How to Become a CCNP

Once you've conquered CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification, you might desire further professional certification. Become a CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) and increase your chances of capturing the right job and joining network support personnel. Rank higher amongst coworkers and excel. Receive recognition as a professional in your field as you expand your networking knowledge. Move past introductory Cisco internetworking concepts to learning more about complex networks.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Compare professional certification options on the Cisco website. Find out that the CCNP is just one of many professional certifications available. Choose the "Participating in the Program" link to find approved Cisco training facilities and schools in your area whether you've obtained the CCNA elsewhere or prefer to change your current training facility or school.

2. Finish curriculum requirements and successfully pass the CCNA exam (and possibly obtain the recommended CCENT training/exam beforehand). Certify your capabilities to install, configure, as well as troubleshoot LANs or WANs and become a CCNP.

3. Discover that many traditional colleges offer Cisco networking training; however, some don't have higher level certification courses available. Unearth Cisco-approved training facilities and online courses that typically offer higher level Cisco networking certification training. Evaluate cost, convenience and courses.

4. Realize that grasping and memorizing CCNP material and coursework is hard work, and the pace and intensity rivals that of the CCNA training. Set up for taking in new complex information as well as taking on new costs and testing.

5. Demonstrate new knowledge and skills acquired in CCNP training for managing routers/switches plus integrated voice, wireless as well as security network applications to become a CCNP. Consume information from the "Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)," "Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)," "Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW)" and "Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT)" training courses to become a CCNP. Make sure programs are taught by certified instructors and cover the Cisco-approved CCNP curriculum.

6. Double check course details before signing up for a Cisco certification program and investigate the school or training facility to make sure it is Cisco approved. Become a CCNP once you've successfully mastered the curriculum and completed the certification tests. Pass the combination of the 642-901 BSCI, 642-812 BCMSN, 642-825 ISCW and 642-845 ONT required exams; or pass the combination of the 642-892 Composite, 642-825 ISCW and 642-845 ONT required exams.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that the CCENT is now offered and recommended to prep networking beginners for CCNA coursework (a valid CCNA certification is the prerequisite for the CCNP).
• Look for the official "Cisco Systems" icon for approved Cisco training facilities and schools.
• Understand that online course learning and independent study don't provide necessary hands-on experience and training.

Resources

• Peruse the Cisco website to learn more about training, certification and approved schools.
• Learn more about obtaining the CCDA from eAcademy.
• Find useful practice questions and study guides for Cisco certificate testing at certyourself.