Cisco Press' "green books," texts that address much of the same content you'll learn in a classroom, but without the hands-on component.

Also, plan to invest in your own lab set-up. The recommendation is at least three Cisco mainstream routers and one Cisco switch. Even in the used market, this can set you back $3,000.

You'll pay $100 to $200 for each Cisco exam in the U.S., and $150 to $300 in other countries.

To learn more about obtaining Cisco certification as inexpensively as possible, read Larry Passo's article, "Cisco Certification on a Budget."

Where do I take Cisco exams?

Cisco exams are given at Prometric testing centers. To sign up to take an exam, call 800-829-6387 in the U.S. and Canada or register online at the Sylvan Prometrics Web site. Click here for registration information in other countries, http://www.2test.com/index.jsp.

Make sure you know the name and number of the exam you wish to take. For a list of exams visit http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/ testing/exam_list.htm.

Are beta exams available?

Cisco currently makes its beta exams available for free.

You can view the latest list of beta exams at http://www.cisco.com/warp/public/10/wwtraining/certprog/ testing/beta_exams.htm.