CCNP Enterprise

CCNP Enterprise demonstrates competence as a professional network engineer.

This new CCNP certification takes into account the increasing inter-connectivity of workers, hardware, and applications in the organization, enabling CCNP Enterprise certificate holders to compete in the rapidly evolving networking space. This credential is appropriate for IT professionals with 3-5 years of relevant experience who can independently manage Cisco network technologies.

To become CCNP Enterprise certified, you must pass two exams: one in core network technologies, plus one in a concentration of your choice. The concentration exam enables you to target your CCNP to a specific job role. Beyond achieving your CCNP Enterprise, each additional concentration test you pass earns you an individual Specialization certificate to validate your updated skill set. The CCNP concentration exam options include areas like network design, wireless networking, and automation; see the full list of CCNP Enterprise exams below.

Cisco Certified Network Professionals are best suited to roles such as network administrator, network engineer, and (higher tier) help desk technician.

Skills Measured by the CCNP

Here are the key skill sets validated by CCNP Enterprise certification. Cisco Certified Network Professionals can:

• Implement and configure an EIGRP based solution.
• Create a multi-area OSPF Network and configure OSPF routing.
• Implement an eBGP based solution and configure eBGP routing.
• Setup an IPv6 based solution and document implementation results.
• Implement and configure an IPv4 or IPv6 redistribution solution.
• Create Layer 3 Path Control Solutions and broadband connections.
• Determine the necessary resources and implement VLAN based solution.
• Plan and implement a Security Extension of Layer 2 solutions.
• Design and configure Switch based Layer 3 services.
• Implement advanced VoIP, video, and wireless support solutions.
• Implement High Availability and confirm using show & debug commands.
• Maintain the network and develop a plan to monitor performance.
• Troubleshoot Multi Protocol systems, such as EIGRP, NAT and OSPF.

CCNP Exams

To become CCNP Enterprise certified, candidates must pass ONE Core exam and ONE Concentration exam:

After passing your first concentration exam, CCNPs will earn Specialization certs for each additional concentration exam passed.

CCNP Exam Formats: Exams are comprised of multiple testing formats including multiple choice, drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, testlet, simlet, and simulations. Explore the Cisco Certification Exam Tutorial at Cisco.com to familiarize yourself with these question types.

CCNP Passing Scores: Approximately 75% correct; Cisco does not publish exam passing scores because test questions and passing scores are subject to change without notice. (Source: Cisco.com)

CCNP Prerequisites

• Required: There are no formal prerequisites for the CCNP Enterprise certification exams.
• Recommended: Three to five years of relevant networking experience.

CCNP Salary

Average salary for Cisco Certified Network Professionals and related Cisco certification-holders:

• CCENT: Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician | $59,000
• CCNA: Cisco Certified Network Associate | $75,000
• CCNA Security | $78,000
• CCNA Voice | $79,000
• CCNA Wireless | $79,000
• Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Support Specialist | $86,000
• CCDA: Cisco Certified Design Associate | $88,000
• CCNP Wireless | $89,000
• CCNP: Cisco Certified Network Professional | $92,000
• CCVP: Cisco Certified Voice Professional | $95,000
• CCSP: Cisco Certified Security Professional | $100,000
• CCNP Security | $103,000
• CCDP: Cisco Certified Design Professional | $106,000
• CCIE Routing & Switching | $122,000
• CCIE Security | $130,000

Mean salary by Cisco certification (USA)
Source: Payscale.com

Related Certifications

• CompTIA A+ Certification
• CompTIA Network+ Certification
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA)
• EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)

Related Careers

• Network Administrator
• Help Desk Technician
• IT Security Specialist
• Cloud Engineer