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If you have completed courses and passed the tests to be a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), you may decide to further your career by becoming a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). Cisco also offers a CCNP training and certification program designed for intermediate-level IT professionals, and this training covers advanced topics and subjects such as virtual private networks (VPN), converged networks, security systems and broadband technology. In order to pass the comprehensive CCNP exam, you can take CISCO Networking Certification courses and participate in a boot camp training program that will help you acquire specialized knowledge and skills.
What Is the CCNP Certification Exam Comprised Of?
There are three examination paths associated with CCNP certification. Bootcamp programs may focus on a particular exam path, and you are free to choose the program that best suits your schedule. Candidates can choose to take four exams or three exams.
If you choose the four-exam path, you will need to pass the following exams:
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Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI 642-801)
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Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN 642-811)
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Building Cisco Remote Access Networks (BCRAN 642-821)
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Cisco Internetwork Troubleshooting (CIT 642-831)
If you choose the three-exam path, you will need to pass the following exams:
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Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks and Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (642-891 Composite)
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Building Cisco Remote Access Networks (BCRAN 642-821)
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Cisco Internetwork Troubleshooting (CIT 642-831)
CCNP certification exams are comprised of simulation questions, as well as multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, and drag and drop questions. Most exams consist of 55 to 70 questions, and may take up to 90 minutes to complete. Since this type of exam is so rigorous, it's advisable to enroll in a formal boot camp training program so that you can learn how the examination is structured, and what types of specialized topics you need to focus on.
Studying for the CCNP Certification Exam
Training programs use CISCO authorized curriculum so that you're only learning the most up-to-date and relevant information for each section. CCNP boot camp training centers teach several core principles about network configuration, virtual networks, wireless client access and converged Cisco networks.
Areas of study include:
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Configuring OSPF
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Manipulating Routing Updates
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Implementing Multicast
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Defining Virtual Networks
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Implementing InteVLAN Routing
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Connecting Teleworks
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Minimizing Service Loss and Data Theft in a Campus Network
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Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks
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Describing CISCO VOIP Implementations
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Implementing Auto QoS
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Wireless Security
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…and several other specialized topics
What to Expect at CCNP Boot Camp Training
Most bootcamp training programs take place in an onsite setting where you will be guided by a hands-on instructor, and be required to attend lectures and presentations. These CISCO networking certification programs are accelerated learning programs that often include all test preparation materials, and provide you with the tools and equipment you need to complete each training module. Some CCNP boot camp training centers are equipped with dedicated testing stations for students, and provide easy access to your instructor so you don't fall behind.
Most bootcamp training programs last between 14 to 21 days, and are available in select metropolitan cities in the United States. Your employer may also host a boot camp training session with a customized training module led by certified instructors.
Independently-run, CISCO-authorized boot camp training centers may also offer a guarantee. This means that if you don't pass the examinations, you can attend future CCNP bootcamp training sessions at no additional cost.
Reasons to Attend Bootcamp
If you are already working full-time and have achieved CISCO Networking Certification, you may be a good candidate for a CCNP bootcamp training program. An accelerated training program can help you assimilate only the information you need to pass the certification examinations the first time, and the hands-on, instructor-led environment may help you learn all of the key principles quickly and effectively. CCNP boot camp training centers allow you to take part in several simulations, quizzes and tests throughout the course of the program, so you can easily find out if you are improving your skills and acquiring the knowledge you need to sit for the final set of examinations.
Key reasons to attend boot camp include:
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One-on-one attention from a certified professional
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Learning Cisco-authorized topics and subjects related only to the exam
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Working in a team-based environment
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Monitoring your progress
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Intensive, focused study that allows you to acquire foundational knowledge on core topics
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Affordable pricing
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Guarantee that you will pass the examination the first time (in most cases)
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Employer paid training program (in some cases)
When you obtain CCNP certification, you have the potential of pursuing better career opportunities and undertaking more responsibilities in your current job. Certification offers several benefits, and the easiest way to obtain it is by completing a bootcamp training session.
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