There is fierce competition in the networking industry. To stay ahead of the pack, you must ensure that your skills and knowledge are constantly improving. Every networking professional should be aware that employers will demand more certifications to help them climb the ladder.
It is no secret that getting an IT certification is not an easy task. It takes determination, willpower, and hard work to achieve a Cisco certification. You will need to be diligent in revising exam questions, attending classes and searching for revision materials. This will help you pass your Cisco certification exams at the end.
What does the CCNP involve?
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), is an intermediate level cisco certification networkers should consider obtaining. Only those who have already obtained the Cisco Certified Network Associate certification (CCNA), can pursue this certification. After you have earned your CCNA, you can’t immediately enroll for CCNP. A minimum of one year of experience in network is required to enroll for the Cisco Certified Network Professional certification.
While CCNA qualifies for entry-level jobs in networking, CCNP certification allows you to easily get employment in more challenging and senior networking positions. This Cisco certification can help you to occupy the following roles:
Network Technician
Support Engineer
Network Engineer
Systems Engineer
You will need to select a specialization path when you enroll for CCNP certification. Usually, the path of specialization that you choose should be the one you chose when you did your CCNA. There are three main paths you can specialize: CCNP wireless, routing, switching, collaboration, data centre, service provider, and CCNP cybersecurity.
No matter what specialization you choose, this IT certification validates your ability plan, set up, and troubleshoot complex networks in enterprises and firms.
Recertification
A Cisco certification, such as CCNP, comes with a lot responsibility. You must ensure that you take a recertification exam regularly to prove you have the skills and knowledge required to be considered a Cisco Certified Network Professional. Cisco Professional level certifications often expire after three years.
Professional networkers should keep abreast of the latest developments in Cisco technologies. It is easier to pass the recertification exams, and you can pursue higher Cisco certifications than CCNP.