Earlier this year, Cisco announced broad changes to the Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP) certification. The requirements for the certification were consolidated to three certification exams, CCNP Route (642-902), CCNP Switch (642-813) and CCNP TSHOOT (642-832). The curriculum changes were designed to be a better gauge of a Cisco professionals job-specific abilities.
The new criteria have been well-received. According to one source “this is the best thing Cisco could have done as far as refocusing their networking content. The condensed and restructured courses enable network professionals to study in a better flow. The new path makes more sense and simplifies the learning process by testing the easier, hardware and configuring skills first, via the routing and switching exams, and then moving onto more complex troubleshooting skills in the final exam.”
Just last week, the CCNP Route and CCNP Switch exams became available to the public. So now that they’re out, let’s take a brief refresher on what you’re going to see on these new CCNP certification exams.
The CCNP Route (642-902) exam will test the knowledge and skills necessary to use advanced IP addressing and routing in implementing scalable and secure Cisco ISR routers connected to LANs and WANs. The exam covers configuration of secure routing solutions to support branch offices and mobile workers. CCNP Route (642-902) exam topics include:
- Implement an EIGRP based solution, given a network design and a set of requirements
- Implement a multi-area OSPF Network, given a network design and a set of requirements
- Implement an eBGP based solution, given a network design and a set of requirements
- Implement an IPv6 based solution, given a network design and a set of requirements
- Implement an IPv4 or IPv6 based redistribution solution, given a network design and a set of requirements
- Implement Layer 3 Path Control Solution
The CCNP Switch (642-813) exam will test the knowledge and skills necessary to to plan, configure and verify the implementation of complex enterprise switching solutions as well as implement secure integration of VLANs, WLANs, voice and voice. CCNP Switch (642-813) exam topics include:
- Implement VLAN based solution, given a network design and a set of requirements
- Implement a Security Extension of a Layer 2 solution, given a network design and a set of requirements
- Implement Switch based Layer 3 services, given a network design and a set of requirements
- Prepare infrastructure to support advanced services
- Implement High Availability, given a network design and a set of requirements
CCNP TSHOOT (642-832) is currently in Beta testing with the real exam expected to be available April 30, 2010. PrepLogic is currently developing a full complement of training for the new 2010 CCNP including Practice Exams, Printables, Quiz Me and Lecture Series audio training, Mega Guides and video training. You can expect to see the first products hit the shelves this spring. If you have questions about the new CCNP, give PrepLogic a call at 1-800-418-6789.