CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)

Updated on Jan 2, 2023 04:49 IST
Radhika Sharma

Radhika SharmaAssociate Senior Executive

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is an intermediate level certification offered by Cisco which falls under the Cisco Certified Professional Program. This certification is aimed at full-time network or system administrators, or those who work with local and/or wide-area network (LAN/WAN) infrastructure.

Cisco Certified Network Professional program train candidates to plan, implement, verify and troubleshot Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) at the enterprise level. CCNP certified professionals can effectively collaborate with specialists on advanced security, voice, wireless and video solutions. Cisco Certified Network Professionals can also achieve success in enterprise-level networking roles, such as network administrator, network engineer, network technician, or systems engineer.

Eligibility Criteria for CCNP

Aspirants who possess a bachelor’s degree in Information Science, Computer Science or Engineering can pursue CCNP certification programmes.

Despite the fact that CISCO CCNP doesn't have any pre-necessities, the CISCO Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) certification is a decent beginning stage to get ready for the further developed CCNA accreditation. CCENT is acquired by passing the initial segment of the interconnecting CISCO Networking Devices exam. The ICND1 course and exam is additionally required for CCNA accreditations. 

Entrance Exams for CCNP

There is no need to take an entrance test or exam to apply for the CCNP certification. It is recommended that the candidates complete at least graduation in the related fields and gain an experience of 3 to 5 years before applying for this exam. However, the experience is not mandatory for the aspiring candidates.

Some private institutions might however conduct an online objective-type exam to select the deserving candidates. The candidates will need to prepare for such exams by studying the basic networking concepts that are generally included in a beginner-level certification course like CCNA. However, most of the institutes don’t organise such qualifying exams and select the candidates based on their experience and educational qualification.

Skillset Required for CCNP 

Enlisted below are seven areas of professional certifications offered by Cisco under the Cisco Certified Network Professional program. The course has been designed as per the IT industry requirements. In order to pursue your career as a Cisco Certified Network Professional, one needs to possess the below mentioned skills:

Required Skillset for Cisco Certified Network Professional

Implement and configure an EIGRP based solution.

Plan and implement a Security Extension of Layer 2 solutions.

Create a multi-area OSPF Network and configure OSPF routing.

Design and configure Switch based Layer 3 services.

Implement an eBGP based solution and configure eBGP routing.

Implement advanced VoIP, video, and wireless support solutions.

Setup an IPv6 based solution and document implementation results.

Implement High Availability and confirm using show & debug commands.

Implement and configure an IPv4 or IPv6 redistribution solution.

Maintain the network and develop a plan to monitor performance.

Create Layer 3 Path Control Solutions and broadband connections.

Troubleshoot Multi-Protocol systems, such as EIGRP, NAT and OSPF.

Determine the necessary resources and implement VLAN based solution.

Plan and implement a Security Extension of Layer 2 solutions.

Ability to use industry-specific tools.

Troubleshooting Skills

Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite

Research-Oriented

Customer Service Skills

 

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Top Cisco Certifications 

Aptitudes and learning in the field of networking and technology is increased through the CCNP certification programme. The training is profitable in the systems administration field as the topics covered amid the training program provide the basis to all the systems administration topologies and conventions.

The course additionally gives practical hands-on training on CISCO routers and switches, as on WAN setup is finished without Leased line/Wireless/VSAT/DSL/and so on. Telecom gadgets like CSU/DSU/, Telco MUX are additionally covered in functional setup. The training for CCNA certification is given by senior Network/WAN designers who have substantial understanding and field experience.

Technology

Proven Professional Competence

Applicable Cisco Certification

Data Center

Knowledge of designing, implementing, and troubleshooting data centers and all their components.

Cisco Certifed Network Professional Data Center (CCNP Data Center)

Design

Knowledge of intelligent network design concepts and principles.

Ability to discuss, design, and develop advanced addressing and routing, security, data center, and IP multicast complex architectures with VPN and wireless domains.

Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)

Routing and Switching

Knowledge of managing complex networks working with core technologies, optimizing infrastructure and keeping applications secure and performing efficiently

Cisco Certified Network Professional Routing  and Switching (CCNP Routing and Switching)

Security

Knowledge of how to choose, deploy, support, and troubleshoot firewalls, VPNs, and IDS/IPS solutions for their networking environments

Cisco Certified Network Professional Security    (CCNP Security)

Services Provider

Knowledge of how to deliver a scalable carrier-grade infrastructure capable of rapid expansion to support ongoing new managed services offerings and other customer requirements.

Cisco Certified Network Professional Service Provider (CCNP SP)

Voice/Collaboration

A robust set of skills in implementing, operating, configuring and troubleshooting a converged IP network.

Knowledge of how to manage the quality of service (QoS), gateways, gatekeepers, IP phones, voice applications, and utilities.

Cisco Certified Network Professional Voice (CCNP Voice)

Wireless

Ability to design, implement, secure and operate wireless networks and mobility infrastructures. Knowledge on assessing and translating network business requirements into technical specifications resulting in successful installations.

Cisco Certified Network Professional Wireless (CCNP Wireless)

Enlisted below are seven areas of professional certifications offered by Cisco under the Cisco Certified Network Professional program. The course has been designed as per the IT industry requirements. 

CCNP Cloud

CCNP Security

CCNP Collaboration

CCNP Service Provider

CCNP Data Center

CCNP Wireless

CCNP Routing and Switching

 

Syllabus for CCNP 

CISCO Certified Network Professional i.e. CCNP is a certification offered by CISCO which is one of the leading service providers when it comes to networking hardware and solutions. The CCNP certification course is designed to make the students equipped in handling WAN (Wide Area Network) and LAN (Local Area Network) issues. It is an advanced-level course that is typically undertaken by the students who have completed the CCNA course. However, even those who have a graduate degree in computer science, engineering, or information science can apply for this programme.

The CCNP Routing and switching educational module is a gateway to entry-level systems administration. The educational programs comprise of four 70 hour courses as enlisted below:  

  • Introduction to Networks
  • Routing and Switching Essential
  • Scaling Networks
  • Connecting Network 

Top Institutes for CCNP Courses

Some of the best colleges/institutes for CCNP courses according to the syllabus structure, reputation, and placement opportunities are given in the below table:

College/University/Institute

 

 

CISCO CCNP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LinuxWorld India, Jaipur

Koenig Solutions

Netmax Technologies

Institute of Advance Network Technology (IANT)

Networkers Home

Jetking

Seven Mentor Pvt. Ltd.

I-Medita

Indian Institute of Hardware and Technology

Top Job Profiles for CCNP Courses

Aspirants who wish to join the networking industry need to have in-depth knowledge of various networking techniques and strategies.

CCNP Certified professionals have a plethora of opportunities before them. After completing their course, aspirants can work at the following job roles.

Job Roles

Proven Professional Competence

Applicable Cisco Certification

Data Centre

Presales Engineer

 

Design Engineer

 

Implementation Engineer

 

Support Engineer

Years of experience: 3-5

Knowledge of designing, implementing, and troubleshooting data centers and all their components.

Cisco Certified Network Professional Data Center (CCNP Data Center)

Design

Senior Network Design Engineer

 

Senior Analyst

 

Principal Systems Engineer

Years of experience: 3-5

Advanced knowledge of intelligent network design concepts and principles.

Ability to discuss, design, and develop advanced addressing and routing, security, data below-mentioned, and IP multicast complex architectures with VPN and wireless domains.

Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)

Routing & Switching

Network Engineer

 

System Engineer

 

Network Support Specialist

 

Network Administrator

 

Network Consultant

 

System Integrator

Years of experience: 3-5

Manage complex networks working with core technologies, optimizing infrastructure and keep applications secure and performing efficiently.

Cisco Certified Network Professional Routing and Switching (CCNP Routing and Switching)

Security

Network Security Engineer

Years of experience: 3-5

Ability to choose, deploy, support, and troubleshoot firewalls, VPNs, and IDS/IPS solutions for their networking environments.

Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security)

Service Provider

Service Provider Network Engineer

 

Channel Partner Sales Engineer

 

Channel Partner Field Engineer

 

Service Provider System Engineer

 

Service Provider Network Specialist

Years of experience: 3-5

Knowledge required to deliver a scalable carrier-grade infrastructure capable of rapid expansion to support ongoing new managed services offerings and other customer requirements.

Cisco Certified Network Professional Service Provider (CCNP SP)

Voice Collaboration

Voice Engineer -Voice Manager

 

UC Voice Engineer

 

Voice Solutions Engineer

Years of experience: 3-5

Robust set of skills in implementing, operating, configuring, and troubleshooting a converged IP network

Ability to manage quality of service (QoS), gateways, gatekeepers, IP phones, voice applications, and utilities.

Cisco Certified Network Professional Voice (CCNP Voice)

Wireless

Wireless Lan Specialist

 

Wireless Network Engineer

 

Wireless Test Engineer

 

Wireless Network  Administrator

 

Wireless Network Manager

 

Mid-Level Wireless Support Engineer

 

Project Manager

 

Network Designer

 

Program Managers

 

Sales and Marketing

Years of experience: 3 -5

Ability to design, implement, secure, and operate wireless networks and mobility infrastructures.

Skills to assess and translate network business requirements into technical specifications resulting in successful installations.

Cisco Certified Network Professional Wireless (CCNP Wireless)

Top Recruiters for CCNP Courses

Some of the top recruiters for CCNP courses are as follows:

  • Wipro
  • Microsoft
  • HCL Technologies
  • Mphasis
  • TCS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on CCNP

Q. What is CCNP?

A. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is an intermediate level certification offered by Cisco which falls under the Cisco Certified Professional Program. This certification is aimed at full-time network or system administrators, or those who work with local and/or wide-area network (LAN/WAN) infrastructure. Cisco Certified Network Professional program train candidates to plan, implement, verify and troubleshot Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) at the enterprise level. CCNP certified professionals can effectively collaborate with specialists on advanced security, voice, wireless and video solutions.

Q. What are the top certifications in CCNP?

A. The top certifications in CCNP are:
  • CCNP Cloud
  • CCNP Collaboration
  • CCNP Data Center
  • CCNP Routing and Switching
  • CCNP Security
  • CCNP Service Provider
  • CCNP Wireless

Q. What are the skills required for CCNP?

A. Some of the top skills one must possess to pursue CCNP are:
  • Create a multi-area OSPF Network and configure OSPF routing.
  • Strong communication skills and research-oriented work ethics.
  • Setup an IPv6 based solution and document implementation results.
  • Design and configure Switch based Layer 3 services
  • Plan and implement a Security Extension of Layer 2 solutions.

Q. What is the course structure for CCNP?

A. Aptitudes and learning in the field of networking and technology is increased through the CCNP certification programme. The training is profitable in the systems administration field as the topics covered amid the training program provide the basis to all the systems administration topologies and conventions. The course additionally gives practical hands-on training on CISCO routers and switches, as on WAN setup is finished without Leased line/Wireless/VSAT/DSL/and so on. Telecom gadgets like CSU/DSU/, Telco MUX are additionally covered in functional setup. 

Q. What is the eligibility criteria to pursue CCNP?

A. Aspirants who possess a bachelor’s degree in Information Science, Computer Science or Engineering can pursue CCNP certification programmes. The CISCO Certified Entry Network Technician (CCENT) certification is a decent beginning stage to get ready for the further developed CCNA accreditation. CCENT is acquired by passing the initial segment of the interconnecting CISCO Networking Devices exam. 

Q. What are the top areas in which CCNP is applied?

A. The top domains in which CCNP is applied are:
  • Data Center
  • Design
  • Routing and Switching
  • Security
  • Services Provider
  • Voice/Collaboration
  • Wireless

Q. What are the top job profiles for CCNP certified professionals?

A. CCNP Certified professionals have a plethora of opportunities before them. After completing their course, aspirants can work at the following job roles:
  • Design Engineer
  • Implementation Engineer
  • Senior Network
  • Principal Systems Engineer
  • Network Support Specialist
  • Service Provider Network Engineer
  • Service Provider Network Specialist
  • Wireless Lan Specialist

Q. Which section carries the most weightage in the CISCO 300-101 certification exam?

A. The Layer 3 Technologies section carries the most weightage in the CISCO 300-101 certification exam followed by Infrastructure services, Layer 2 Technologies, VPN technologies, and network principles. The core syllabus of the Layer 3 Technologies revolves around the IPv4 addressing and concepts like subnetting.

Q. When does the CCNP certification expire?

A. CCNP certification helps the candidates to configure and find issues in LAN and WAN networks. The CCNP certification expires after 3 years once it has been acquired. Therefore, the candidates need to enrol in the continuation programme to recertify themselves and keep the CCNP certification valid.

Q. Which CCNP specialisation is the best for the candidates?

A. Each CCNP specialisation is unique and offers some unique skills to the candidates. However, the candidates need to understand their areas of interest and choose the specialisation accordingly. The candidates can also acquire certifications with multiple specialisations to demonstrate their supremacy in the networking field.

Q. What is the exam pattern of the CISCO exams?

A. Each CISCO exam consists of more than 100 questions. The candidates get 120 minutes to answer all the questions. It means that the questions will be of objective type and the candidates need to choose the right answer for each question. Therefore, it is recommended that the students go through several mock tests and sample question papers to get a complete hold over the syllabus contents.

Popular CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) Colleges in India. Learn more about these CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1.38 L - 16.72 L
3.6
0 - 8.11 K
35 K - 6.16 L
2.4 - 3.65 LPA
1.3 L - 17 L
4.35 - 6 LPA

IT & Software Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
4.55 L
4.2 LPA
4.38 L - 11.9 L
5.16 - 6.14 LPA

Popular Private CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) Colleges in India

6 L - 10.8 L
8.6 LPA

IT & Software Applications open. Apply Now

1.35 L - 6.08 L
4.6 LPA
3 L - 16 L
3.3 - 4.2 LPA
14 Courses
3 L - 20 L
3.9

IT & Software Applications open. Apply Now

2 L - 4.12 L
3.0
1.84 L - 6.42 L
4.5 LPA

Popular CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) Specializations

Following are the most popular CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

qna

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