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Technology is changing at a rapid pace. Therefore, every company with its own network system requires someone who understands its IT systems inside out. When talking about networking professionals, the most in-demand professionals are Cisco Certified Professionals. Cisco is the leading global certification provider because they cover the latest technologies in their certifications that are most demanding in organizations, such as software-defined networking (SDN).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor (BLS) and Statistics, a Cisco Certified Network Professional can expect 18% job growth from 2022. So, network professionals will be in great demand in the upcoming years. Cisco Certified Network Professionals (CCNP) with deep-level knowledge of Cisco technologies are in demand, as they can apply their expertise in various business situations.
This blog will give you a better understanding of what CCNP is and what are the steps to follow to become a Cisco Certified Network Professional.
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CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) is Cisco's professional certification for IT professionals with strong three to five years working experience in professional networking. A Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification is Cisco's best credential for network professionals. Cisco certification provides an individual with the skills to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex enterprise networks.
CCNP-certified individuals are in high demand because of their many career benefits over other IT professionals. CCNP Certification is aimed at system administrators and network engineers who want to upskill their working knowledge with Local Area Network (LAN) and Wireless Area Network (WAN). Using various techniques, they will be trained to plan, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot the networks.
Cisco's CCNP certification is part of the four-tier certifications that professionals can gain over time and experience. Cisco's four-level certifications are:
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The CCNP certification comprises seven certification types, and these include the following. On Feb. 24, 2020, the CCNP requirements changed the old certifications, and the new certifications came into force. According to the changes, the latest CCNP certifications include:
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Follow the procedures given below and you can get CCNP Certification in no time.
Technology Core Exam:The Technology Core Exam plays a role in engaging you in 2 paths of certifications (The CCNP & The CCIE). This includes Enterprise, Security, Service Provider, Collaboration, Data Center, and the newly established DEVNET & CyberOps. Core exams in each CCNP technology track also serve as qualifying exams for CCIE lab exams.
Technology Concentration Exam:The Technology Concentration Exam concentrates on the seven different technologies, such as Enterprise, Security, Service Provider, Collaboration, Data Center, and the newly established DEVNET & CyberOps. While the concentration exams focus on specific topics that would fall under the certification level you choose. The core exam covers a little of everything in this area.
You can get training from a chosen CCNP training center in Dubai to take and pass two Cisco exams and to become a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). It's also critical to give yourself ample time to prepare. A minimum of two to three months of CCNP preparation training will help you get ready and study for the exam. Practice tests will also assist you in understanding the exams better.
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CCNP is a reputed professional-level certification by Cisco, and to achieve the certificate, you can adhere to the following steps:
CCNP is a professional certification offered by Cisco. You will need over three years of experience in IT networking with skills such as troubleshooting, analytics, routing and switching, networking technologies, communication and problem-solving skills. You can list out your reasons to get the CCNP certification to have a clear understanding of why you want to pursue this path.
The benefits and reasons that support your understanding of getting CCNP certification include:
As the updated, new prerequisites of CCNP certification it no longer need CCNA credentials, despite the benefits of CCNA certiication. It does not require any specific qualifications. A bachelor's degree in Information Science, Computer Science, or Engineering, a good understanding of networking and over three years of experience is set as the base requirements for you to attempt the CCNP exam.
CCNP underwent specific changes on February 24th 2020. One of the changes is part of the prerequisites where candidates no longer require CCNA credentials for CCNP. The exam structure remains the same, with subtle changes in the CCNP tracks. You are still required to pass two exams in order to be CCNP certified, which includes one core exam and one concentration exam.
With diligent training from accredited professionals of CCNP course in Dubai, you will have a proper roadmap to achieve the CCNP certification. The changes made to the CCNP tracks as of February 24th 2020, are given below:
| PREVIOUS CCNP TRACKS | NEW CCNP TRACKS |
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With a CCNP certification, IT professionals may get numerous job offers from all over the world, with excellent pay and prestigious designations. However, to acquire the benefits of the certification, you must be proficient with the skills associated with Cisco Certified Networking Professionals.
A handful of skills that is acquired from expertise for CCNP include:
As a professional in the IT and the networking sector, it is crucial for you to stay updated with the latest trends of CCNP. As one of the best cisco certifications, it would be best to have professional guidance like the CCNP course. It would provide you valuable updates on CCNP certification, tips and tricks for Cisco exams, among others.
As it goes for every Cisco certification, you will have to recertify every three years. The certification's active status will be extended for three more years each time recertification requirements are met. Individuals who pass the certification test can recertify by continuing education activities, taking examinations, or a combination of both. You can attend Cisco's live training sessions, online training courses, authoring content, and more to continuing education activities.
Once you have followed the steps mentioned above and the requirements met, you can gain the CCNP certification. With adequate skills, knowledge and expertise, you can achieve the CCNP certification.
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To ace your job interview for a job role associated with CCNP, adhere to the following steps:
It is crucial to build your resume before the interview. It will give you a chance to highlight all of your Cisco certifications, training courses completed and work experience. After completing your CCNP certification, mention the date and details about your CCNP credentials to help the interviewer evaluate your skills and knowledge.
It is equally important to work on your soft skills. Cisco certification will help you get a job, but how the interviewer perceives and evaluates you plays an equally important role in getting hired.
Before attending a Cisco CCNP interview, ensure that you have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. It would be best if you were well-versed in Cisco networking concepts such as routing protocols, switching devices, etc. Your presentation skills should be strong enough to make yourself sound confident during the interview process.
Prepare yourself with the commonly asked interview questions regarding CCNP certification. Be aware of the Cisco certification objectives and how they are evaluated during Cisco interviews.
Some of the common questions asked during a CCNP interview may include:
With thorough preparation about CCNP and its protocols, your work experience and valid credentials, it is easy to crack your CCNP interview.
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In conclusion, Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification is a great way to advance your career. Job opportunities are available for those who have the CCNP certification. It opens up the possibility of working in big companies across the globe that offer high pay and benefits. To become a CCNP, you will need both networking knowledge and skills. By following the mentioned steps, you can be a CCNP professional in no time.
