Cisco Career Certifications

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Cisco Career Certifications are IT professional certifications for Cisco products. The tests are administered by Pearson VUE. There are five levels of certification: Entry, Associate, Professional, Expert, and Specialist.

Contents 1 Certification summary table 2 Entry Certification 2.1 Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician 2.2 How To Acquire CCENT Certification 3 Associate Certifications 3.1 CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) 3.1.1 How To Acquire CCNA Certification 3.1.2 Cost 3.1.3 CCNA Cert Expires 3.2 CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate) 3.3 CCNA Security 3.4 CCNA Voice 3.5 CCNA Wireless 4 Professional certifications 4.1 Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) 4.2 Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) 4.3 Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP) 4.4 Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) 4.5 Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP) 4.6 Recertification 5 Expert-level certifications 5.1 CCIE Numbering and Recertification 5.2 CCIE Routing & Switching 5.3 CCIE Security 5.4 CCIE Service Provider 5.5 CCIE Voice 5.6 CCIE Storage Networking 5.7 CCIE Wireless 5.8 Retired CCIE tracks 5.9 CCDE 6 Cisco Certified Architect 6.1 CCA Certification Process 6.2 CCA Responsibilities 7 Specialist Certifications 7.1 Advanced Routing and Switching 7.2 Data Center 7.3 Foundation for Channel Partners 7.4 Unified Communications 7.5 Security 7.6 Wireless LAN 8 Retired Certifications 9 References 10 External links

Certification summary table

The table below shows the differents paths and levels for CISCO certifications. To actually take CISCO cert exams you must find a test center who works with Pearson-Vue

	Certification Paths
LEVEL	Routing & Switching	Storage Networking	Service Provider	Design	Network Security	Voice	Wireless
Expert Cisco says there are NO PREREQUISITES for CCIE exams, but they are written exams, and they reccomend lots of experience. There is also a hands-on lab test. Tests may cost ~$350 in 2009.	CCIE Routing & Switching	CCIE Storage Networking	CCIE Service Provider	CCDE	CCIE Security	CCIE Voice	CCIE Wireless
Professional	CCNP (642-901 BSCI & 642-812 BCMSN) or 642-892 Composite & 642-825 ISCW & 642-845 ONT		CCIP (642-901 BSCI or 642-892 Composite ) & 642-642 QOS & (642-661 BGP & 642-611 MPLS) or 642-691 BGP+MPLS	CCDP (642-901 BSCI & 642-812 BCMSN) or 642-892 Composite & 642-873 ARCH	CCSP 642-504 SNRS & 642-524 SNAF & 642-533 IPS & (642-591 CANAC or 642-545 MARS or 642-515 SNAA) & CCNA Security	CCVP (642-642 QoS & 642-436 CVOICE & 642-426 TUC) & Communications Manager path: (642-446 CIPT1 & 642-456 CIPT2) or CallManager path: (642-444 CIPT 4.1 & 642-453 GWGK) & any CCIE Certification or A valid CCNA Voice	CCNP Wireless (642-731 CUWSS & 642-741 IUWVN & 642-746 IUWMS & 642-736 IAUWS) & any CCIE Certification or A valid CCNA Wireless
"phantom senior associate level" not an offical CISCO level, but the Network Security, Voice and Wireless paths all use CCNA as a prerequisite. CISCO confusingly lists them at the same 'associate' level as a CCNA.	-			CCDA 640-863 DESGN & CCNA and BCMSN level knowledge to pass the cert exam.	CCNA Security 640-553 IINS & A valid CCNA	CCNA Voice 640-460 IIUC or 642-436 CVOICE 6.0 & A valid CCNA or any CCIE Certification	CCNA Wireless 640-721 IUWNE & A valid CCNA
Associate	CCNA 640-802 CCNA (or 640-822 ICND1 & 640-816 ICND2)|			-
Entry-Level	CCENT 640-822 ICND1

Entry Certification

Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician

The lowest level of Cisco's certification is CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician). CCENT covers basic networking knowledge. It is appropriate for entry-level network support positions. CCENT certified people can install, manage, maintain & troubleshoot a small enterprise network, including network security.

How To Acquire CCENT Certification

Self study, "Cisco Academy", or colleges & technical schools with a semester-long "ICND1" class followed by "ICND2" in the next semester.

Associate Certifications

Associate Certifications are the 2nd of 4 levels of CISCO certs. This level divides all later CISCO certifications into separate subject matter paths.

CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)

The CCNA validates the ability to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot enterprise level router and switched networks. This includes design implementation and verification of connections to remote sites in a WAN. New CCNA training includes basic mitigation of security threats, introduction to wireless networking and Voice.

How To Acquire CCNA Certification

Pass ICND1 - 640-822 and ICND2 - 640-816 (Both ICND1 and ICND2 are 40 hour classes) or the single 640-802 composite exam.^[1]

Cost

These exams are conducted by authorized test centers at a cost of USD$125 each for the ICND1 or ICND2 exams and, effective 06-23-2008^[2], USD$250 for the composite CCNA exam.

Traditional educational institutions that teach CCNA and CCNP skills are called "the Cisco Networking Academy".^[3] Cisco Networking Academy Students can request exam vouchers that allow them to take the retired exam for an extended period of time.^[4]

CCNA Cert Expires

CCNA is only valid for 3 years. To extend the expiration date:

• re-take the CCNA or ICND2 exam, or
• take and pass an exam for one of the Professional (e.g.,Professional certifications CCNP) or Specialist level certifications (excluding the sales specialist exams), or pass the CCIE written exam.

CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate)

CCDA certified people can design switched or routed networks of LANs, WANs, and various dial services.

A CCNA certification is not required to take the CCDA exam (640-863 DESGN), but Cisco recommends being familiar with CCNA-level material, as well as BCMSN-level knowledge of Cisco-based LANs.

CCNA Security

CCNA Security Certified people can develop a security infrastructure, recognize threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and mitigate security threats.

It is appropriate for Network Security Specialists, Security Administrators, and Network Security Support Engineers.

Skills include installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices and develops competency in "Cisco IOS Network Security"

This certification is earned by passing the 640-553 (Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security, or IINS) exam;

The test costs $250.

CCNA Voice

The Cisco CCNA Voice certification confirms that you have the required skill set for specialized job roles in voice technologies such as voice technologies administrator, voice engineer, and voice manager. The CCNA Voice certification involves implementing Cisco IOS Unified Communications. It validates skills in VoIP technologies such as IP PBX, IP telephony, handset, call control, and voicemail solutions. Candidates also get exposure to the Cisco Unified Communications architecture and design covering mobility, presence, and TelePresence applications.

The CCNA Voice Certification enables employers to validate that their staff possess a strong foundation in voice applications and infrastructure concepts; and are capable of performing baseline installation, operating, and maintenance tasks on Cisco VoIP solutions, particularly the Smart Business Communications System from 8-250 lines.

CCNA Wireless

CCNA Wireless recognizes the critical importance of professionals supporting wireless LANs including Networking Associates/Administrators, Wireless Support Specialists and WLAN project managers. The CCNA Wireless certification involves implementing Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Essentials.

The CCNA Wireless Certification validates candidate's skills in the configuration, implementation and support of wireless LANs, specifically those networks using Cisco equipment. Students completing the recommended Cisco training are provided with information and practice activities to prepare them for configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting basic tasks of a Cisco WLAN in SMB and Enterprise networks. Employers will be able to validate their staff have the skills needed for basic wireless networking on a Cisco WLAN in SMB and enterprise networks after completing certification.

Professional certifications

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

The CCNP is considered proof of having the ability to work with medium-sized networks (between 100 and 500 end devices) and with technology such as QoS, broadband, VPNs, and security-minded features. To acquire a CCNP one must possess a CCNA certification first and then pass three or four tests, depending on the path one chooses. The four tests path requires the candidate to pass the following tests:

• 642-901 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)^[5] - Deals with routing
• 642-812 BCMSN: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)^[6] Deals with switching
• 642-825 ISCW: Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW)^[7] - Deals with wide area networks
• 642-845 ONT: Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT)^[8] - Deals with using QoS to tune networks to work effectively with IP Telephony.

The BSCI and BCMSN tests can be taken as one single composite test known as the 642-892 Composite^[9] which covers subjects for Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI) and Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN).

In order to retain the certification one must either take and pass a 642 (professional) exam or pass one of the CCIE written exams before the Professional certification expires. Additional resources and tools to aid in preparing for the certification are available on the CCNP Prep Center.^[10]

Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)

The CCDP certification is an advanced network design certification provided by Cisco Systems, Inc. Candidates for the certification are tested for advanced knowledge of Cisco devices and the way to interconnect them. The prerequisite for taking the CCDP is both the CCNA and the CCDA certification. There are two exams in common between the CCNP and CCDP (642-901 BSCI & 642-812 BCMSN) so that CCNP certified person can attain CCDP certification by passing a single test (642-873 ARCH).

Required Exams:

• 642-901 BSCI: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)^[5] - Deals with routing
• 642-812 BCMSN: Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN)^[6] Deals with switching
• 642-873 ARCH: Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures (ARCH) ^[11]

OR

• 642-892 Composite: Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI)^[9]
• 642-873 ARCH: Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures (ARCH) ^[11]

Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP)

The CCIP certification is a professional certification covering the end-to-end protocols used in large scale networks.

To attain this certification tests must be passed in the areas of routing, BGP, MPLS, Quality of service and the routing exam from the CCNP track (642-901 BSCI).

Required Exams:

• 642-611 MPLS: Implementing Cisco MPLS
• 642-642 QOS: Quality of Service
• 642-661 BGP: Configuring BGP on Cisco Routers
• 642-691 BGP+MPLS: BGP + MPLS Exam (equivalent to BGP & MPLS)

Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)

The CCSP certification is an advanced network security certification. Candidates for the certification are tested for advanced knowledge of various Cisco security products.

To attain this certification several tests must be passed in the areas of VPN, IDS, PIX firewall, Secure IOS, the Cisco SAFE, as well as having a CCNA or higher level certification (e.g. CCNP or CCIP).

The common practice is to take four exams, one of which is selected from a list of electives.

Required Exams:

• 642-504 SNRS: Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches
• 642-524 SNAF: Securing Networks with ASA Foundation
• 642-533 IPS: Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention System

And one of the following:

• 642-591 CANAC: Implementing Cisco NAC Appliance
• 642-545 MARS: Implementing Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System
• 642-515 SNAA: Securing Networks with ASA Advanced

Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP)

The CCVP is a certification covering all aspects of IP Telephony/VOIP networks and applications.

To attain this certification, five tests must be passed in the areas of Quality of service, Cisco VoIP, IP Telephony Troubleshooting, Cisco IP Telephony, and Gateway Gatekeeper.

For individuals using Cisco Unified Communications Manager

• 642-642 QoS: Quality of Service (QoS)
• 642-436 CVOICE: Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE v6.0) OR
  • Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE v6.0) AND
  • Cisco Voice over IP fundamentals (CVF v1.0)
• 642-426 TUC: Troubleshooting Cisco Unified Communications Systems (TUC v1.0)
• 642-446 CIPT1: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager Part 1 (CIPT1 v6.0)
• 642-456 CIPT2: Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager Part 2 (CIPT2 v6.0)

For individuals using Cisco Unified CallManager

• 642-642 QoS: Quality of Service (QoS v2.2)
• 642-436 CVOICE: Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE v6.0) OR
  • Cisco Voice over IP (CVOICE v5.0) AND
  • Cisco Voice over IP fundamentals (CVF v1.0)
• 642-426 TUC: Troubleshooting Cisco Unified Communications Systems (TUC v1.0)
• 642-444 CIPT 4.1: Cisco IP Telephony Release (CIPT1 4.1) OR
  • Cisco IP Telephony Release (CIPT2 5.0)
• 642-453 GWGK Implementing Cisco Voice Gateways and Gatekeepers (GWGK v2.0)

Recertification

To recertify any Professional level certification, pass any 642 exam that is part of the professional level curriculum after August 18, 2006, or pass a current CCIE written exam.

Expert-level certifications

The expert-level certification is the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE). It is the highest level of professional certification that Cisco provides. There are five active CCIE tracks, as shown below. As of June 26, 2009 there are 20,003 people with active CCIE certifications in the world.^[12].

Cisco began its CCIE program in 1993^[13] originally with a two day lab, later changing it to the one day format used today. Fewer than 3% of Cisco certified individuals attain CCIE certification, and on average will spend thousands of dollars and 18 months studying before passing.^[14] Many candidates build mock-labs at home using old Cisco equipment, selling it again to other candidates after passing. Alternatively candidates may rent "rack time" online and practice lab scenarios on Cisco equipment hosted on the Internet for that purpose.

Cisco refers to the CCIE as the "most respected IT certification",^[15] and from 2002 to 2005^[16] it was voted as such in CertCities magazine. It has also been voted the most technically advanced IT certification by CertMag,^[17] and is generally reported as the highest salaried certification in IT salary surveys.

The CCIE is comprised of a written exam and a "lab" exam (each in the specific area of the chosen track). The written exam is required to take the lab exam, and has a cost of $350^[2] USD per attempt. Upon passing the written exam, the candidate has eighteen months to take the lab exam. If the first attempt is unsuccessful the candidate has three years from the date the written exam was passed to successfully complete the lab. If a candidate does not pass the CCIE lab in that time, they must pass the CCIE written exam again before making additional attempts at the CCIE lab exam. As many attempts can be made to pass the lab exam for up to three years after passing the written, so long as the first attempt is within 18 months. There is a minimum waiting time between attempts of one month.

The CCIE Lab is currently $1,400 USD^[2] per attempt and are offered only at ten Cisco lab exam locations worldwide. The locations are Bangalore; Beijing; Brussels; Dubai; Hong Kong; Research Triangle Park, NC; San Jose, CA; São Paulo; Sydney; and Tokyo. Some CCIE tracks do not have lab exams available at all locations. For example, the Storage Networking lab is available only at the Research Triangle Park, NC and Brussels locations. In addition, according to a survey by Cisco the average cost to prepare for CCIE certification is $9,050 as of April 2006, spent mostly on practice equipment and self study material.^[18] This is partially offset by the increased salary the certification commands, which a March 2007 Network World article estimates at 10% - 15% over similarly experienced engineers who do not have a CCIE.^[19]

The lab is an eight hour hands-on exam designed to demonstrate that the candidate not only knows the theory, but is also able to practice it. Many prospective CCIEs need multiple attempts to pass the lab exam.

There are no formal prerequisites for the CCIE exam, but Cisco recommends one has at least 3–5 years experience in networking before attempting to become a CCIE. CCIE was the first Cisco Certified qualification, and as such there were no other certifications that could be taken prior. The development of the associate and professional certifications was due to recognition of the fact that a CCIE is overkill for many networking personnel, and also for the vast majority of businesses who employ such people, and that certifications needed to be offered at lower levels. Despite the development of the lower certifications, Cisco has chosen not to make them formal requirements for the CCIE certification.

It is possible to hold multiple CCIE certifications. This is done by passing both the written and the lab exam in a particular track. As of September 9, 2008, there are 1,729 individuals who hold multiple CCIE certifications. Of those, 274 hold three or more CCIE certifications.^[20]

CCIE Numbering and Recertification

Upon successful completion of the hands on lab exam, a new CCIE is awarded a CCIE number. The first CCIE number allocated (in 1993) was 1024, and has increased incrementally from there. A lower number indicates that the CCIE was awarded some time back, a higher number indicated a more recently awarded certification. As of July 2009, the highest CCIE number allocated was just under 25000.

Number 1024 was allocated to the first CCIE lab location, rather than to an individual, and featured as a plaque at the entrance to the lab. Number 1025 was awarded to Stuart Biggs, who created the first written exam and first lab exam. The first person to pass both CCIE written and lab exams was Terrance Slattery, who was consulting to Cisco at the time when the lab was being devised. Terry Slattery (CCIE 1026) was therefore the first CCIE who passed both exams, and the first CCIE who was not an employee of Cisco.^{[21] [22]}

Any CCIE who obtains further CCIE certifications, is not awarded any further numbers, the new CCIE certification is awarded under the same number as the original.

Every two years a CCIE has to take a CCIE written test to retain the certification (known as recertification, or recert). If this is not done, the CCIE is then said to be in suspended status. The CCIE certification is not recognised by Cisco as current at this point. After one further year, if a written test has not been undertaken and passed, the CCIE is then revoked. The CCIE certification can then only be re-gained by taking the written exam and lab exam from scratch.

CCIE Routing & Switching

Routing and Switching is by far the most popular track with 17,082 certified individuals as of May 18, 2009^[23]. The certification covers a variety of networking concepts and protocols including but not limited to the following list ^[24]:

• Routing and Switching
  • Frame Relay
  • Ethernet
  • Catalyst Switch Configuration

• IP Interior Gateway Routing Protocols
  • Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
  • Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP)
  • Routing Information Protocol v2 (RIPv2)
  • Routing Information Protocol Next Generation (RIPng) - IPv6
  • Open Shortest Path First v3 (OSPFv3) - IPv6
  • On-Demand Routing (ODR)
  • Filtering, Summarization, Redistribution

• Border Gateway Protocol (BGP)
  • Interior BGP (iBGP)
  • Exterior BGP (eBGP)
  • Filtering, Summarization, Redistribution, and Traffic Engineering

• Multicast Routing
  • Protocol Independent Multicast (PIM)
  • Multicast Source Discovery Protocol (MSDP)
  • Distance Vector Multicast Routing Protocol (DVMRP)
  • Anycast

• Quality of Service (QoS)
  • Classification
  • Congestion Management and Avoidance
  • Policing and Shaping
  • Signaling

• Security
  • Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS)
  • VPN tunnels (IPsec,GRE)
  • Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting (AAA)
  • Traffic Filtering
  • IOS Firewall Feature Set
  • Access Lists
  • Routing Protocol and Catalyst Security

• IP and IOS Features
  • IP addressing
  • Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
  • Next Hop Redundancy Protocols (HSRP, VRRP, GLBP)
  • IP services
  • IOS user interfaces
  • System management
  • Network Address Translation (NAT)
  • Network Time Protocol (NTP)
  • Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
  • Remote Monitoring (RMON)
  • IP Accounting
  • Service Level Agreement (SLA)

CCIE Security

The Security track concentrates on network security and covers subjects such as ASA, IDS, IOS security, and many others.

Requirements for Certification

There are no formal prerequisites for CCIE certification. Other professional certifications or training courses are not required. Instead, candidates must first pass a written qualification exam and then the corresponding hands-on lab exam. You are expected to have an in-depth understanding of the topics in the exam blueprints and strongly encouraged to have three to five years of job experience before attempting certification. Step One: CCIE Security Written Exam

You must pass the two-hour, written qualification exam covering networking concepts and some equipment commands before you are eligible to schedule the lab exam.

CCIE Security Lab Exam

The eight-hour lab exam tests your ability to get a secure network running in a timed test situation. You must pass the lab within three years of passing the written to achieve certification. Your first lab attempt must be made within 18 months.

Effective April 2009, important content changes will be implemented in the CCIE Security Lab exams. Candidates for lab exams scheduled mid-April 2009 or later should prepare using the v3.0 Lab Equipment and Software Versions. Candidates prior to mid- April 2009 should continue using the v2.0 Lab Equipment and Software Versions.

CCIE Service Provider

The Service Provider track focuses on networking in the service provider industry. Subjects include Optical networks, DSL, WAN switching, Voice over IP, Content networking, Broadband Cable and Metro Ethernet.

Requirements for Certification

There are no formal prerequisites for CCIE certification. Other professional certifications or training courses are not required. Instead, candidates must first pass a written qualification exam and then the corresponding hands-on lab exam. You are expected to have an in-depth understanding of the topics in the exam blueprints and strongly encouraged to have three to five years of job experience before attempting certification. You can review the exam preparation materials included on this page for more information. Step One: CCIE Service Provider Written Exam

You must pass the two-hour, written qualification exam covering concepts and equipment commands related to packet-based networking infrastructure, before you are eligible to schedule the lab exam.

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     Written Exam Information
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     Schedule and Pay for Written Exam

Step Two: CCIE Service Provider Lab Exam

The eight-hour lab exam tests your ability to configure actual equipment and get a service provider network running in a timed test situation. You must pass the lab within three years of passing the written to achieve certification. Your first lab attempt must be made within 18 months.

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CCIE Voice

The Voice track concentrates on voice solutions for the enterprise and includes subjects such as Quality of Service, MGCP, Call Manager (Cisco's VoIP PBX), Cisco Unity (Cisco's Unified Messaging platform), Unity Express and IP Contact Center Express.

There are only 802 CCIE Voice certified people in the world as of September 9, 2008.

The CCIE Voice lab exam blueprint includes the following:

• Basic Campus Design
  • DHCP, TFTP
  • Catalyst voice and data VLAN configuration
  • Catalyst VTP configuration

• Call Manager and Call Manager Express Configuration
  • Phone registration
  • Phone configuration

• Voice Gateway and Signaling
  • Analog and digital voice protocols: analog FXS, FXO-M1, T1, E1, PRI, CAS, R2
  • VoIP protocols: H323, MGCP, SCCP, SIP, RAS

• Call Routing
  • CCM route patterns (@ wildcard not tested)
  • CCM route preference and redundancy
  • IOS dial peers
  • Digit manipulation and translation

• Voice CODEC
  • G711ulaw, G711alaw, G729, G723

• Call Admission Control
  • Location-based
  • RAS-based

• High Availability Features
  • SRST
  • AAR

• Media Resource Management
  • Conference bridge software and hardware
  • Transcoder
  • MTP
  • MOH

• QoS Considerations
  • L2/L3 classifications and policing
  • Queuing mechanisms
  • LFI
  • Catalyst switch QoS

• Unified Messaging
  • Unity voicemail integration
  • Unity administration

• CRS/IPCC Express Application
  • Default script configuration and integration
  • Custom script configuration and integration

• Call Manager Voice Applications
  • Any native applications to Call Manager, examples are extension mobility, attendant console, IPMA

• Supplementary Services

• Directory Services and Integration

• Fax
  • Fax pass-through
  • Fax relay

Most candidates pass the CCIE Voice certification after three or four lab attempts, but there have been cases in which candidates pass after more than six attempts. The low passing rate is attributed to the difficulty of the exam questions as well as the lack of time to complete everything in the allocated eight hours. As such, the lab exam is as much a test of time management and planning as it is a test of technical expertise.

What sets the CCIE Voice lab exam apart from typical CCIE lab exams is the widely dissimilar platforms that are used. Configurations will have to be done on the Windows 2003 Server environment, on a CallManager web-based GUI, on the CatOS command line, on the IOS command line, as well as on the proprietary configuration environments of telephony devices such as the ATA186 and VG248. As such, it is not an exam that involves a uniform method of configuration, and it involves a lot of back-and-forth fine tuning between the numerous platforms.

The device list for the CCIE Voice lab includes the following:

• Hardware
  • MCS 7835 Call Manager/CRS Servers
  • MCS 7835 Unity Server
  • Catalyst 6503
  • 3725 Routers (WAN, Gatekeeper, Gateway, PSTN Emulation)
  • Cisco Unity Express
  • 2651XM H.323 Gateway
  • VG248 Analog Phone Gateway
  • ATA186 Analog Telephone Adapters
  • Catalyst 3550 with inline power
  • IP Phones
  • Analog Phones
  • FAX

• Software
  • All routers use IOS version 12.4 Main Train
  • Catalyst 6503 series switches use Switch OS version 7.6(X)
  • Catalyst 3550 series switches use IOS version 12.1EA
  • CCM version 4.1(3) with latest SR
  • Unity version 4.0(5)
  • CRS version 4.0(1)

CCIE Storage Networking

Storage Networking Requirements for Certification

There are no formal prerequisites for CCIE certification. Other professional certifications or training courses are not required. Instead, candidates must first pass a written qualification exam and then the corresponding hands-on lab exam. You are expected to have an in-depth understanding of the topics in the exam blueprints and strongly encouraged to have three to five years of job experience before attempting certification. You can review the exam preparation materials included on this page for more information. Step One: CCIE Storage Networking Written Exam

You must pass the two-hour, written qualification exam which covers storage networking concepts, features, design, applications, management and device operations before you are eligible to schedule the lab exam.

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     Written Exam Information
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     Schedule and Pay for Written Exam

Step Two: CCIE Storage Networking Lab Exam

The eight-hour lab exam tests your ability to get the storage area network running in a timed test situation. You must pass the lab within three years of passing the written to achieve certification. Your first lab attempt must be made within 18 months.

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     Lab Exam Information
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CCIE Wireless

CCIE Wireless Certification

The Cisco CCIE Wireless certification assesses and validates wireless expertise. Candidates who pass the CCIE Wireless certification exams demonstrate broad theoretical knowledge of wireless networking and a solid understanding of wireless local area networking (WLAN) technologies from Cisco, the market leader in WLAN technology.

Benefits of CCIE Certified Wireless Certification

   * Greater opportunity for salary increase and job advancement in wireless networking industry
   * Validates expertise in major aspects of WLAN technology
   * Provides next step for individuals interested in a career in managing or working with Cisco wireless technologies

Requirements for Certification

There are no formal prerequisites for CCIE certification. Other professional certifications or training courses are not required. Instead, candidates must first pass a written qualification exam and then the corresponding hands-on lab exam. You are expected to have an in-depth understanding of the topics in the exam blueprints and strongly encouraged to have three to five years of job experience before attempting certification. You can review the exam preparation materials included on this page for more information. Step One: CCIE Wireless Written Exam

You must pass the two-hour, written qualification exam covering concepts and equipment commands before you are eligible to schedule the lab exam.

   * Written Exam Information
   * Schedule and Pay for Written Exam

Step Two: CCIE Wireless Lab Exam

The eight-hour lab exam confirms that you have the job skills and technical knowledge required of a wireless expert-level network professional. You must pass the lab within three years of passing the written to achieve certification. Your first lab attempt must be made within 18 months.

   * Lab Exam Information
   * Schedule and Pay for Lab Exam

Why CCIE Wireless?

The Cisco CCIE Wireless certification validates that a professional has the expertise to design and manage wireless networks and to make mission-critical and business-critical wireless network decisions.

By passing the Cisco CCIE Wireless certification exams, individuals demonstrate broad theoretical knowledge of wireless networking and a solid understanding of Cisco wireless LAN technologies.

The written exam for CCIE Wireless will be made available through Pearson VUE on February 17, 2009. The lab exam for CCIE Wireless will be made available in April, 2009. To find out more about the CCIE Wireless Certification and access the latest blueprints and study materials, visit the Cisco Learning Connection: www.cisco.com/go/learnnetspace.

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Retired CCIE tracks

Some previously awarded CCIE specializations are no longer offered, and have been retired by Cisco. These are:

• WAN Switching CCIE (Essentially a specialisation focusing on the IGX/BPX switch products, which had been acquired as part of the StrataCom acquisition)
• ISP Dial CCIE
• SNA/IP Integration CCIE (aka CCIE Blue)
• Design CCIE

People who had held these now retired certifications can remain CCIE's, provided they continue to take recertification exams. They now simply hold the title "CCIE", aka Vanilla CCIE, rather than CCIE Security, or some other specialisation.

CCDE

Cisco Certified Design Expert:

CCDE Assesses advanced Network Infrastructure Design Principles and Fundamentals for large networks. A CCDE can demonstrate an ability to develop solutions which address planning, design, integration, optimization, operations, security and ongoing support focused at the infrastructure level for customer networks.

Prerequisites for CCDE:

There are no formal prerequisites for CCDE certification. Other professional certifications or training courses are not required.

Recommended Training and Experience:

It is expected that the candidate will have an in-depth understanding of the topics in the exam blueprints, a minimum of seven years job experience, and a thorough understanding of networking infrastructure principles. Please view the written exam information page for more details.

Step One: CCDE Written Exam You must pass the two-hour, written qualification exam which covers advanced networking infrastructure design principles and concepts. Once you pass the qualification exam, you are then eligible to schedule the practical exam.

Step Two: CCDE Practical Exam The CCDE practical exam is still in development, however it will be an eight-hour exam that will test your ability to identify, manage, and create advanced solutions for large scale networks. You must pass the lab within three years of passing the written exam in order to achieve certification.

Cisco Certified Architect

Cisco announced a brand new certificate that exceed the level of skills needed to achieve CCIE. The newly announced Cisco Certified Architect(CCA) recognizes the architectural experience and competency of network designers who can support the increasingly complex networks of global organizations and effectively translate business strategies into evolutionary technical strategies.^[25]

The Cisco Certified Architect certification is scheduled to be made available January 2010. [2]

CCA Certification Process

• The Cisco Certified Architect certification will be administered as a board exam.
• Candidates will propose and defend an architecture solution to a set of business requirements, and the candidates will be asked to modify their proposals "on the fly," based on additional requirements presented by the board.
• Prerequisites include a CCDE certification, approximately 10 years of industry experience, and acceptance into the program via an application process.

CCA Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the Cisco Certified Architect

• Lead creation and evolution of enterprise architecture
• Analyze technology and industry market trends
• Establish governing principles for Enterprise networks
• Selection of technology and products
• Identification of organization resource needs
• Lead the development of communication and education plan for enterprise network architecture

Specialist Certifications

In addition to the career certifications noted above, networking personnel can enhance their core knowledge by achieving specialist certifications in technologies such as security, IP telephony, and wireless.

Advanced Routing and Switching

The Cisco Advanced Routing and LAN Switching focused certifications recognize a candidate's ability to sell, design, install, and support the core infrastructure

Data Center

The Cisco Data Center Specialization certifications validate proficiency in designing, installing, and supporting a data center networking solution.

Foundation for Channel Partners

Designed exclusively for Channel Partners, the Foundation certifications validate fundamental knowledge of routing and switching and the steps required to incorporate wireless and security technologies in the IP Network.

Unified Communications

The Cisco IP Communications certifications validate proficiency in designing, installing, and supporting a multi-service network solution.

Security

Cisco security certifications focus on the growing needs for knowledgeable network professionals who can implement complete network security solutions. The range of available security certifications enable candidates to validate their expertise in specific focused areas such as securing network access using Cisco IOS Software and Cisco PIX Firewall Technologies or configuring virtual private networks (VPN) across shared public networks.

Wireless LAN

The Cisco Wireless LAN focused certifications indicates significant knowledge of relevant factors involved in designing, deploying and maintaining end-to-end Cisco Wireless LAN solutions throughout or between buildings, without the limitations of wires or cables.

Retired Certifications

Over time, as technologies change and products are made obsolete, some certifications are retired. Retired certifications are no longer valid.

Certifications that fall into this category are listed below.

• Business Ready Teleworker Solution Fundamentals
• CCDP SNA/IP Integration
• CCDP WAN Sw
• CCIP Cable
• CCIP Content Networking
• CCIP DSL Networks
• CCIP MPLS
• CCIP Metro
• CCIP Packet Telephony
• CCIP Security
• CCNA WAN Sw
• CCNP LAN ATM
• CCNP Network Management
• CCNP SNA/IP Integration
• CCNP Security
• CCNP VOICE Access
• CCNP WAN Sw Certification
• Cable Communications for Account Managers
• Certification Test-Understanding PBX Systems and Technology - VOD
• Cisco ATP Optical Metro Transport AM/EM - Japanese
• Cisco Access Routing & LAN Switching Sales Specialist
• Cisco Access Routing & LAN Switching Specialist
• Cisco Cable Communications Sales Spec
• Cisco Cable Communications Sales Specialist
• Cisco Cable Communications Specialist
• Cisco Call Manager Express Specialist
• Cisco Content Networking Sales Specialist
• Cisco Content Networking Specialist
• Cisco Content Networking Specialization Exam for SE's and FE's
• Cisco Customer Contact Support - Retired
• Cisco Firewall Specialist - Net Academy
• Cisco IDS Specialist
• Cisco IP Communications Support Specialist
• Cisco IP Telephony
• Cisco IP Telephony Express Spec
• Cisco IP Telephony Express Specialist
• Cisco IP Telephony Operations Specialist
• Cisco IP Telephony-Enterprise Voice Over Data Design
• Cisco IP Telephony-Installation, Support and Maintenance
• Cisco Internet Solutions Specialist
• Cisco Multiservice Switching Specialist
• Cisco MxU Specialist
• Cisco Network Management Sales Specialist
• Cisco Network Management Specialist
• Cisco Network Management Specialist
• Cisco Optical Specialist
• Cisco Partner and Solutions Essentials for Account Managers 5.2
• Cisco Partner and Solutions Essentials for Enterprise Account Manager 6.0 - Latin American
• Cisco Products Solutions Essentials 7.0
• Cisco Products Solutions Essentials 8.0
• Cisco Public Access Design Specialist
• Cisco Public Access Support Specialist
• Cisco Remote Dial Access: Voice and Data Specialization for AM's
• Cisco Sales Expert v1
• Cisco Sales Expert v2
• Cisco Security Specialist 1
• Cisco Storage Networking Design Specialist
• Cisco Storage Networking Support Specialist
• Cisco VPN/Security Sales Specialist
• Cisco Voice Over Frame Relay
• Cisco Wireless LAN Design Specialist
• Cisco Wireless LAN Sales Spec
• Cisco Wireless LAN Sales Specialist
• Cisco Wireless LAN Support Specialist
• Converged Business Solution Integration
• DSL Specialization for Account Managers
• DSL Specialization for SE's and FE's
• EMEA SME v1.0
• Enterprise
• Enterprise - Japanese Language Version
• Enterprise Skills Assessment
• Enterprise for Account Managers
• IPT Telephony Troubleshooting
• Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professional
• Network Management Specialization
• Network Management for Account Managers
• Network Mgt.
• Open Programmable Switching Engineer
• PBX Fundamentals
• QoS
• SCM Operation and Maintenance
• SNA/IP Design Specialist
• SNA/IP Solutions
• SNA/IP Support Specialist
• SNA/IP for Systems Engineers
• Security Solutions
• Selling AVVID Architecture
• Small-to-Medium Business
• Switched WAN Solutions for the Enterprise
• Unity
• Unity Engineer Specialization
• Unity Engineer Specialization v1.1
• Voice Solutions for Account Managers
• Voice Solutions for System Engineers
• Wireless LAN for Account Managers
• Wireless LAN for SEs
• Wireless LAN for SEs and FEs

References

External links

• Cisco Learning Network.
• Resources for CCNA Studies
• Cisco Certification Forums.