Overview
CCNP Exam is a professional level of certification granted by Cisco Networks for the networking domain. CCNP stands for Cisco Certified Network Professional, and it is Level 2 of the CCNA Certification exam covering the knowledge and concepts of CCNA in more detail.
Certifications prescribed by Cisco are always at the highest level, and it is a reliable certification program for budding professionals and industry veterans. Therefore, we will be focusing on some of the steps that you can follow to get through your CCNP exam with no worries. Let us dive right into the subsequent section for more details.
Steps to get through the CCNP exam
Below are some of the steps which you must follow to get through the CCNP exam process,
Read through the concepts of CCNA
As mentioned above, the CCNP exam is an amplified version of the CCNA, meaning most of the subject matter you have learned will be covered in-depth in the former. It is the reason CCNA is one of the pre-requisite requirements for giving CCNP. CCNA sets the foundational baseline for your concepts, and CCNP gives you a firm grip on that baseline but in additional detail.
Therefore, it is vital that you have your CCNA knowledge up and running because if you don’t, passing the CCNP exam will not be a cakewalk. Brush up on your concepts just in case, schedule a timeline for yourself to study CCNP, and then attempt the examination.
Having to experience hands-on
If you have cleared the CCNA examination, you must know that it is impossible to pass it without industry knowledge or hands-on experience. The host company recommends professionals gain about 1-3 years of experience in this field before sitting the CCNP exam. The reason for this is to have proper knowledge of all the CCNP devices that you will work upon eventually.
You can start creating a home lab of your own or start your training from a Cisco certified institute containing all the company-approved devices for you to work. It is essential to have about 4-5 hours of experience operating these devices to understand the workings, concepts, and finally, the key to cracking the CCNP exam.
Getting assistance from Cisco Certified trainers
Apart from the books you already have for the CCNP exam, you can also take experienced assistance from Cisco Certified trainers. They have the required knowledge, experience, and skills, which will help you clear the exams. They know how to train the professionals based on their skillset. They can assist you with creating a program on how to tackle complex topics in the syllabus.
Since they are experts in the industry, they will assist you with the knowledge you need in passing the examination and understanding how companies operate in the real world. They will even guide you thoroughly if you get stuck in a concept rather than searching the internet and receiving simple solutions.
Keep extra resources in handy
You have your books and expert help required to pass the exams, but there will be cases when you need knowledge outside of your comfort zone. You will need help through surplus resources, and Cisco can assist you in that front as well. Cisco Press Guides are a great way to clear the CCNP exam, but even these will prove less.
Keep all your bases covered if you want to stay in shape before and during the exams. Subscribe yourself to Google groups focused on CCNP exams. You can get involved in discussions with experts and peers on any particular topic and resolve your queries. Follow Cisco blogs as well to receive updates on the go.
Take an ample number of off-time in between preparation
We discuss vital points and strategies when we want to ace CCNP exams, but we seldom talk about breaks while preparing, which is not fair. Our body does need time to digest and process the information that we have absorbed. Do not overburden yourself with knowledge. All you will do in the end if you end up burdening yourselves is mess everything up.
Even before going to the exams, last-minute revision is unnecessary. You would not want to cram your brain with everything. Breathe, sit somewhere, close your eyes for two minutes, and clear your mind. It is an integral part of preparing for exams, and it will help you in the long run.
Conclusion
Getting one level above the CCNA exams is a tough nut to crack. But if you follow the steps mentioned above to the letter, you are bound to pass the CCNP exam. In essence, you must be confident about yourself, and you have the right set of materials, resources, expert contacts, and industry experience. Nothing will stop you from reaching the goal if you have all of it.
