There’s a lot of talk about the changes in the Cisco certification program, which makes sense. It’s been a while since Cisco has made such a significant change. From an IT certification standpoint, it’s a big deal.
Here, we’ll discuss the changes to the CCNP. If you’re working on your CCNP or about to start, you need to know what these changes mean for you and your path. Likewise, if you are beginning your Cisco certification journey, this article will help you understand the changes to the certification track. For more detailed information about the new CCNP exam, refer to SPOTO.
CCNP Certification: the past
In the past, if you want to take the CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional), you need to pursue one of the following certifications:
- CCNP Routing and Switching
- CCNP Collaboration
- CCNP Wireless
- CCNP Data Center
- CCNP Service Provider
- CCDP
CCNP Changes: the present
On Feb. 24, 2020, the CCNP requirements changed quite a bit. Here are the certs that you can pursue:
- CCNP Enterprise
- CCNP Data Center
- CCNP Security
- CCNP Service Provider
- CCNP Collaboration
- Cisco Certified DevNet Professional
You’ll notice a couple of changes. The first significant change is that the list no longer includes CCNP Routing and Switching, CCNP Wireless, or CCDP. If you have one of these CCNPs or are working on completing them, they will be consolidated into the CCNP Enterprise under the new CCNP program.
Another significant change to the new program is that you will only need to complete two exams, regardless of which CCNP you choose. This change makes it easier for you to track your activities and plan your studies.
Another exciting change that Cisco is implementing is removing all formal prerequisites, which means you can jump into the CCNP at any time. Although, you may still want to meet the CCNP requirements by getting a CCNA and some professional work. However, this is not required. This is good news if you already have experience at the CCNA level and want to get a professional-level certification straight away.
To better explain, let’s go back to the new CCNP example. In this case, we will use the CCNP Enterprise. You will need to take the core exam, followed by the concentration exam. The concentration exams focus on specific topics that fall under the CCNP Enterprise category. The core exam covers a small portion of everything in this area.
The idea is that there are core concepts that everyone pursuing CCNP should know. If you want to focus on wireless, you can take the 300-401 ENCOR Enterprise core exam and the 300-430 ENWLSI, which will qualify you for the CCNP Enterprise. However, this isn’t the only route you can take. You can take either of the following concentration exams to meet your CCNP Enterprise requirements.
- 300-410 ENARSI (Advanced Routing and Services)
- 300-415 ENSDWI (SD-WAN)
- 300-420 ENSLD (Networks)
- 300-425 ENWLSD (Designing Wireless Networks)
- 300-430 ENWLSI (Implementing Wireless Networks)
- 300-435 ENAUTO (Automating and Programing)
These concentration exams enable you to focus on whatever area or role you fill for your employer today. It is worth noting that the core exams will also serve as qualifying exams for the CCIE lab exams.
Cisco Certified Specialist
Since the CCNA establishes a baseline of knowledge while the CCNP moves into specialization, there is a considerable gap between these two certifications. This is where the Cisco Certified Specialist comes in. These certifications will give you a badge that allows you to demonstrate your skills in the field. Also, and perhaps more importantly, it will provide you with the experience you need to make a move from CCNA to CCNP.
Final Thoughts
A brief look at the CCNA and eliminating specializing in this certification should encourage people to complete the program while meeting current market demands. The CCNP accomplishes a similar job by providing focus and direction when it is needed most. It makes the path you need to follow easier to track for those looking for their CCNP in the future. You can even track to your CCIE if you choose to do so.
The changes to the Cisco certification program make it easier to obtain and more attractive by controlling the number of exams required. Actual CCNP exam dumps and questions offered at SPOTO ensure you can pass the CCNP exam quickly and easily.
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