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Cisco Career Certifications are IT professional certifications for Cisco products. The tests are administered by Pearson VUE. There are five levels of certification: Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert, and Specialist. For more information on Cisco Certifications, visit the Cisco Learning Network.
Contents [hide]
1 Entry Certification
1.1 Cisco Certified Entry Networguide Technician
1.2 Steps to Gaining the Credential CCENT
2 Associate Certifications
2.1 CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
2.1.1 Definition
2.1.2 Acquiring
2.1.3 CCNA Training
2.1.4 Examination
2.1.5 Continuing education
2.2 CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate)
2.3 CCNA Security
2.4 CCNA Voice
2.5 CCNA Wireless
3 Professional certifications
3.1 Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
3.2 Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
3.3 Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP)
3.4 Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)
3.5 Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP)
3.6 Recertification
4 Expert-level certifications
4.1 CCIE Numbering and Recertification
4.2 CCIE Routing & Switching
4.3 CCIE Security
4.4 CCIE Service Provider
4.5 CCIE Voice
4.6 CCIE Storage Networguide
4.7 CCIE Wireless
4.8 Retired CCIE tracks
4.9 CCDE
5 Specialist Certifications
5.1 Advanced Routing and Switching
5.2 Data Center
5.3 Foundation for Channel Partners
5.4 Unified Communications
5.5 Security
5.6 Wireless LAN
6 Retired Certifications
7 References
[edit]Entry Certification

[edit]Cisco Certified Entry Networguide Technician
The first stage of Cisco’s certification system is the entry level and begins with CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networguide Technician) certification as an interim step to CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate) credentials. While the CCENT covers basic networguide knowledge, and does not get involved with the more intricate technical aspects of the Cisco security, wireless, or voice curriculum, it does validate the skills essential for entry-level network support positions. CCENT qualified individuals have the knowledge and skill to install, manage, maintain and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including network security.
[edit]Steps to Gaining the Credential CCENT
Training: CCENT training is called ICND1. CCENT training called ICND1 is required to sit for the ICND1 exam. It is a 5 Day instructor led or virtual course from a Cisco Certified Training Provider. ICND1 equals 30 Cisco Learning Credits when training is delivered by a Cisco Certified training provider.
Examination: The CCENT exam is called Exam 640-822 ICND1.
[edit]Associate Certifications

[edit]CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
[edit]Definition
The CCNA validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot 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 networguide and Voice.
[edit]Acquiring
The CCNA Credential is obtained by passing 640-822 and 640-816 or the single 640-802 composite exam.
[edit]CCNA Training
Cisco’s official CCNA training consists of separate classes for each official course. Both ICND1 and ICND2 are 40 hour classes. Some Cisco Learning Partners also offer the CCNA training as a boot camp, combining both courses in a hands-on training & certification preparation experience.
ICND1 – 640-822
ICND2 – 640-816
Both classes apply towards the combined 640-802 test.
[edit]Examination
Candidates have the option of gaining the certification by passing two tests (640-822 ICND1 and 640-816 ICND2), or one single test (CCNA 640-802)Composite; the two-test option has the advantage of allowing the candidate to test for the subject matter in one or two sittings.[1]
[edit]Continuing education
The certification is valid for three years; at that time a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) holder must either
re-take the CCNA or ICND2 exam, or
take and pass an exam for one of the Professional (e.g.,Professional certifications CCNP or Specialist level certifications (excluding the sales specialist exams), or pass the CCIE written exam.
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[2], USD$250 for the composite CCNA exam.
There is also the Cisco Networguide Academy, which brings the CCNA and CCNP curricula into traditional educational institutions in more than 150 countries.[3] Students enrolled in Cisco Networguide Academy can request exam vouchers that allow them to take the retired exam for an extended period of time.[4]
[edit]CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate)
The CCDA certification indicates an associate knowledge of Cisco network design. Individuals who have earned a CCDA are capable of designing switched or routed networks consisting of LANs, WANs, and various dial services. While a CCNA certification is not required to take the CCDA exam (640-863 DESGN), Cisco recommends being familiar with CCNA-level material, as well as BCMSN-level knowledge of Cisco-based LANs.
[edit]CCNA Security
CCNA Security Certification meets the needs of IT professionals who are responsible for network security. The CCNA Security certification involves implementing Cisco IOS Network Security. It confirms an individual’s skills for job roles such as Network Security Specialists, Security Administrators, and Network Security Support Engineers. This certification validates skills including installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices and develops competency in the technologies that Cisco uses in its security structure.
Students completing the recommended Cisco training will gain an introduction to core security technologies as well as how to develop security policies and mitigate risks. IT organizations that employ CCNA Security-holders will have IT staff that can develop a security infrastructure, recognize threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and mitigate security threats.
[edit]CCNA Voice
The Cisco CCNA Voice certification confirms that you have the required 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.
The CCNA Voice Certification enables employers to validate that their staff possess a strong foundation in voice applications and infrastructure concepts; and are capable of performing baseline installation, operating, and maintenance tasks on Cisco VoIP solutions, particularly the Smart Business Communications System from 8-250 lines.
[edit]CCNA Wireless
CCNA Wireless recognizes the critical importance of professionals supporting wireless LANs including Networguide Associates/Administrators, Wireless Support Specialists and WLAN project managers. The CCNA Wireless certification involves implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networguide 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 networguide on a Cisco WLAN in SMB and enterprise networks after completing certification.
[edit]Professional certifications

[edit]Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
The CCNP is considered proof of having the ability to work with medium-sized networks (between 100 and 500 end devices) and with technology such as QoS, broadband, VPNs, and security-minded features. To acquire a CCNP one must possess a CCNA certification first and then pass three or four tests, depending on the path one chooses. The four tests path requires the candidate to pass the following tests:
642-901 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)[5] – Deals with routing
642-812 BCMSN: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)[6] Deals with switching
642-825 ISCW: Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW)[7] – Deals with wide area networks
642-845 ONT: Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT)[8] – Deals with using QoS to tune networks to work effectively with IP Telephony.
The BSCI and BCMSN tests can be taken as one single composite test known as the 642-892 Composite[9] which covers subjects for Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) and Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN).
In order to retain the certification one must either take and pass a 642 (professional) exam or pass one of the CCIE written exams before the Professional certification expires. Additional resources and tools to aid in preparing for the certification are available on the CCNP Prep Center.[10]
[edit]Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
The CCDP certification is an advanced network design certification provided by Cisco Systems, Inc. Candidates for the certification are tested for advanced knowledge of Cisco devices and the way to interconnect them. The prerequisite for taguide the CCDP is either the CCNA or the CCDA certification. There are two exams in common between the CCNP and CCDP (642-901 BSCI & 642-812 BCMSN) so that person can attain CCDP certification by passing a single test (642-873 ARCH).
Required Exams:
642-901 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)[5] – Deals with routing
642-812 BCMSN: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)[6] Deals with switching
642-873 ARCH: Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures (ARCH) [11]
OR
642-892 Composite: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)[9]
642-873 ARCH: Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures (ARCH) [11]
[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).
[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 five 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.
[edit]Recertification
To recertify any Professional level certification, pass any 642 exam that is part of the professional level curriculum after August 18, 2006, or pass a current CCIE written exam.
[edit]Expert-level certifications

The expert-level certification is the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE). It is the highest level of professional certification that Cisco provides. There are five active CCIE tracks, as shown below. As of September 9, 2008 there are 18,840 people with active CCIE certifications in the world.[12].
Cisco began its CCIE program in 1993[13] 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.[14] Many candidates build mock-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.
Cisco refers to the CCIE as the “most respected IT certification”,[15] and from 2002 to 2005[16] it was voted as such in CertCities magazine. It has also been voted the most technically advanced IT certification by CertMag,[17] and is generally reported as the highest salaried certification in IT salary surveys.
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 $315[2] USD per attempt. 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. If a candidate does not pass the CCIE lab in that time, they must pass the CCIE written exam again before maguide 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[2] per attempt and are offered only at ten Cisco lab exam locations worldwide. The locations are Bangalore; Beijing; Brussels; Dubai; Hong Kong; Research Triangle Park, NC; San Jose, CA; S

CCIE Introduction

If you are looguide for information on Cisco’s CCIE, we may be able to help. Cisco Systems has created today’s premier networguide certification, the CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworguide Expert). Obtaining the Cisco CCIE certification is the goal of many network engineers, and not a very easy task. The passing rate of the test is amazingly low, with some estimates under 10% passing. The purpose of this website is to promote Cisco’s CCIE certification, and to offer links to some of the best CCIE resources on the internet!

How to Pass the CCIE

So you want to try for the CCIE. Be prepared for a lot of long hours and hard work. But the payoff is worth it! Here are some suggestions.

Studying for the CCIE
Plan to study at least two hours a night for the next six months. Set aside maybe 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM every night as study time. And do it! No excuses! I don’t care if there is a really good show on TV, buddies are going out, boss wants you to work late, wife is frisky, or the guy next to you needs CPR. NO EXCUSES! You want to be a CCIE, right?

CCIE Resources
CCIE.net
The CCIE Network is a new an innovative site designed to foster small organic groups of CCIEs from around the world. Along with GroupStudy.com, this site will become an essential part of your CCIE studies.
CertScience.com
Certification Science has an amazing CCIE program. It is a two month program where they step you through everything you need to know for passing the CCIE. In fact., they are so confident that you will pass the CCIE after attending their program, they guarantee it. In the unlikely event you do not pass they will pay for you to retake the lab exam! Now that is confidence in the program!

Cisco’s CCIE tracks
Of course please check out Cisco’s information on the CCIE. Study the list of topics and use the documentation CD for research.

GroupStudy.com
By far the best and most active CCIE study community on the net today. Sign up for their excellent CCIE mailing list.

Documentation CD
Bottom line. If you do not know how to navigate the documentation CD, you will not be able to pass the CCIE. Period! Use the Documentation CD as your primary source of study materials. It is the only study material that is available while you are taguide the test.

Written Test Centers
Before you are able to schedule the lab, you must first pass the CCIE written. Schedule a written with the Pearson Vue prometric. Schedule the appropriate test for the CCIE certification you desire.

CCIE Training
Interesting blog on CCIE Training.

Final Thoughts

I hope this site was a help to you. If you suggestions for future additions to this page, please contact

CCIE Certification Involves Two Exams
The focus is on identifying experts capable of understanding and navigating the subtleties, intricacies and challenges of end-to-end networguide. To become certified, you must pass both a written qualification exam AND the corresponding hands-on lab exam. This section provides general information on CCIE exams; detailed information on the topics covered in the exams is found in the Track Details.

Recertification Exams
Recertification of CCIE status ensures that CCIE remains a meaningful measure of technical expertise. Review the specific requirements at Recertification.

Written Exam Information

The First Step Toward Certification
Written exams are computer-based, multiple choice exams lasting two hours and available at hundreds of authorized testing centers worldwide. You must pass the written exam before you are eligible to schedule the lab exam. The topics covered on written exams can be found on the Track Details pages, links provided on this page.

Scheduling and Payment
Payment and scheduling of written exams is arranged online through Pearson VUE primary test delivery partner. You will need to have the correct written exam number to register. You must also use the same candidate ID number for all exams that you take, to ensure your results appear in your CCIE profile.

Cost of Written Exam
Pearson VUE, Cisco’s primary test delivery partner offers written exams for $350 USD each, and beta exams, when available at a discounted price of $50 USD. Costs may vary due to exchange rates and local taxes (VAT in Brussels and GST in Sydney).

Retakes
Candidates must wait five days between written exam attempts. Once a candidate has passed the exam, he or she may not take the same exam again (for recertification purposes) for at least 180 days.

Expiration
Candidates must make an initial attempt of the CCIE lab exam within 18 months of passing the CCIE written exam. Candidates who do not pass must re-attempt the lab exam within 12 months of their last attempt in order for their written exam to remain valid. If a candidate does not pass the lab exam within three years, the written exam expires and must be passed again before the candidates will be allowed to schedule the lab.

Beta Exams
Each written exam version is offered first in beta form at a discounted cost of $50 USD. Beta exams are scheduled as you would other written exams and are available at all worldwide testing locations. A passing grade on the beta qualifies a candidate to schedule the lab exam. Results, however, are typically not available until six to eight weeks after the close of the beta. A candidate may attempt the beta exam only once during the beta period.

Lab Exam Information

The Final Step in Earning Your CCIE
Lab exams are eight-hour, hands-on exams that test the ability to configure and troubleshoot networguide equipment and software. The topics covered on lab exams can be found on the Track Details pages, links provided on this page. Not all exams are offered at all Cisco CCIE lab locations; please consult Lab Exam Locations for specific details.

Lab Scheduling and Payment
A valid passing score on a written exam is required to schedule a lab exam. Written exam scores are automatically downloaded from testing vendors, but may take up to ten days to appear in your file. You will need the identification number you used to register for the written exam, the date of your passing exam and your passing score.

Exams must be paid for at least 90 days before the scheduled lab date, or the reservation will be automatically cancelled. You will only receive one email notification reminding you to make your payment. You can verify the payment due date on an exam by logging in and viewing your Certification Status. Payment options depend on the location of the lab exam, as indicated in the table below.

Payment processing generally takes one to seven days, so be sure to initiate the process well in advance of the payment due date. All payments will be posted exactly 90 days prior to your scheduled lab date, regardless of when you initiate the process. Invoices will not be issued until the payment is processed.

Cost of Lab Exam
Lab exams cost $1,400 USD each, not including travel and lodging. Costs may vary due to exchange rates and local taxes (VAT in Brussels and GST in Sydney). You are responsible for any fees your financial institution may charge to complete the payment transaction.

Payment Options for Lab Exam
Lab Location
Wire Transfer
Credit Card
Tokyo, Beijing
Only method, see
Wire Transfer Instructions
No
Brussels, Hong Kong, Sydney
Allowed, see
Wire Transfer Instructions
Preferred, link to
Pay for Lab Exam
Bangalore, Dubai, RTP, San Jose, Sao Paulo
Allowed, see
Wire Transfer Instructions
Preferred, link to
Pay for Lab Exam

Lab Exam Grading
Each question on the lab has specific criteria. The labs are graded by proctors who ensure all criteria are met and points are awarded accordingly. The proctors use automatic tools to gather information from the routers to perform some preliminary evaluations, but the final determination of a correct or incorrect configuration is done by a trained proctor.

Results
You can view your lab exam results online (login required), usually within 48 hours. Results are Pass/Fail and failing score reports indicate major topic areas where additional study and preparation may be useful.

Reevaluation of Results
Exam results appeals are available for the routing and switching, security, and service provider technology tracks. Only exams with potential to change from fail to pass will have the option to request an appeal, based on years of historical data. Appeals are not available for the voice or storage tracks due to equipment limitations.

An appeal consists of a second proctor loading your configurations into a rack to recreate the test and re-score the entire exam. This process takes up to three weeks after receipt of payment. Only one appeal per lab attempt is permitted.

The result of the appeal is a confirmation of the existing fail or an update to a pass.

Payment Terms
Make your request within 14 days following your exam date by using the “Request for Reread” link next to your lab record. Each appeal costs $250.00 USD plus any applicable local taxes. Payment is made online via credit card and your card will be charged upon receipt of the request. You may not cancel the appeal request once the process has been initiated. Refunds are given only when results change from fail to pass.

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Self-Paced Products
Self-paced products are available in both online and physical formats. Online products are delivered in PDF and streaming video formats, and are constantly being incrementally updated. Physical product releases, such as printed workbooks or Class-on-Demand DVDs, are a “snapshot” in time of the content as it is evolving. As changes are made they are always available for free electronically, and new physical product releases can be ordered for a minimal production and shipping fee.

Instructor-Led Products
The Internetwork Expert CCIE 2.0 Program incorporates the best portions of traditional brick-and-mortar instructor-led training, as well as state-of-the-art online classroom interaction.

With our traditional instructor-led classes, you, the candidate, have multiple 5-Day and 12-Day Bootcamp and Workshop classroom options to get away from your home and work environment, allowing you to focus 100% on your CCIE Lab Exam preparation.

With our online classroom options, such as the Open Lecture Series and Lab Meet-Ups, candidates can drop into a class session at any time to interact with our instructors in real-time. With multiple sessions scheduled each week, you, the candidate, always have an outlet for your questions over the lifetime of your preparation. Best of all, any session that you are unable to attend is immediately available in electronic Class-on-Demand format following the conclusion of the class.

CCIE R&S Lab Workbook Volume I Printed & PDF Versions
CCIE R&S Lab Workbook Volume II Printed & PDF Versions
CCIE R&S Lab Workbook Volume III Printed & PDF Versions
CCIE R&S Advanced Technologies Class-on-Demand DVD & Online Versions
Open Lecture Class-on-Demand Series Online Version
Lab Meet-Ups Class-on-Demand Series Online Version
5-Day Bootcamp Class-on-Demand Online Version
Discounted Rack Rental Sessions
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