Several have been removed for good, while three new exam titles have been introduced. Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI), Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN), Implementing Secure Converged Wide-Area Networks (ISCW), and Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT) have all been repackaged into new forms.

The three new titles are:

Implementing Cisco Routing exam called ROUTE #642-902,

Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks called SWITCH #642-813

Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP called TSHOOT #642-832.

An examination of the changes in CCNP for network engineers show that troubleshooting has brought back to the fore while most topics from the existing Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW) and Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT) exams have been removed.

TSHOOT is the new picture of CCNP emphasis on troubleshooting. The changes focus on a consolidation on core topics especially with emphasis on troubleshooting. It is not enough to know how to implement, CCNP level engineers must now be skilled in troubleshooting.

It is assumed that this is what the industry needs - competency requires such people to able to think through complex network problems and get solutions, rather than simply having to memorize, cram and pass exams. It means that greater skills and knowledge on complex routing and switching and network troubleshooting are the competencies required for today's routed and switched networks.

 

CCNP provides a higher career development path for

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certified network engineers

and

a solid foundation for individuals interested in pursuing the 900 pound gorilla - Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE).

 

The New Exams

The new exams are all 120 minute exams —ROUTE #642-902, SWITCH #642-813, and TSHOOT #642-832—that can be taken in Pearson VUE testing centers.


Implementing Cisco IP Routing (ROUTE 642-902) is a qualifying exam for the Cisco Certified Network Professional CCNP, Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional CCIP, and Cisco Certified Design Professional CCDP certifications. The ROUTE 642-902 exam validates the ability of candidates to use advanced IP addressing and routing in implementing scalable and secure Cisco ISR routers connected to LANs and WANs. It additionally covers configuration of secure routing solutions to support branch offices and mobile workers.

Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH 642-813) is a qualifying exam for the Cisco Certified Network Professional CCNP, Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional CCIP, and Cisco Certified Design Professional CCDP certifications. The SWITCH 642-813 exam validates the ability of candidates to plan, configure and verify the implementation of complex enterprise switching solutions using Cisco’s Campus Enterprise Architecture. The SWITCH exam additionally covers secure integration of VLANs, WLANs, voice and video into campus networks.

Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Switched Networks (TSHOOT 642-832) is a qualifying exam for the Cisco Certified Network Professional CCNP certification. The TSHOOT 642-832 exam validates the ability of candidate to (1) plan and perform regular maintenance on complex enterprise routed and switched networks and (2) use technology-based practices and a systematic ITIL-compliant approach to perform network troubleshooting.

Though there is no order in which the exams should be taken, Cisco recommends taking the ROUTE and SWITCH before the TSHOOT course, since TSHOOT incorporates the knowledge from ROUTE and SWITCH into the lab scenarios that it uses.

 

Old Exams to retire

The last day for candidates to take the BSCI, BCMSN, ISCW, and ONT exams will be July 31, 2010. Candidates who pass the BSCI and BCMSN exams will be able to apply those exams toward CCNP certification as long as their score is valid—within three years from the date of the exam.

CCNP is designed for network engineers who are prepared to acquire the required knowledge, develop their skills and work in teams and or independently to provide solutions to complex network solutions.


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