What is Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Certification?

For anyone who wants to advance their career in networking, understanding the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification is essential. Following the foundational Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, the CCNP is a higher-level credential.

The CCNP certification validates your ability to plan, implement, verify, and troubleshoot local and wide-area enterprise networks. The CCNP certification offers several specialized tracks, including Enterprise, Security, Service Provider, Collaboration, and Data Center, each catering to different professional roles and expertise areas.

By obtaining a CCNP certification, you can open doors to various career profiles such as network engineer, systems engineer, network administrator, and IT manager, positioning yourself as a highly skilled networking professional.

In this article, we have explained Cisco's CCNP Certification in great detail. We have provided details on all CCNP certification tracks and how each can be beneficial for your career.

If you are interested in getting online training for CCNP certifications, you can browse our Cisco Courses catalogue, where we have provided various learning materials for Cisco's Certifications.

What is CCNP? 

CCNP stands for Cisco Certified Network Professional is a professional tier certification program designed by Cisco to validate the skills and knowledge required to manage and troubleshoot enterprise networks.

The certification is aimed at professionals working with advanced networking technologies, including routing, switching, security, and automation. The CCNP program offers specialization in areas like enterprise networks, security, data centers, and service providers.

CCNP Enterprise Certification TrainingEnroll in our CCNP Enterprise course and get free virtual labs.Explore course

Why is the CCNP Certification so Important?

CCNP Certifications are essential for IT professionals who want to improve their career prospects and find better opportunities with higher salaries. Professionals with a Foundational Cisco certification choose the CCNP certification as the next step in their career.

CCNP remains relevant and prestige for networking professionals due to the following reasons:

1. CCNP provides various certification paths, allowing IT professionals to work in their field of interest.

2. As a professional-level certification, it allows the cert holder to work at higher positions and get better salaries.

3. It gives a sense of personal fulfillment, as it improves your personal growth. According to statistics, 92% of certified individuals report feeling more confident in their abilities after earning certifications.

List of CCNP Certifications

CCNP certifications span across various paths and cover domains like Enterprise, Datacenter, Cybersecurity, and Service Provider. 

The table below shows all available CCNP certification tracks:

If you want to get online training with free virtual labs for any of the CCNP certifications, contact our learner advisors.

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Recertification 

CCNP Enterprise certifications are valid for three years. To renew, you can: 

● Pass a professional concentration exam and earn 40 continuing education (CE) credits. 

● Earn 80 CE credits through Cisco’s Continuing Education portal. 

CCNP vs. CCNA: What’s the Difference? 

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and CCNP Enterprise certifications cater to different expertise levels: 

 CCNA is ideal for beginners, while CCNP is suitable for experienced professionals seeking advanced knowledge and specialization. 

How to Prepare for CCNP Certification 

Preparing for the CCNP Enterprise certification requires a structured approach and access to the right resources.

Step 1: Start by identifying the two exams you need to pass: the core exam and a concentration exam.

Step 2: Enroll in training programs. Cisco also provide training for their certifications, or you can choose online platform like UniNets for a affordable alternative. 

Step 3: Utilize Cisco tools like Cisco Learning Labs, Modeling Labs, or Packet Tracer to simulate real-world scenarios and refine your skills. You can also visit UniNet's Virtual Labs. 

Step 4: Additionally, self-paced practice problems and mock exams help reinforce your understanding and build confidence.

Potential Job Roles in CCNP

The following are the potential job roles that you can get into after completing the CCNP certification 

Is the CCNP Enterprise Certification Worth It? 

Yes, the CCNP Enterprise certification is highly valuable for networking professionals seeking career growth and specialization. Globally recognized, it validates advanced expertise in enterprise networking, including automation and security.

According to Payscale, CCNP-certified professionals earn an average annual salary of $106,000, with roles like network architect averaging $133,969 and IT director $121,906.

The certification not only enhances earning potential but also serves as a stepping stone to prestigious credentials like the CCIE.

Additionally, it provides access to Cisco’s online certification community, offering networking opportunities and industry insights, making it a worthwhile investment for advancing your career in a competitive field. 

Final Thoughts 

The CCNP Enterprise certification is a powerful credential for experienced networking professionals aiming to advance their careers. By validating your skills in enterprise network solutions and offering opportunities for specialization, it sets you apart in a competitive industry. 

If your career goals include roles in industrial networking, earning a globally recognized certification, or pursuing advanced Cisco exams like the CCIE, the CCNP Enterprise certification is a worthy investment.