What is CCNP?
CCNP is a professional certification of Cisco pertaining to the ability to troubleshoot, configure, and install cisco devices. As a Cisco engineer, the skills acquired by the professional will be more specific and cater to the core networking along with voice, wireless and security of the network. After finishing the certification the student must be able to work with WAN and LAN from 100 to 500 nodes systems.
As a CCNP professional you will be an expert in troubleshooting the complex problems that arise even if the network doesn’t have core technologies and high-end structure.
CCNP certification can be chosen after the successful completion of CCNA. Cisco CCNP is recommended for IT professionals with a minimum of 1 year of work experience.
The curriculum consists of some topics like:
Cisco remote access
Cisco advanced routing
Cisco multilayer switching
Converged network optimization
Scalable internet works
The CCNP certification comprises of 3 exams:
300-101 ROUTE Implementing Cisco IP Routing (ROUTE)
300-115 SWITCH Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH)
300-135 TSHOOT Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks (TSHOOT)
Who can do CCNP?
Cisco CCNP has only one eligibility criteria which is a valid CCNA R&S certification. CCNP is a much high-level certification. It requires core competence in networking as it involves expertise to resolve complex problems.
To gain the certification from CCNP the following topics must be studied thoroughly.
Network Principles
Layer 2 Technologies
Layer 3 Technologies
VPN Technologies
Infrastructure Security
Infrastructure Services
What salary can be expected after CCNP?
According to Pasyscale.com a CCNP professional after the training can get a salary from 2.5 lacs p.a. to 4.31 lacs p.a. based on experience, skills, and location.
What kind of jobs/positions can we get after CCNP?
After the CCNP certification IT professionals who have proven skills can build their careers in the below-mentioned way.
• Third Line Support
Ability to handle calls that are escalated.
Resolve system related issues.
Troubleshoot programs.
Manage telecom and maintain system infrastructure.
• Network Engineer
To protect the systems in the organization.
Knowledge in routing, firewalls, security, installation, etc. are a must.
Candidate must also possess knowledge in MS office.
Must make sure that all the systems in the office are efficiently working.
Must be able to manage to troubleshoot independently.
Must be able to write reports and present them to managers.
Must be dynamic and adaptable to new technology.
Must be acquainted with new learning skills.
• Network Analyst
Must have extensive knowledge of technology.
Primary task is to troubleshoot, install and fix disruptions in the computers.
Must have the ability to support and train others about software applications, AV, telecom etc.
Maintain records of system updates, inventories etc.
Must maintain the upkeep of the computers within the organization.
Should be able to manage and adhere to protocols.
Should be responsible for security breaches, update licenses etc.
• Network security engineer
Must be able to do provisioning, deployment, configuration, and administration of network.
Must perform tasks on security-related issues like firewalls, monitoring, testing, etc.
Must be able to design new infrastructure or modify the present.
Must maintain virtual private network, website security, and email security programs, protocols.
Must balance work overload.
Must have a track of incidents and should be able to generate reports.
• IT Team Leader
Must keep a tab on the latest upgrades in technology.
Proactively complete all administrative responsibilities.
Must coach and guide team members.
Monitor quality and make assessment reports for accuracy.
• Network Specialist:
Establishing and upgrading the networking while maintaining proper functioning.
Monitoring for security threats.
Must ensure the safety of the software and data.
What are the CCNP Specializations?
CCNP specialisations are as follows:
CCNP Enterprise is a new certification that allows the professional to build and prove skills. The professional will get the opportunity to explore the area of his choice.
CCNP Data Center ; Professionals with Cisco Certified Data Center will provide datacentre solutions to the companies. They will be responsible to offer development, deploy and observe infrastructure of the modern data center.
CCNP Security; the Cisco Certified Network Professional Security is the same as a Cisco network security engineer the professional must ensure security in Routers, Switches, Networking devices and machines, including deploying, assisting and resolving Firewalls, VPNs, and IDS/IPS solutions for the organization’s network.
CCNP Service Provider is a certification for network engineers, systems engineers, and network specialists as service providers these professionals provide scalable carrier-grade infrastructure to support new managed services for the customers.
CCNP Collaboration; the Cisco CCNP Collaboration certification is advance training which will enhance the skills to develop, design and implement new collaborations. It helps to build skills to develop the significance of business.
