The CCNP Routing & Switching credential validates your capability to plan, verify, troubleshoot, and implement wide and local area enterprise networks. It also shows that you have what it takes to work jointly with other specialists on complex security, wireless, video, and voice solutions. The Cisco Certified Network Professional Routing & Switching certificate is targeted for professionals with a minimum of one-year experience in networking. This certification designed for individuals who are ready to enhance their knowledge and skills to carry out functions on multifaceted network solutions.

Professionals with CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) Routing & Switching certificate have the required skills to work as Support Engineers, Network Engineers, Network Technicians, or Systems Engineers. The Routing & Switching protocol skills and knowledge gathered from this credential will provide great foundation as these skills are in great demand in the current physical networks and future virtual network functions.

Prerequisites for CCNP Routing and Switching Certification

Before you go ahead to register for the CCNP R&S certification exam(s), it is important to know what the requirements are. Candidates are expected to have minimum one to three years of experience in networking. Professionals with Cisco CCIE and CCNA R&S credentials can also write certification test to earn their CCNP certificate.

CCNP Routing and Switching Exams

Earning the certification requires that you write and pass three different exams. Few details below of the tests you have to write and pass before you can attain your certification.

300-101 ROUTE

Cisco 300-101 ROUTE is the qualification exam required for the Cisco CCDP and CCNP credentials. This test evaluates the candidate’s skills and knowledge on routing, as well as validates that an engineer has what it takes to function in the real world. The candidates taking this test will be certified as skilled engineer utilizing advanced IP routing, implementing highly secure and scalable Cisco routers that are linked to WANs, IPv6, and LANs. Before you schedule your exam, it is essential to study the 300-101 ROUTE test topics and read the current exam policies and prerequisites.

300-115 SWITCH

300-115 SWITCH is a qualification test for the CCNP & CCDP credentials. The certification exam validates the switching skills and knowledge possessed of the specialists. The candidates will be tested on planning, verifying, implementing, and configuring of multifaceted enterprise switch solutions using the Enterprise Campus Architecture from Cisco. Just like other exams, it is crucial that you study the topics before you register for your test. It is also important to go through the exam requirements and policies to help you understand all you need to know before writing the test.

300-135 TSHOOT

300-135 TSHOOT is a certification exam targeted at professionals aiming to earn the Cisco CCNP credential. The test validates that the candidates have the required skills and knowledge needed to carry out the following functions:

• Plan and execute standard maintenance on multifaceted enterprise routed & switched networks
• Utilized technology-supported practices with a methodical ITIL compliant technique to carry out network troubleshooting

It is recommended that you go through the exam topics before you register for the certification test. By studying the topics, you will be able to understand all the details and become well prepared for your exam.

How to Prepare for the CCNP R&S Exams?

The PrepAway Cisco CCNP certification exams require an extensive study and preparation. You don’t have to worry though; there are enough resource materials that are available to you. The first step is to go through the exam objectives to find out what you are expected to know. To build your educational process, you can explore different preparation options. These options include self-study and training.

For your self-study, there are couple of official materials that you can use in your preparation. Some of the top resources you need include:

• Implementing Cisco IP Routing v2.0
• Implementing Cisco IP Switched Network v2.0
• Troubleshooting & Maintaining Cisco IP Network v2.0
• CCNP Route & Switch MeasureUp Practice Exams
• Cisco Learning-Labs for CCNP R&S: Route, Switch & TSHOOT

In addition to those self-study resources, you can also explore other materials available online. When choosing resources, it is important to check its relevance to your preparation. One way to do this is to read the exam objectives. It is recommended that you read reviews about the materials from other candidates. This will enable you to find reliable materials. You can also check Cisco official website to go through recommended study resources that will help you in your preparation.

Training

Apart from self-study, you can explore training as part of your exam preparation technique. In fact, the best way you can prepare for the test is by taking Cisco-approved training. There are many platforms online that offer various training options for CCNP Routing and Switching certification.

Recertification

It is important to point out that the CCNP Routing and Switching certificate is valid for a period of three years. After this period, you will be required to retake your certification test. All you need to refresh your credential is to pass one of the recommended tests (CCIE, CCDE, CCAR, or any 300*** or 642*** professional-level exams) before the certification will reach the expiry date.

Conclusion

The CCNP Routing and Switching certification offers you a great platform to explore many career opportunities. Passing the exams requires hard work, however all the efforts will be rewarded after you receive your credential. There are numerous job opportunities that you can explore with this certification and you can easily grow your career to the level you want. According to studies, CCNP certification holders are some of the top paid professionals in the IT industry. If you are looking to boost your salary potential, earning this Cisco certificate is definitely a great way to follow.

Author: Jawad Alalawi

Information Technology Professional specialized in Financial Payment Services, Risk Management, Information Security, and Compliance. Experienced in solutions development and implementation, and technical writer.
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