- Topics Mentioned
- Certification(s):
- Cisco Certifications
- Exam(s):
- Cisco Exams
On January 25th Cisco introduced a major revision in their CCNP curriculum and with their certification path.
Instead of a four test requirement which has existed since its inception, the newer CCNP requires you to pass only three exams: the ROUTE, SWITCH and TSHOOT. These exams have been refocused in order to better highlight the newer technologies which are used on today’s networks.
Both the Optimizing Converged Cisco Networks (ONT) and Implementing Secure Converged Wide Area Networks (ISCW) exams will be retired on July 31, 2010. It is important to note that neither of these exams can be used towards CCNP certification past their July 31, 2010 retirement.
The Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks (BSCI), Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN) and the comprehensive exam which combines both BCSI and BCMSN will all be accepted for three years after their pass date.
Another difference with the new exams is that the time allotted to take them has increased to 120 minutes from 90 minutes. According to currently known information each test will cost $200 and have the same retake rules as the previous exams.
The New CCNP Curriculum
Much of the information which is currently covered on the ISCW and ONT exams will not be covered in this iteration of the CCNP.
The CCNP troubleshooting exam is making a comeback as it was taken out a couple of years ago and existed in the original CCNP.
The ROUTE and SWITCH exams cover much of the same information with a few additional topics and greater depth of content. The TSHOOT exam takes a more in depth look at how to efficiently troubleshoot the various problems that can come up when dealing with various technologies.
The following is an outline of these new exams and how they have changed with this revision from the old.
CCNP ROUTE Exam (642-902)
Follow this color guide to find out which exam topics were carried over from the BSCI and ISCW exams and which have been added to the curriculum:
Existed in BSCI curriculum
Added to the curriculum
Added from ISCW curriculum
Implement an EIGRP based solution, given a network design and a set of requirements:
- Determine network resources needed for implementing EIGRP on a network
- Create an EIGRP implementation plan
- Create an EIGRP verification plan
- Configure EIGRP routing
- Verify EIGRP solution was implemented properly using show and debug commands
- Document results of EIGRP implementation and verification
Implement a multi-area OSPF Network, given a network design and a set of requirements:
- Determine network resources needed for implementing OSPF on a network
- Create an OSPF implementation plan
- Create an OSPF verification plan
- Configure OSPF routing
- Verify OSPF solution was implemented properly using show and debug commands
- Document results of OSPF implementation and verification plan
Implement an eBGP based solution, given a network design and a set of requirements:
- Determine network resources needed for implementing eBGP on a network
- Create an eBGP implementation plan
- Create an eBGP verification plan
- Configure eBGP routing
- Verify eBGP solution was implemented properly using show and debug commands
- Document results of eBGP implementation and verification plan
Implement an IPv6 based solution, given a network design and a set of requirements:
- Determine network resources needed for implementing IPv6 on a network
- Create an IPv6 implementation plan
- Create an IPv6 verification plan
- Configure IPv6 routing
- Configure IPv6 interoperation with IPv4
- Verify IPv6 solution was implemented properly using show and debug commands
- Document results of IPv6 implementation and verification plan
Implement an IPv4 or IPv6 based redistribution solution, given a network design and a set of requirements:
- Create a redistribution implementation plan based upon the results of the redistribution analysis
- Create a redistribution verification plan
- Configure a redistribution solution
- Verify that a redistribution was implemented
- Document results of a redistribution implementation and verification plan
- Identify the differences between implementing an IPv4 and IPv6 redistribution solution
Implement Layer 3 Path Control Solution:
- Create a Layer 3 path control implementation plan based upon the results of the redistribution analysis
- Create a Layer 3 path control verification plan
- Configure Layer 3 path control
- Verify that a Layer 3 path control was implemented
- Document results of a Layer 3 path control implementation and verification plan
- Implement basic teleworker and branch services
- Describe broadband technologies
- Configure basic broadband connections
- Describe basic VPN technologies
- Configure GRE
- Describe branch access technologies
CCNP SWITCH Exam (642-813)
Follow this color guide to find out which exam topics were carried over from the BCMSN and ONT exams and which have been added to the curriculum:
Existed in BCMSN curriculum
Added to the curriculum
Added from ONT curriculum
Implement VLAN based solution, given a network design and a set of requirements:
- Determine network resources needed for implementing a VLAN based solution on a network
- Create a VLAN based implementation plan
- Create a VLAN based verification plan
- Configure switch-to-switch connectivity for the VLAN based solution
- Configure loop prevention for the VLAN based solution
- Configure Access Ports for the VLAN based solution
- Verify the VLAN based solution was implemented properly using show and debug commands
- Document results of VLAN implementation and verification
Implement a Security Extension of a Layer 2 solution, given a network design and a set of requirements:
- Determine network resources needed for implementing a Security solution
- Create a implementation plan for the Security solution
- Create a verification plan for the Security solution
- Configure port security features
- Configure general switch security features
- Configure private VLANs Configure VACL and PACL
- Verify the Security based solution was implemented properly using show and debug commands
- Document results of Security implementation and verification
Implement Switch based Layer 3 services, given a network design and a set of requirements:
- Determine network resources needed for implementing a Switch based Layer 3 solution
- Create an implementation plan for the Switch based Layer 3 solution
- Create a verification plan for the Switch based Layer 3 solution
- Configure routing interfaces Configure Layer 3 Security
- Verify the Switch based Layer 3 solution was implemented properly using show and debug commands
- Document results of Switch based Layer 3 implementation and verification
Prepare infrastructure to support advanced services:
- Implement a Wireless Extension of a Layer 2 solution
- Implement a VoIP support solution
- Implement video support solution
Implement High Availability, given a network design and a set of requirements:
- Determine network resources needed for implementing High Availability on a network
- Create a High Availability implementation plan
- Create a High Availability verification plan
- Implement first hop redundancy protocols
- Implement switch supervisor redundancy
- Verify High Availability solution was implemented properly using show and debug commands
- Document results of High Availability implementation and verification
CCNP TSHOOT Exam (642-832)
Follow this color guide to find out which exam topics were carried over from previous CCNP curricula and which are brand new additions:
Existed in previous course curricula
Added to the curriculum
Maintain and monitor network performance:
- Develop a plan to monitor and manage a network
- Perform network monitoring using IOS tools
- Perform routine IOS device maintenance
- Isolate sub-optimal internetwork operation at the correctly defined OSI Model layer
Troubleshoot Multi Protocol system networks:
- Troubleshoot EIGRP
- Troubleshoot OSPF
- Troubleshoot eBGP
- Troubleshoot routing redistribution solution
- Troubleshoot a DHCP client and server solution
- Troubleshoot NAT
- Troubleshoot first hop redundancy protocols
- Troubleshoot IPv6 routing
- Troubleshoot IPv6 and IPv4 interoperability
- Troubleshoot switch-to-switch connectivity for the VLAN based solution
- Troubleshoot loop prevention for the VLAN based solution
- Troubleshoot Access Ports for the VLAN based solution
- Troubleshoot private VLANS
- Troubleshoot port security
- Troubleshoot general switch security
- Troubleshoot VACL and PACL
- Troubleshoot switch virtual interfaces (SVIs)
- Troubleshoot switch supervisor redundancy
- Troubleshoot switch support of advanced services (i.e., Wireless, VOIP and Video)
- Troubleshoot a VoIP support solution
- Troubleshoot a video support solution
- Troubleshoot Layer 3 Security
- Troubleshoot issues related to ACLs used to secure access to Cisco routers
- Troubleshoot configuration issues related to accessing the AAA server for authentication purposes
- Troubleshoot security issues related to IOS services (i.e.,finger, NTP, HTTP, FTP, RCP etc.)
What The CCNP Changes Mean For You
Bottom line of it is that the CCNP is changing more significantly in this update then in the last and this should be considered when choosing which path to take. But again keep in mind that if the older CCNP is taken with either the ONT or ISCW exams the certification must be complete by the end of July or you lose the ability to use these for the CCNP.
The advantage of going for the newer CCNP track is that some of the material is more in line with the true day-to-day troubleshooting duties of a networking engineer.
Cisco CCNP Webinar
Cisco is hosting two CCNP webinars on Tuesday, February 23rd — one at 8:00 am and the other at 7:00 pm PST.
Please note that registration is required. Here are the details on each of the events:
CCNP Webinar 8:00 am PST:
Topic: CCNP Webinar
Date and Time: February 23, 2010 8:00 am, Pacific Standard Time
Event number: 201 520 736
Event password: ccnp
Register here: https://cisco.webex.com/cisco/onstage/g.php?d=201520736&t=a
CCNP Webinar 7:00 pm PST:
Topic: CCNP Webinar
Date and Time: February 23, 2010 7:00 pm, Pacific Standard Time
Event number: 205 935 616
Event password: ccnp
Register here: https://ciscosales.webex.com/ciscosales/onstage/g.php?d=205935616&t=a
Will there be updates to you CCNP product line and if so when do you anticipate a release date?
Cheers,
Tim F.
Thank you for the CCNP update!
When do you think that Train Signal will put out the new CCNP training?
Do you know who the instructor will be?
Thank you.
Thanks for the update. From what I have seen on the Cisco website if you pass BSCI and BCMSN by end of July 10 they can be combined with Tshoot to get a CCNP
Will listen to the Webinar to clarify this.
Does that mean the previous exams need to be taken before the July 31 deadline? Or if passing the exams at all will not count towards the new CCNP/
I own the packages from trainsignal for CCNP and was planning to studying them in the next few months.
Regards
Simon
Tim & Alfred,
Yes, we are planning on releasing updated CCNP training later this year, however at the moment I don’t have any specific details as we’re still in the planning stages. I’m not even sure who the instructor for the new courses will be, but I’ll make sure to post an update when I do have more info.
Kasia
Hey,
I have been undertaking much Cisco jobs and training, however I have never done any certification and Im about to start this month. Is it fine if i went ahead and di BCMSN, BSCI pending the other changes?
The BSCI and BCMSN tests will be accepted by Cisco for the CCNP for another 3 years. You do not however want to take the ONT or ISCW exams as they can’t be used after this summer.
-sean
I don’t know when the last time someone asked this question, but if you fail a cert test that’s being retired, can you retake it or do you have to take the replacement exam? I fell short on the BSCI but I can retake it again next week “but” it’s retired now.
Is it possible to retake a retired exam?
Jay Johnson
Hi Jay,
As far as I know, the old CCNP exams were only available until July 31st. In fact, the ISCW and ONT exams won’t be accepted towards CCNP certification after this date — even in you passed them.
Beginning August 1st only the new CCNP exams are available and you will be required to pass the new TSHOOT exam. The BCSI, BCMSN and the composite exam will continue to be accepted for certification as long as they remain valid, which is for three years from the date passed.
All of this info is explained here:
http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/le3/le2/le37/le10/ccnp_exam_combo_tool.html
but please let us know if you have any other questions.
Keep in mind also that the BSCI and the ROUTE exam are not leaps and bounds different just a little bit of refocus and should be easy to take with a little additional studying.
-sean
Why is it so hard to find a course, schedule and price. Each site that I have visited has shown me what the course contains ( I know that already). I just want to know
1) When is course offered?
2) Where is it offered? In other words I tell you a city and state and you respond with address.
3) Need to know price in order to get budget approval. Is this really that hard.
I sit here wondering how you get any students without offering basic information.
First one to call and answer my questions concerning a Cleveland, OH based TSHOOT instructor led class gets my business – that is if anybody reads these comments
Hi Ed,
To answer your first question “why is it so hard to find a course, schedule and price” I think it’s because this exam path is still very new. We don’t currently have training for the new CCNP track and I think many training facilities are in the same boat as we are.
Now to find a TSHOOT class you can search on Cisco’s website by entering your location on this page:
http://tools.cisco.com/GlobalLearningLocator/courseDetails.do?actionType=executeCourseDetail&courseID=5559&qual=CCNP
You will get a listing of all available TSHOOT instructor led classes that have been approved by Cisco.
Hope this helps
pls i need materilas fr the new exams.ROUTE+SWITCH+TSHOOT..wer do i go..help pls
Just curious if there is a scheduled release date for CCNP study materials from Train Signal?
Hi Matthew,
At this time we don’t have a scheduled release date for the new CCNP training, sorry. As more information becomes available, I’ll make sure to post it on our site.
Hi there,
When will the newCCNP Trainsignal be available….just more or less of an indication will do….
End of 2010 or 2011 ?
Thank you
Dewald van Schalkwyk
Hi Dewald,
It definitely won’t be this year, we’re looking at middle of 2011 for the new CCNP training.
Any update on the release of the CCNP material?
Hello,
Do you have any update regarding the release of the CCNP material?
Still with Chris Bryant?
David.
Hi David,
We still haven’t began production on the new CCNP training and since it’s 4 courses and it’s almost August, I doubt we will have anything finished this year.
Sorry about that… and no, unfortunately we’re no longer working with Chris Bryant. But he does offer his own brand of Cisco training on his website: http://www.thebryantadvantage.com/
Please let me know if you have any other questions!
Its a bit of a joke that a training company takes well over a year since the course comes out from a company as high profile as Cisco still not to be even making this material…..
Sort your selves out!
Hi James,
You might not know us as well as you think… TrainSignal is a small company, there’s less than 30 of us. When we decide on which training products to develop we have a lot to consider because each course decision depends on our limited resources.
With the new Cisco CCNP curriculum we simply didn’t have the right resources to create the product. And instead of creating a subpar course we decided to delay production until we have the right people to create the course. I know this might not have been the best decision for us to make, but it is what it is.
Sorry to disappoint you.
Thanks For Update