Cisco Career Certifications

Cisco Career Certifications are IT Professional certifications for Cisco Systems products. The tests are administered by Pearson VUE. There are five levels of certification: Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert, and Architect, as well as seven different paths, Routing & Switching, Design, Network Security, Service Provider, Storage Networking, Voice, and Wireless.

Contents [hide] 1 Training 1.1 Re-certification 2 Entry Level Certification 2.1 Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician 3 Associate Certifications 3.1 CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) 3.2 CCNA Paths 3.3 CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate) 4 Professional certifications 4.1 Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) 4.2 Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) 4.3 Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP) 4.4 Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) 4.5 Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP) 5 Expert-level certifications 5.1 Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) 5.2 Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) 5.3 CCIE Numbering and Recertification 6 CCIE Exam paths 6.1 Retired CCIE tracks 7 Cisco Certified Architect 7.1 Cisco Certified Architect Certification Process 7.2 Cisco Certified Architect Responsibilities 8 Retired Certifications 9 References 10 External links

[edit] Training

Traditional educational institutions that teach Cisco skills are called "the Cisco Networking Academy".^[1] Cisco Networking Academy Students can request exam vouchers that allow them to take the retired exam for an extended period of time.^[2] Cisco courses are also offered at collegiate institutions. Training is also available from Cisco Learning Partners, Cisco 360 Learning Program for CCIE and Cisco Learning Network.

[edit] Re-certification

All CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, CCDP, CCSP, CCVP, CCENT, CCNA Security, CCNA Voice, CCNA Wireless and CCIP certifications are valid for three years. All CCIE certifications and Specialist certifications are valid for two years. Re-certification requires re-taking the current exam previously passed, or passing a higher level examination.^[3][4]

[edit] Entry Level Certification

[edit] Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician

The lowest level of Cisco's certification is CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician). CCENT covers basic networking knowledge. It is appropriate for entry-level network support positions. CCENT certified people can install, manage, maintain & troubleshoot a small enterprise network, including basic network security.^[5]CCENT is the first step towards a CCNA certification.
The CCENT certification is earned upon passing the Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (ICND1) Exam(640-822 ICND1).

[edit] Associate Certifications

Associate Certifications is the 2nd of 4 levels of CISCO certs. This level divides all CISCO certifications into separate subject matter paths.

[edit] CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

The CCNA validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot medium-size enterprise level router and switched networks. This includes design implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. New CCNA training includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking and Voice.^[6]
The CCNA certification is earned upon passing the ICND1 640-822 and ICND2 640-816 exams. Examinees may take the exams separately or the single 640-802 CCNA composite exam.^[7]
These exams are conducted by authorized test centers at a cost of USD$125 each for the ICND1 or ICND2 exams and, effective 06-23-2008^[8], USD$250 for the composite CCNA exam.

[edit] CCNA Paths

At the CCNA level, CCNA certified individuals will specialize in specific technologies. All specialized tracks require an individual to pass and maintain a CCNA certification.

• CCNA Security

CCNA Security validates knowledge of security infrastructure, threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and threat mitigation. Skills include installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices and develops competency in "Cisco IOS Network Security"
This certification is earned by passing the IINS 640-553 (Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security, or IINS) exam. The price of the exam is USD$250. ^[9][10]

• CCNA Voice and CCVP

The Cisco CCNA Voice certification validates a skill set for specialized job roles in voice technologies such as voice technologies administrator, voice engineer, and voice manager. The CCNA Voice certification involves implementing Cisco IOS Unified Communications. It validates skills in VoIP technologies such as IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, and voicemail solutions. Candidates also get exposure to the Cisco Unified Communications architecture and design covering mobility, presence, and TelePresence applications.^[11][12]
The CCNA Voice certification is earned by passing the 640-460 IIUC (Implementing Cisco IOS Unified Communications) or 642-436 CVOICE (Cisco Voice Over IP) exams.

• CCNA Wireless

The CCNA Wireless certification validates the knowledge of professionals supporting wireless LANs including Networking Associates/Administrators, Wireless Support Specialists and WLAN project managers. The CCNA Wireless certification involves implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials.
The CCNA Wireless Certification validates candidate's skills in the configuration, implementation and support of wireless LANs, specifically those networks using Cisco equipment. Students completing the recommended Cisco training are provided with information and practice activities to prepare them for configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting basic tasks of a Cisco WLAN in SMB and Enterprise networks. Employers will be able to validate their staff have the skills needed for basic wireless networking on a Cisco WLAN in SMB and enterprise networks after completing certification.
The CCNA Wireless certification is earned by passing the 640-721 IUWNE (Implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials) exam.

[edit] CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate)

CCDA certified people can design switched or routed networks of LANs, WANs, and broadband services.
A CCNA certification is not required to take the CCDA exam (640-863 DESGN), but Cisco recommends being familiar with CCNA-level material, as well as BCMSN-level knowledge of Cisco-based LANs.

[edit] Professional certifications

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification validates knowledge and skills required to install, configure and troubleshoot converged local and wide area networks with 100 to 500 or more end devices. A valid CCNA certification is required to obtain and maintain a CCNP certification.^[13][14]

[edit] Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

The CCNP is considered proof of having the ability to work with medium-sized networks with technology such as QoS, broadband, VPNs, and security-minded features. In addition to CCNA exams, professionals must pass either four separate exams, or a composite exam along with two separate exams.

• 642-901 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)^[15]
• 642-812 BCMSN: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)^[16]
• 642-825 ISCW: Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW)^[17]
• 642-845 ONT: Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT)^[18]

The BSCI and BCMSN tests can be taken as one single composite test known as the 642-892 Composite^[19]

[edit] Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)

The CCDP certification is an advanced network design certification validating knowledge of Cisco devices and the way to interconnect them. Active CCNA, and CCDA certifications are required to earn this certification. There are two exams in common between the CCNP and CCDP (642-901 BSCI & 642-812 BCMSN) so that a CCNP and CCDA certified person can attain CCDP certification by passing a single test (642-873 ARCH).
Required Exams:

• 642-901 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)
• 642-812 BCMSN: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)
• 642-873 ARCH: Designing Cisco Network Service Architecture

OR

• 642-892 Composite (BSCI and BCMSN)
• 642-873 ARCH: Designing Cisco Network Service Architecture

[edit] Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP)

The CCIP certification is a professional certification covering the end-to-end protocols used in large scale networks.
To attain this certification tests must be passed in the areas of routing, BGP, MPLS, Quality of service and the routing exam from the CCNP track (642-901 BSCI).
Required Exams:

• 642-901 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)
• 642-642 QOS: Quality of Service
• 642-611 MPLS: Implementing Cisco MPLS
• 642-661 BGP: Configuring BGP on Cisco Routers

There are two composite exams that can be done in place some of the above.

• 642-691 BGP+MPLS: BGP + MPLS Exam (composite in place of 642-611 + 642-661)
• 642-892 BSCI+BCMSN: Routing + Switching Exam (composite in place of 642-901)

[edit] Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)

The CCSP certification is an advanced network security certification. Candidates for the certification are tested for advanced knowledge of various Cisco security products.
To attain this certification several tests must be passed in the areas of VPN, IDS, PIX firewall, Secure IOS, the Cisco SAFE, as well as having a CCNA or higher level certification (e.g. CCNP or CCIP).
The common practice is to take four exams, one of which is selected from a list of electives.
Required Exams:

• 642-504 SNRS: Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches
• 642-524 SNAF: Securing Networks with ASA Foundation
• 642-533 IPS: Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention System

And one of the following:

• 642-591 CANAC: Implementing Cisco NAC Appliance
• 642-545 MARS: Implementing Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System
• 642-515 SNAA: Securing Networks with ASA Advanced

[edit] Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP)

The CCVP is a certification covering all aspects of IP Telephony/VOIP networks and applications.
To attain this certification, five tests must be passed in the areas of Quality of service, Cisco VoIP, IP Telephony Troubleshooting, Cisco IP Telephony, and Gateway Gatekeeper.
For individuals using Cisco Unified Communications Manager

• 642-642 QoS: Quality of Service (QoS)
• 642-436 CVOICE: Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE v6.0)

OR

• Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE v6.0) AND
• Cisco Voice over IP fundamentals (CVF v1.0)
• 642-426 TUC: Troubleshooting Cisco Unified Communications Systems (TUC v1.0)
• 642-446 CIPT1: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager Part 1 (CIPT1 v6.0)
• 642-456 CIPT2: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager Part 2 (CIPT2 v6.0)

For individuals using Cisco Unified CallManager

• 642-642 QoS: Quality of Service (QoS v2.2)
• 642-436 CVOICE: Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE v6.0)

OR

• Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE v5.0) AND
• Cisco Voice over IP fundamentals (CVF v1.0)
• 642-426 TUC: Troubleshooting Cisco Unified Communications Systems (TUC v1.0)
• 642-444 CIPT 4.1: Cisco IP Telephony Release (CIPT1 4.1)

OR

• Cisco IP Telephony Release (CIPT2 5.0)
• 642-453 GWGK Implementing Cisco Voice Gateways and Gatekeepers (GWGK v2.0)

[edit] Expert-level certifications

[edit] Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)

CCDE Assesses advanced Network Infrastructure Design Principles and Fundamentals for large networks. A CCDE can demonstrate an ability to develop solutions which address planning, design, integration, optimization, operations, security and ongoing support focused at the infrastructure level for customer networks.

[edit] Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert is the highest level of professional certification that Cisco currently provides and is considered one of the hardest certifications in the world. There are five active CCIE tracks, as shown below. As of June 26, 2009 there are 20,003 people with active CCIE certifications in the world.^[20]. ^[21][22] and from 2002 to 2005^[23] it was voted as such in CertCities magazine. It has also been voted the most technically advanced IT certification by CertMag,^[24] and is generally reported as the highest salaried certification in IT salary surveys.
Cisco began its CCIE program in 1993^[25] originally with a two day lab, later changing it to the one day format used today. Fewer than 3% of Cisco certified individuals attain CCIE certification, and on average will spend thousands of dollars and 18 months studying before passing.^[26] Many candidates build training-labs at home using old Cisco equipment, selling it again to other candidates after passing. Alternatively candidates may rent "rack time" online and practice lab scenarios on Cisco equipment hosted on the Internet for that purpose.
The CCIE is comprised of a written exam and a "lab" exam (each in the specific area of the chosen track). The written exam is required to take the lab exam, and has a cost of $350 USD per attempt. The written exam consists of 100 questions that must be completed within 2 hours. [Candidates used to have 3 hours.] Upon passing the written exam, the candidate has eighteen months to take the lab exam. If the first attempt is unsuccessful the candidate has three years from the date the written exam was passed to successfully complete the lab. The lab is an eight hour hands-on exam designed to demonstrate that the candidate not only knows Internetworking theory, but also demonstrates advanced hands on mastery. If a candidate does not pass the CCIE lab in that time, they must pass the CCIE written exam again before making additional attempts at the CCIE lab exam. As many attempts can be made to pass the lab exam for up to three years after passing the written, so long as the first attempt is within 18 months. There is a minimum waiting time between attempts of one month.
The CCIE Lab is currently $1,400 USD per attempt and are offered only at ten Cisco lab exam locations worldwide. The locations may be found on the Cisco certifications website. Some CCIE tracks do not have lab exams available at all locations. For example, the Storage Networking lab is available only at the Research Triangle Park, NC and Brussels locations. In addition, according to a survey by Cisco the average cost to prepare for CCIE certification is $9,050 as of April 2006, spent mostly on practice equipment and self study material.^[27]
There are no formal prerequisites for the CCIE exam, but Cisco recommends one has at least 3–5 years experience in networking before attempting to become a CCIE. CCIE was the first Cisco Certified qualification, and as such there were no other certifications that could be taken prior. The development of the associate and professional certifications was due to recognition of the fact that a CCIE is overkill for many networking personnel, and also for the vast majority of businesses who employ such people, and that certifications needed to be offered at lower levels. Despite the development of the lower certifications, Cisco has chosen not to make them formal requirements for the CCIE certification.
It is possible to hold multiple CCIE certifications. This is done by passing both the written and the lab exam in a particular track. As of September 9, 2008, there are 1,729 individuals who hold multiple CCIE certifications. Of those, 274 hold three or more CCIE certifications.^[28]

[edit] CCIE Numbering and Recertification

Upon successful completion of the hands on lab exam, a new CCIE is awarded a CCIE number. The first CCIE number allocated (in 1993) was 1024, and has increased incrementally from there. A lower number indicates that the CCIE was awarded some time back, a higher number indicated a more recently awarded certification. As of July 2009, the highest CCIE number allocated was just under 25000.
Number 1024 was allocated to the first CCIE lab location, rather than to an individual, and featured as a plaque at the entrance to the lab. Number 1025 was awarded to Stuart Biggs, who created the first written exam and first lab exam. The first person to pass both CCIE written and lab exams was Terrance Slattery, who was consulting to Cisco at the time when the lab was being devised. Terry Slattery (CCIE 1026) was therefore the first CCIE who passed both exams, and the first CCIE who was not an employee of Cisco.^[29][30]
Any CCIE who obtains further CCIE certifications, is not awarded any further numbers, the new CCIE certification is awarded under the same number as the original.
Every two years a CCIE has to take a CCIE written test to retain the certification. If this is not done, the CCIE is in a suspended status. After one further year, if a written test has not been undertaken and passed, the CCIE is then revoked. The CCIE certification can then only be re-gained by taking the written exam and lab exam from scratch.
Recertification can be obtained by passing any CCIE written exam. Recertification can occur up to 2 years before a CCIE's expiration date. After passing a CCIE written exam for recertification, a CCIE must wait 6 months before re-taking the test to use for re-certification.

[edit] CCIE Exam paths

• CCIE Routing & Switching

Routing and Switching is by far the most popular track with 17,082 certified individuals as of May 18, 2009^[31]. The certification covers a variety of networking concepts and protocols.

• CCIE Security

The Security track concentrates on network security and covers subjects such as ASA, IDS, IOS security, and many others.

• CCIE Service Provider

The Service Provider track focuses on networking in the service provider industry. Subjects include Optical networks, DSL, WAN switching, Voice over IP, Content networking, Broadband Cable and Metro Ethernet.

• CCIE Voice

The Voice track concentrates on voice solutions for the enterprise and includes subjects such as Quality of Service, MGCP, Call Manager (Cisco's VoIP PBX), Cisco Unity (Cisco's Unified Messaging platform), Unity Express and IP Contact Center Express.
There are only 802 CCIE Voice certified people in the world as of September 9, 2008.
Most candidates pass the CCIE Voice certification after three or four lab attempts, but there have been cases in which candidates pass after more than six attempts. The low passing rate is attributed to the difficulty of the exam questions as well as the lack of time to complete everything in the allocated eight hours. As such, the lab exam is as much a test of time management and planning as it is a test of technical expertise.
What sets the CCIE Voice lab exam apart from typical CCIE lab exams is the widely dissimilar platforms that are used. Configurations will have to be done on the Windows 2003 Server environment, on a CallManager web-based GUI, on the CatOS command line, on the IOS command line, as well as on the proprietary configuration environments of telephony devices such as the ATA186 and VG248. As such, it is not an exam that involves a uniform method of configuration, and it involves a lot of back-and-forth fine tuning between the numerous platforms.

• CCIE Storage Networking

CCIE Storage Networking validates expert-level knowledge of intelligent storage solutions using multiple transport options over long distances.

• CCIE Wireless

The Cisco CCIE Wireless certification assesses and validates wireless expertise. Candidates who pass the CCIE Wireless certification exams demonstrate broad theoretical knowledge of wireless networking and a solid understanding of wireless local area networking (WLAN) technologies from Cisco, the market leader in WLAN technology^{[citation needed]}.

[edit] Retired CCIE tracks

Some previously awarded CCIE specializations are no longer offered, and have been retired by Cisco. These are:

• WAN Switching CCIE (Essentially a specialisation focusing on the IGX/BPX switch products, which had been acquired as part of the StrataCom acquisition)
• ISP Dial CCIE
• SNA/IP Integration CCIE (aka CCIE Blue)
• Design CCIE

People who had held these now retired certifications can remain CCIE's, provided they continue to take recertification exams. They now simply hold the title "CCIE", rather than CCIE Security, or some other specialization.

[edit] Cisco Certified Architect

Cisco announced a brand new certificate that exceed the level of skills needed to achieve CCIE. The newly announced Cisco Certified Architect certification recognizes the architectural experience and competency of network designers who can support the increasingly complex networks of global organizations and effectively translate business strategies into evolutionary technical strategies.^[32]
The Cisco Certified Architect certification is scheduled to be made available January 2010. [1]

[edit] Cisco Certified Architect Certification Process

• The Cisco Certified Architect certification will be administered as a board exam.
• Candidates will propose and defend an architecture solution to a set of business requirements, and the candidates will be asked to modify their proposals "on the fly," based on additional requirements presented by the board.
• Prerequisites include a CCDE certification, approximately 10 years of industry experience, and acceptance into the program via an application process.

[edit] Cisco Certified Architect Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the Cisco Certified Architect

• Lead creation and evolution of enterprise architecture
• Analyze technology and industry market trends
• Establish governing principles for Enterprise networks
• Selection of technology and products
• Identification of organization resource needs
• Lead the development of communication and education plan for enterprise network architecture

[edit] Retired Certifications

Over time, as technologies change and products are made obsolete, some certifications are retired. Retired certifications are no longer valid.
Certifications that fall into this category are listed below.

• Business Ready Teleworker Solution Fundamentals
• CCDP SNA/IP Integration
• CCDP WAN Sw
• CCIP Cable
• CCIP Content Networking
• CCIP DSL Networks
• CCIP MPLS
• CCIP Metro
• CCIP Packet Telephony
• CCIP Security
• CCNA WAN Sw
• CCNP LAN ATM
• CCNP Network Management
• CCNP SNA/IP Integration
• CCNP Security
• CCNP VOICE Access
• CCNP WAN Sw Certification
• Cable Communications for Account Managers
• Certification Test-Understanding PBX Systems and Technology - VOD
• Cisco ATP Optical Metro Transport AM/EM - Japanese
• Cisco Access Routing & LAN Switching Sales Specialist
• Cisco Access Routing & LAN Switching Specialist
• Cisco Cable Communications Sales Spec
• Cisco Cable Communications Sales Specialist
• Cisco Cable Communications Specialist
• Cisco Call Manager Express Specialist
• Cisco Content Networking Sales Specialist
• Cisco Content Networking Specialist
• Cisco Content Networking Specialization Exam for SE's and FE's
• Cisco Customer Contact Support - Retired
• Cisco Firewall Specialist - Net Academy
• Cisco IDS Specialist
• Cisco IP Communications Support Specialist
• Cisco IP Telephony
• Cisco IP Telephony Express Spec
• Cisco IP Telephony Express Specialist
• Cisco IP Telephony Operations Specialist
• Cisco IP Telephony-Enterprise Voice Over Data Design
• Cisco IP Telephony-Installation, Support and Maintenance
• Cisco Internet Solutions Specialist
• Cisco Multiservice Switching Specialist
• Cisco MxU Specialist
• Cisco Network Management Sales Specialist
• Cisco Network Management Specialist
• Cisco Network Management Specialist
• Cisco Optical Specialist
• Cisco Partner and Solutions Essentials for Account Managers 5.2
• Cisco Partner and Solutions Essentials for Enterprise Account Manager 6.0 - Latin American
• Cisco Products Solutions Essentials 7.0
• Cisco Products Solutions Essentials 8.0
• Cisco Public Access Design Specialist
• Cisco Public Access Support Specialist
• Cisco Remote Dial Access: Voice and Data Specialization for AM's
• Cisco Sales Expert v1
• Cisco Sales Expert v2
• Cisco Security Specialist 1
• Cisco Storage Networking Design Specialist
• Cisco Storage Networking Support Specialist
• Cisco VPN/Security Sales Specialist
• Cisco Voice Over Frame Relay
• Cisco Wireless LAN Design Specialist
• Cisco Wireless LAN Sales Spec
• Cisco Wireless LAN Sales Specialist
• Cisco Wireless LAN Support Specialist
• Converged Business Solution Integration
• DSL Specialization for Account Managers
• DSL Specialization for SE's and FE's
• EMEA SME v1.0
• Enterprise
• Enterprise - Japanese Language Version
• Enterprise Skills Assessment
• Enterprise for Account Managers
• IPT Telephony Troubleshooting
• Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professional
• Network Management Specialization
• Network Management for Account Managers
• Network Mgt.
• Open Programmable Switching Engineer
• PBX Fundamentals
• QoS
• SCM Operation and Maintenance
• SNA/IP Design Specialist
• SNA/IP Solutions
• SNA/IP Support Specialist
• SNA/IP for Systems Engineers
• Security Solutions
• Selling AVVID Architecture
• Small-to-Medium Business
• Switched WAN Solutions for the Enterprise
• Unity
• Unity Engineer Specialization
• Unity Engineer Specialization v1.1
• Voice Solutions for Account Managers
• Voice Solutions for System Engineers
• Wireless LAN for Account Managers
• Wireless LAN for SEs
• Wireless LAN for SEs and FEs

[edit]