Cisco CCNP Routing and Switching

Certification: Cisco CCNP Routing and Switching - Cisco Certified Network Professional Routing and Switching

Certification Overview

The CCNP Routing and Switching certification comprises of CCNP Route, CCNP Switch and CCNP Troubleshoot certification. The CCNP Route certification demonstrates that the professional has the competence to use expert level routing and IP addressing in implementing secure Cisco routers.The CCNP Switch certification lets candidates plan, verify, manage and configure complicated CCNP switching solutions in a campus set up. It also includes secure integration of WLANs, VLANs, video and voice inside campus networks. This certification allows for implementation of switch related solutions with the help of IOS features and services. The CCNP Switch certification is part of the CCNP Routing and Switching certification. The CCNP TShoot certification tests the candidate’s skills and capability to plan maintenance of complicated routed and switched networks in a regular basis, and use ITIL-compliant approach for troubleshooting activities.

Who need to do this certification?

The CCNP Routing and Switching certification is suitable for network professionals who want to gain advance knowledge on networking and want to work on difficult network solutions independently. This is an entry level qualification. However, one year work experience in the field of networking is recommended. This certification is helpful for the following job roles:

• Network Engineers
• Network Operations Personnel
• Help Desk Technicians
• System Engineers
• Network Support Specialists
• System Integrators
• Network Administrators
• Network Consultants

Benefits

The CCNP Routing and Switching certification is a very renowned credential in today’s IT network sector. It creates better job opportunities, increases chances higher salary, and promotion. Recruiters are now depending more on globally recognized industry certifications to assess prospective employee’s skills. They tend to give priority to those job seekers with IT certifications rather than those without it. So CCNP certified professionals have a better chance of being recruited. CCNP certification is also the pathway to higher expert level certifications.

Associated Exams

The Cisco CCNP Switch 642-813 exam or CCNP Switch 300-115 exam is one of the three exams needed to fulfil the requirements of CCNP Routing and Switching certifications. The other exams are CCNP Route 642-902 and CCNP TSHOOT 642-832 exam. From January, 2015, the CCNP Switch 642-813 exam will no longer be valid. Candidates must take the CCNP Switch 300-115 exam.

Prerequisites

Cisco CCNA certification is mandatory before applying for the CCNP Routing and Switching certification. Any CCIE certification can also act as prerequisite. One year relevant practical experience is necessary.

Examination Overview

The CCNP Switching certification exam covers the following topics:

• Designs of Campus Network which includes Enterprise Campus design
• Understanding, configuring and implementing VLANs
• Understanding the concept of Spanning Tree Protocol and Multi-layer Switching
• Understanding and configuring High Availability
• Understanding issues related to switch security, including security in campus network
• Implementing video and VoIP support
• Understanding the concept of WLANs

The CCNP Switch training programs are very useful for candidates as they provide practical lab experiences. CCNP Switch lab provides practical experience and thorough understanding of implementing Cisco switching solutions for their networks. Group discussions, team work, practice exercises done on classrooms are very effective for understanding the exam contents. The CCNP Switch Lab Manual contains all the necessary information for practical implementation of switching solutions on complex network. The CCNP Switch Lab Manual is extremely handy. CCNP Switch Lab Manual PDF versions are also available online. CCNP Switch labs are well equipped providing students with all the facilities they need. Besides training, CCNP Switch books and CCNP Switching dumps are also very helpful during CCNP Switch exam preparation. The CCNP Switch PDF version books can be found online. CCNP Switching PDF version study guides, like books, give a comprehensive solution for cracking the CCNP Routing and Switching certification exam.

Validity of Certification

The validity of the Cisco CCNP Routing and Switching certification is three years. Recertification must be done after the validation period is over. The certification can be recertified either by passing any of the three exams of CCNP Routing or Switching certification, that is, CCNP Route, CCNP Switch or CCNP TShoot. Recertification can also be done by passing any CCIE certification exam, or by passing CCDE written exam, or by passing CCDE lab exam or by being successful in CCAr interview and board review.

Expert Review

Experienced and knowledgeable network professionals are hard to find and can be very expensive. By getting employees trained through various levels of Cisco certification, an organization can save money. These certified employees will later become a permanent asset for the company.

Michael Dean

Consultant, Micronics Consulting

Lusaka, Zambia