- Topics Mentioned
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- Cisco Certifications
- Exam(s):
- Cisco Exams
Cisco recently announced a curriculum update for the popular CCNP certification, leaving many candidates unsure of which exams will still count towards their CCNPs.
Are you confused with the recent changes to the CCNP curriculum? Not sure which exams will qualify for you to complete your CCNP?
If you’re in the process of preparing for your CCNP, knowing which exams you can take to complete it can get a bit messy. According to Cisco:
“Based on the substantial overlap of test topics, passing scores achieved on BSCI, BCMSN and/or COMP will continue to be accepted for certification purposes as long as they remain valid–three years from the date passed. In contrast, ISCW and ONT will not be accepted towards CCNP certification after their retirement date. Beginning August 1, 2010, all new CCNP certifications will require a passing score on the new TSHOOT exam.”
These new rules leave candidates with a variety of possible exam combinations. But not to worry. Cisco has a handy tool available that will help you figure out which exams you can take before and after the July 31st deadline with just a few clicks of your mouse.
CCNP Exam Combination Tool
The CCNP Exam Combination Tool allows you to enter the exams that you have already passed and see a list of the available exams that you still need to complete to obtain your CCNP.
So for example, if you only completed the BSCI exam so far, the CCNP Exam Combination Tool will identify several exam options, whether you plan on completing the other exams before the July 31st deadline or after.
However, the CCNP Exam Combo Tool is not perfect.
For example, if you mark the check boxes for the BCSI, BCMSN and ISCW exams you will get a message that says “Not a valid path.”
When in fact you can still take the ONT exam to complete your CCNP before July 31st:
CCNP Curriculum Update
If you’re interested in learning more about how the new and old CCNP exams align and what the changes and updates look like, take a look at our recent article that discusses the new ROUTE, SWITCH & TSHOOT Exams in more detail.
Hi,
I have been preparing for BSCI and BCMSN for quite sometime and i want to take both the exams before the end of July 2010. Can i still register for this exams?.
Excellent. However, the updates should be relevant as ondate. Out dated informtion create confusion with the aspirants for all CCNA exams.
Hi Subhash,
Please keep in mind that this article was posted a year ago and at the time, this was the most up-to-date information on CCNP exams and certifications.
If you have any specific questions, do let us know.
Hi,
NEED EXPERTS HELP !!
I completed my CCNA 3 days back and now I am looking forward to complete more CISCO cert.
As I dont have any work experience, I am planning to go for CCNP rather than any specializations such as CCNA Security or wireless etc.
Am I correct with the above? Please help
642-902, 642-813 and 642-832 are the only options available to complete CCNP? Please suggest.
Hi Vasanti,
Congrats on passing your Cisco CCNA!
The ROUTE (642-902), SWITCH (642-813) and TSHOOT (642-832) exams are currently the only exams available to complete your CCNP certification — that is absolutely correct.
However, Cisco does offer CCNP specializations (just like CCNA specializations) so you also have the option of getting:
- CCNP Security (formerly CCSP)
- CCNP Voice (formerly CCVP)
- CCNP Wireless
- CCNP Service Provider Operations Certification
Does that answer your question? Take a look at some of our other Cisco certification articles: http://www.trainsignal.com/blog/it-certifications/cisco-certifications
Best of luck on your CCNP and let us know if you have any other questions!
Kasia
Thanks for the reply Kasia
I will go with CCNP first
Vasanti
Good choice! Best of luck Vasanti!