When it comes to networking and technology, the first company that comes to mind is Cisco, one of the IT market leaders. It is true that it’s very difficult to have a conversation about networking without mentioning the Cisco company. If you are someone who wants to choose networking as their career path, then it is very important for you to know how to work with Cisco technologies. A lot of companies that are looking for networking engineers often use Cisco solutions, so if you are not comfortable working with Cisco products, then it will be very difficult for you to retain that job.
Luckily, you don’t have to fight this battle alone because there are a lot of ways to learn more about Cisco products and technologies. If you want to show the world that you have what it takes to become a professional networking technician, then you should opt for a Cisco certification. There are a lot of credentials that Cisco offers, and it is up to you to choose which one you want to pursue to advance your career. There are five different certification levels in the Cisco certification program, and each level is more difficult than the previous one:
- Entry (no prerequisites)
- Associate (no prerequisites)
- Professional (requires a prior associate or expert certification)
- Expert (no prerequisites)
- Architect (requires prior professional certification)
What’s more, there are two different directions in the Cisco certification system: networking (CCNA, CCNP, CCIE)and network design (CCDA, CCDP, CCDE). However, in this article, we will talk about the professional-level certifications in networking.
About CCNP Certifications
CCNP certifications have gained a lot of popularity in recent years. CCNP stands for Cisco Certified Network Professional, and this certification is awarded to those individuals who have become truly proficient in networking. Many people still think that these certifications are a waste of time, but that is very far from the truth. Being a Cisco certified professional can open a lot of doors for you in your career. Companies are always looking forward to hiring certified personnel, therefore, it will be easier for you to find a well-paying job.
Different CCNP Certifications
If you are thinking about getting CCNP certified, then the first thing that you need to know is that there are 7 different domains offered in this category. They are:
- Cloud (required exams: 300-460, 300-465, 300-470, 300-475)
- Collaboration (required exams: 300-070, 300-075, 300-080, 300-085)
- Data Center (required exams: 300-175, 300-165, 300-170, and 300-160 or 300-180)
- Routing and Switching (required exams: 300-101, 300-115, 300-135)
- Security (required exams: 300-208, 300-206, 300-209, 300-210)
- Service Provider (required exams: 642-883, 642-885, 642-887, 642-889)
- Wireless (required exams: 300-360, 300-365, 300-370, 300-375)
When you are choosing anyone of these tracks, it is important to make sure that you have an entry-level certification in that particular track (any expert certification can also serve as a requirement). CCNP certifications are valid for just 3 years, after which you will have to register again and recertify.
Tips to Prepare for the CCNP Certifications
No matter which track you choose for your CCNP certification, the only thing that matters is that you need to makea proper schedule to prepare for the tests. It is best if you start preparing for certification exams as soon as possible. The exam date is revealed early, therefore it will be easier for you to plan your approach. If you wish to pass your tests easily, you need to first collect the right study material. The Exam-Labs website can be of use in this regard as it has a lot of bundles aimed at specific Cisco CCNP exams. These bundles are loaded with practice questions, study guides, and detailed training courses.
Another thing that you need to do is make sure that you join the right blogs and study groups online. If you search the Internet, then you will find a lot of such forums. The main reason why you need to join such groups is that here you will find a lot of useful information regarding CCNP tests. When you are preparing for the exams, some questions may raise. You can post your questions on these forums, and people will give you answers.
While you are searching the Internet for reliable study sources, you should also lookup for practice exams. Whenever you are giving any kind of certification exams, it is important that you practice a lot. Without practice, it will be very difficult to pass the exam. Most practice exams also come with answers, so you can check your answers at the end of each practice session and assess your performance. With every practice test, your performance will surely increase. Exam-Labs has got you covered in this as well, as these bundles also consist of a lot of practice questions. So, make sure that you check out the Exam-Labs website.
Conclusion
These were some of the main things that you need to know about the CCNP certifications. With so many credentials to choose from, you can try to earn at least one as it can change the course of your career. You need to make sure that you spend enough time preparing for the exams because otherwise, things will become quite difficult for you. Exam-Labs is a great source for all the study materials that you will need.
Today, finding a decent job is probably one of the most difficult things to do. The market is oversaturated with individuals that are bringing the same skills to the table. Therefore, it is important that you offer something else to stand out. With the help of Cisco CCNP certifications, you can show potential employers what you are made of and at what lengths you are willing to go for the welfare of your career. Having your skills validated by Cisco is a big deal, and if you feel that your career is coming to a standstill, then Cisco certifications can make a difference.
