This article will examine if the Cisco CCNP certification is worthwhile. What exactly is CCNP? Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is a networking certification issued by Cisco. CCNP candidates can choose from a variety of specializations. There are two exams: one core and one concentration. The core exam covers the essentials of the speciality you select, whilst the concentration exam allows you to delve further. Cisco now offers the following CCNP certification tracks: CCNP enterprise CCNP data center, CS CCNP, security CCNP service provider, and CCNP Collaboration. The demand for this certification is growing as firms throughout the world migrate their systems to the cloud.
According to the 2020 Technology Salary Guide research by Robert Half, the CCNP is one of the most valuable certificates in the world. Global Knowledge reports. In 2020, one-third of North American IT professionals named Cisco as their preferred firm. As a result, CCNP has become one of their preferred qualifications, with each CCNP test, core and focus, costing $300 USD. The exam includes multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop questions, fill-in-the-blank questions, and scenario-based questions. You will be given a thorough case study or scenario in the scenario-based questions, and you will be expected to choose your answers based on that situation. This sort of question is designed to assess your practical knowledge of the networking concepts taught in the CCNP certification, which is valid for three years.
Let’s take a look at the skills assessed by the CCNP certification. Depending on whatever core and focus exams you take, the CCNP covers a wide range of topics. Let’s look at the skills assessed by each core exam. CCNP enterprise architecture design concepts in enterprise networks design principles of W land deployment on premises and cloud infrastructure deployments, Cisco SD access solution wired and wireless principles Mechanisms for QoS switching Infrastructure layer two troubleshooting eight oh 2.1 Cue trunking protocols troubleshooting static and dynamic ether channels spanning tree protocols virtualization, virtualization technologies, hypervisors, and network virtualization ideas.
EIGRP and OSPF routing ideas, learning OSPF environments, EBGP configuration between directly linked neighbors wireless and layer one concepts such as RF power RSSI, S and R interference noise band and channels, and wireless client device capabilities Network assurance diagnose network problems with tools like debugs conditional debugs trace route using device monitoring using Syslog for remote logging, using NetFlow and flexible NetFlow using span our span er span IP SLA and learning to describe Cisco DNA center workflows, security device access controls using infrastructure security features Automation, Python components and scripts, JSON encoded files, and parsing REST API response codes and results in payload utilizing Cisco DNA center and rest comm are all characteristics of REST API security and wireless security.
CCNP Security ideas include common threats to on-premises and cloud environments, as well as common security flaws. Hashing encryption PKI, SSL IPsec NAT . ipv4 for IPsec, VPN, and remote access are examples of cryptography components. VPN deployment methods Northbound and southbound security intelligence writing, sharing, and consumption nak APIs in the SDN architecture APIs. for network provisioning, optimization, monitoring, and troubleshooting, as well as basic Python scripts used to invoke Cisco security equipment. Network security solution and architecture deployment models NetFlow and dynamic net flow records implementing network infrastructure security solutions such as segmentation and access control policies ABC URL filtering and virus protection management choices for network security solutions, as well as setting a four device and network access cloud security essentials Cloud service models for public, private, hybrid, and community clouds SOS.
Patch management in cloud applications, data security in cloud environments, and cloud logging and monitoring approaches are all covered. Cisco umbrella endpoint protection and detection, content security, traffic redirection, web proxy authentication, cloud-based email and web solutions Endpoint Protection platforms and endpoint detection and response solutions are compared. The relevance of a multi factor authentication approach and endpoint patching strategy in anti malware retrospective security indication of compromise anti virus antivirus dynamic file analysis and endpoint source to telemetry and point base to security Identity management and secure network access network access device capabilities such as 802 point 1x Mab, web auth, and network access with CoA are examples of secure network access visibility and enforcement.
CCNP service provider architecture for service providers. Service provider for Cisco network software architecture virtualization Control plane security, management plane security, and data plane security networking are all components of QoS architecture. I'll explain in more detail later. Routing protocols, OSPF BGP path selection technique, routing policy language and route maps Transition to IPv6 and high availability MPLS and segment routing MPLS traffic engineering and segment routing services are implemented. VPN services include configuring L2 VPN and Carrier Ethernet, L3 VPN multicast services, and Q LS services automation programmable APIs used to include Cisco devices in network automation, configuring a Cisco device using a REST API, network services orchestration, data analytics, and Model Driven telemetry in service provider and SNMP.
CCNP Collaboration, infrastructure and design, licensing, and sizing security edge devices in the Cisco Collaboration architecture, such as Expressway and Cisco Unified border elements, Cisco Collaboration solutions and troubleshooting network components in a Cisco Collaboration solution, protocols, codecs, and endpoints, troubleshooting elements of a SIP conversation, configuring codec negotiations, deploying SIP endpoints, and troubleshooting collaboration endpoints.
Gateway and media resources for Cisco IOS X II. Configuring ISDN PRI VRI voice gateway elements ISDN PRI VRI Troubleshooting Recognize media resources for a particular circumstance. Call control, Cisco Unified Communications Manager digit analysis, route patterns, translation patterns, and mobile and remote access are all available. Problems with QoS comprehension that might result in poor speech and visual quality QoS class models for providing QoS on a network, as well as DiffServ values for collaboration The importance of QoS trust boundaries in land-based classification and marking location-based CAC bandwidth requirements.
Applications for partnership Mailbox for Cisco unity connections Cisco connection for unity Options for SIP integration in call control Cisco unity connection call handlers and on-premises Cisco Jabber deployment Let’s have a look at the CCNP prerequisites. In 2020, Cisco announced significant changes to the CCNP certification framework. The prerequisites for passing the CCNP test were abolished as a result of these changes. Anyone, at any time, can take the certification examinations. However, because the CCNP is an advanced level certification, you should have a fundamental understanding of the principles covered in the exam. According to Cisco, CCNP candidates typically have a minimum of three years of experience in an area linked to the CCNP certification track chosen; nevertheless, we recommend that you first obtain your CCNA 200 301 Exam before sitting the CCNP certification test.
You have various options for studying for your CCNP exam. Following that, we’ll look at these self-study tools. There are numerous self-study tools available to help you prepare for the CCNP. You could, for example, utilize YouTube to study if you prefer to watch videos. Guided training quizzes, self-paced courses, and books are also options. Let’s take a look at some of the greatest CCNP self-study materials. Using books to prepare for the CCNP exam will provide you with a thorough understanding of the exam objectives. Cisco offers its own materials for both the core and focus exams. If you dislike reading books, you have other options for self-study. Video Training, video training is a great way to prepare for the CCNP exam. The best thing about video is that it simplifies the understanding of tough subjects.
Cisco Learning Network provides paid video training for the CCNP examinations. However, these programs are costly. A training program for the CCNP data center test, for example, costs more than $2000 USD. On YouTube, you can discover free CCNP video instruction. If you’re using video instruction, make sure the CCNP exam objectives are visible. Viewing this will ensure that you do not overlook any crucial concepts. Cisco offers instructor-led training courses if you want live training from an expert. Cisco partners with third-party training providers to give instructor-led seminars. If you don’t want to prepare for the CCNP test on your own and would rather speak with a professional, try instructor-led training. Keep in mind that instructor-led training is frequently prohibitively expensive. For example, a four-day CCNP class given by the Cisco learning network costs $4000 US dollars. Many people’s practice tests may be out of their price range. There are several practical and scenario-based questions on the CCNP. It is critical that you use practice exams prior to the actual exam. A Google search will yield various websites that provide CCNP practice examinations. You can also find free CCNP practice tests and labs on the Learn Cisco website. The CCNP exam makes considerable use of lab questions.
The test contains multiple questions in which you must answer a given problem based on a scenario. To prepare for the exam, you can use Cisco’s practice lab package, which includes instructional videos for the labs. However, the cost of this bundle exceeds $1,000. Using Boson and GNS three are also useful for preparing for Cisco CCNP labs questions. Links to the Boson as well as GNS three practice labs may be found in the description area below this video. Let’s take a look at the jobs available with the CCNP certification. With a CCNP certification, you can qualify for a variety of IT jobs. With its various flavors, CCNP has evolved tremendously over the last few years. The CCNP allows you to work in fields such as datacenter cybersecurity, automation, and software-based security systems.
Following your CCNP certification, you should consider working as a network administrator, cybersecurity expert, Technical Support Engineer, network engineer, network desktop support engineer, network security associate system administrator, security architect, or network architect. Let me now discuss how much money you can earn with the CCNP certification. CCNP could lead to a lucrative and expanding career. According to zip recruiter, the yearly median compensation for CCNP-related positions is approximately 113,901 US dollars, depending on pay tier. The average annual pay for CCNP-related occupations is $95,364. Salaries, on the other hand, vary greatly depending on area, skill, level of experience, company, and market conditions. Let’s see what the rest of the world thinks about this certification. Here are some observations from industry successful CCNP holders. People who have passed the qualification provide the best recommendations.
The Real Deal on CCNP Certification The CCNP certification certifies your knowledge of networking security, data center software-based security, network architecture, automation, and cloud security, all of which are in high demand. However, the main objective of this certification is to help you polish your resume, receive interviews, and eventually land a job. Is Cisco CCNP certification for you? Having some practical experience will go a long way in helping you find a well-paying job. The CCNP is a prominent and in-demand certification. This is because the objectives it covers are industry-relevant. If you already have your CCNA and want to advance your career in networking, the CCNP certification is well worth the investment.
