The CCNP certification (Cisco Certified Network Professional) is Cisco's professional-level networking certification. Candidates who earn this accreditation are able to install, configure and troubleshoot LAN's and WAN's, and can do so for small and large enterprises alike. The CCNP exams cover a wide range of networking concepts with attention given to specialized topics such as security, converged networks, quality of service (QoS), virtual private networks (VPN) and broadband technologies.
In order gain the CCNP certification, candidates must first gain the CCNA certification and then go on to pass up to four CCNP exams (Cisco offers two distinct paths for candidates pursuing the CCNP, one that requires 4 exams to be passed while the other requires three). The exams required are (click on the respective links to go to Cisco's exam page):
Path 1 (4 exams):
642-901 BSCI Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)
642-812 BCMSN Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)
642-825 ISCW Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW)
642-845 ONT Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT)
Or,
Path 2 (3 exams):
642-892 Composite Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) and Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN) - 120 minutes duration
642-825 ISCW Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW)
642-845 ONT Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT)
The difference between the two paths is that in path 2, the 642-892 exam is two exams combined (642-901 and 642-812). There are obvious pro's and con's in taking either route, but the subject matter covered in the exams is the same regardless of which path a candidate chooses. Candidates opting for path 1 will pay slightly more overall for the cost of the CCNP certification as they will have to pay for 4 exams. Candidates opting for path 2 will undoubtedly need to put in more time and effort to prepare for the composite exam.
The CCNP exams can be taken in any order and the exams themselves are a mix of multiple choice, simlets, simulations etc. Candidates can book their exam through any Prometric or Pearson VUE testing centre.
At the end of each individual CCNP exam the candidate will be issued a score report which, along with the candidate's overall score, will help identify areas of strength or weakness. Only after successfully passing all of the exams will the candidate gain the CCNP certification, so it's important that candidates retain and keep safe their score report for each exam.
CCNP certification is valid for three years, after which time recertification is required if an individual wants to remain CCNP certified. Recertification involves passing any '642' designated professional-level exam or passing any current CCIE written exam.
Below, and on the following pages, are links to free CCNP self-study resources where you'll find practice exams, study guides, CCNP forums and much more. Be sure to regularly check Cisco's own CCNP home page for updates to the exam requirements, particularly as your exams draw near.
CCNP Certification information
Some general information on the CCNP certification. What you need to know about the exam, as well as practical suggestions on how to tackle the CCNP exam and what to expect.
http://www.cisco.com Home page for the Cisco CCNP certification track
http://www.certmag.com Good practical suggestions on study methods for the exam
http://ciscocert.custhelp.com FAQ's and support
http://www.submag.com Cisco's submag - need to register to receive
http://www.certcities.com CCNP Exam overview
Free CCNP Study Guides
Free CCNP Practice Tests
