Cisco Certifications Overview

2007-04-27T16:30:00.000-07:00

By Kashif Raza

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. http://www.networkingtutorials.net

How To Earn Cisco's Firewall Specialist Certification

2007-04-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

By Chris Bryant

Security is a hot topic in today's networks, and will continue to be for a long time to come. With that in mind, you must consider adding a Cisco security certification to your resume and firewall skills to your skill set.

It's quite a jump from the CCNA to the CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional), and Cisco has made that leap more manageable by adding Specialist certifications. These certifications can give quite a boost to both your resume and your skill set, and act as a great "stepping stone" to the CCSP.

At present, Cisco offers four VPN/Security certifications, those being Cisco Firewall Specialist, Cisco IPS Specialist, Cisco VPN Specialist, and Cisco VPN/Security Sales Specialist. Since every WAN engineer has contact with Cisco firewalls on a regular basis, we'll take a closer look at this popular certification first. (And those who want to be WAN engineers had better learn something about firewalls, too!)

At the writing of this article (October 21, 2005), Cisco is offering an option for each of the two exams you'll need to pass to earn this certification. For the first exam, you can take either the 642-551 SND (Securing Cisco Network Devices) or 642-501 SECUR (Securing Cisco IOS Networks). The final day to register for the SECUR exam is December 19, 2005.

For either, you'll need to be able to answer questions regarding the proper use of Cisco security devices; how to configure security on a Cisco switch and on a router, including syslog logging, AAA, ACLs, and security for router services and interfaces.

The choices for the second exam are the 642-522 SNPA (Securing Network with PIX and ASA) and 642-521 CSPFA. Topics for these exams include , IPSec, NAT, firewalls, AAA, and policy mapping. (As always, you should check for the latest exam blueprints at Cisco's website. Click "Learning And Events" on the main page, www.cisco.com).

The only prerequisite for this certification is that you must hold a valid CCNA certification.
As always, getting some hands-on experience is the best way to prepare for your Cisco exams. (Your employer is going to get a little upset if you practice your configs on his or her PIX. It would be a good idea to have a good lawyer, too.) There are online rack rental services that include Cisco security devices in their pods.Cisco CCNA certification test prep

Cisco certifications are a great way to help protect your career as well as your network. The more you know, and the more varied your skills, the more valuable you are to your present and future employers. Use your CCNA as a foundation, and keep building on your skills!

Ccsp Boot Camp Information Articles

Cisco Certifications Overview

How To Earn Cisco's Firewall Specialist Certification