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Cisco Certifications Overview |
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General Certifications and Focused Certifications
Cisco offers three levels of general certification representing
increasing levels of expertise: Associate, Professional, and
Expert (CCIE). Different tracks across these levels align
with varying career needs. A variety of focused Cisco Qualified
Specialist certifications are available as well to show knowledge
in specific technologies, solutions or job roles.
CCNA
The CCNA certification (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking.
CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate
LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100
nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these
protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP,
Ethernet, Access Lists.
CCNP
The CCNP certification (Cisco Certified Network Professional)
indicates advanced or journeyman knowledge of networks. With
a CCNP, a network professional can install, configure, and
troubleshoot local and wide area networks for enterprise organizations
with networks from 100 to more than 500 nodes. The content
emphasizes topics such as security, converged networks, quality
of service (QoS), virtual private networks (VPN) and broadband
technologies.
CCSP
The CCSP certification (Cisco Certified Security Professional)
indicates advanced knowledge of securing Cisco networks. With
a CCSP, a network professional can secure and manage network
infrastructures to protect productivity and reduce costs.
The content emphasizes topics such as perimeter security,
virtual private networks, intrusion protection as well as
how to combine these technologies in a single, integrated
network security solution.
CCIP
The CCIP (Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional) provides
individuals working in service provider organizations with
competencies in infrastructure IP networking solutions. CCIP
professionals have detailed understanding of networking technologies
in the service provider arena including IP routing, IP QoS,
BGP, and MPLS.
CCIE R&S
CCIE certification in Routing and Switching indicates expert
level knowledge of networking across various LAN and WAN interfaces,
and a variety of routers and switches. Experts in R&S
solve complex connectivity problems and apply technology solutions
to increase bandwidth, improve response times, maximize performance,
improve security, and support global applications. Candidates
should be able to install, configure, and maintain LAN, WAN,
and dial access services.
Becoming a CCIE requires passing a set of exams
There are no formal prerequisites for CCIE certification.
Other professional certifications and/or specific training
courses are not required. Instead, candidates are expected
to have an in-depth understanding of the subtleties, intricacies
and challenges of end-to-end networking. You are strongly
encouraged to have 3-5 years of job experience before attempting
certification. To obtain your CCIE, you must first pass a
written qualification exam and then a corresponding hands-on
lab exam.
CCIE Security
CCIE certification in Security indicates expert level knowledge
of IP and IP routing as well as specific security protocols
and components.
Becoming a CCIE requires passing a set of exams There are
no formal prerequisites for CCIE certification. Other professional
certifications and/or specific training courses are not required.
Instead, candidates are expected to have an in-depth understanding
of the subtleties, intricacies and challenges of end-to-end
networking. You are strongly encouraged to have 3-5 years
of job experience before attempting certification. To obtain
your CCIE, you must first pass a written qualification exam
and then a corresponding hands-on lab exam.
CCIE VoIP (350-030)
CCIE certification in Voice indicates expert level knowledge
of VoIP solutions in the enterprise. Candidates should be
able to install, configure and maintain Voice solutions over
IP networks. The CCIE Voice track, however, does not certify
an understanding of the infrastructure over which VoIP solutions
are implemented. This contrasts with the CCIE Service Provider-IP
Telephony track which certifies an individual as a core IP
expert with a high degree of VoIP literacy.
CCIE Storage
CCIE certification in Storage Networking indicates expert
level knowledge of intelligent storage solutions over extended
network infrastructure using multiple transport options such
as Fibre Channel, iSCSI, FCIP and FICON. Storage Networking
extensions allow companies to improve disaster recovery, optimize
performance and take advantage of network services such as
volume management, data replication, and enhanced integration
with blade servers and storage appliances.
General Certifications: Three Levels of Certification
Associate. The first step in Cisco networking begins at the
Associate level. Think of this as the apprentice or foundation
level of networking certification.
Professional. This is the advanced or journeyman level of
certification.
Expert. This is CCIE, the highest level of achievement for
network professionals, certifying an individual as an expert
or master.
General Certifications: Four Different Paths
Network Installation and Support. This path is for professionals
who install and support Cisco technology-based networks in
which LAN and WAN routers and switches reside.
Network Engineering and Design. This path is for professionals
who design Cisco technology-based networks in which LAN and
WAN routers and switches reside.
Service Provider. This path is aimed at professionals working
with infrastructure or access solutions in a Cisco end-to-end
environment primarily within the telecommunications arena.
Network Security. This path is directed toward network professionals
who design and implement Cisco Secure networks.
About the Author:
All about the Cisco Certifications submitted by Kashif Raza,
www.networkingtutorials.net.
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Need Cisco Hardware for your Cert? |
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| Call 813.852.6400 now for more information to find the best router or switch to best help you with your certification exam. Having "real" hands-on experience is extremely beneficial not just for testing, but also ensures you are actually familiar with the device you are working on.
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