The introduction of new Cisco certification exams

The new Cisco certifications are designed to help network engineers and administrators become well-rounded in automation, development, networking, and security. IT professionals can no longer afford to specialize in just routing, security, or wireless networking because the modern network is highly integrated. By passing any exam (except for the new CCNA exam), you can earn the Cisco Certified Specialist credential. This credential serves as a stepping stone for those looking to achieve a CCNP certification. After obtaining professional status, you can advance towards your Expert (CCIE) and Architect (CCAr) certifications. For the latest and updated study materials, check out the training courses offered at SPOTO Club.

CCNA Track Updates

The new, consolidated CCNA certification will replace all of the current CCNA specialty certifications, from CCNA Cloud to CCNA Wireless. It will also replace the CCDA. The new CCNA certification does not have any prerequisites. However, Cisco recommends that candidates should have at least one year of experience managing Cisco solutions, an understanding of general IP addressing, and knowledge of networking basics. Additionally, candidates will only need to complete one exam to earn the CCNA certification, rather than multiple exams required previously for achieving the associate status.

CCNP Track Updates

Most of the CCNP certifications are also being consolidated. Instead of starting your specialization track at the CCNA level, you will now take the CCNA exam first and then specialize with the CCNP. Here are the five tracks that will replace the current eight tracks (from CCDP to CCNP Routing and Switching):

• CCNP Enterprise
• CCNP Service Provider
• CCNP Collaboration
• CCNP Data Center
• CCNP Security

For the CCNP certifications, there will be no formal prerequisites. Instead of taking three or four exams, you will only need to take two: one core exam and one concentration exam of your choice.

CCIE Track Updates

The CCIE and CCDE certifications will also be updated. There will now be just six CCIE tracks:

• CCIE Data Center
• CCIE Collaboration
• CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
• CCIE Enterprise Wireless
• CCIE Security
• CCIE Service Provider

Instead of a dedicated CCIE written exam, you will only need to pass the CCNP concentration exam and then participate in an eight-hour lab exam. Except for the two CCIE Enterprise options, each CCNP certification will align with a CCIE certification, ensuring a smooth transition from Professional to Expert level. For the Enterprise track, you have two options: CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure and CCIE Enterprise Wireless. After passing the CCNP Enterprise exam, you will take the lab requirement for either Wireless or Infrastructure based on your job role and interests.

New DevNet Certification Track

In addition to the updated Cisco certification paths, Cisco will also introduce a new certification track known as DevNet. This program is designed to enhance the skills of automation specialists, software developers, DevOps engineers, and other software-based professionals. The DevNet certification will strengthen your skills in automation, applications, infrastructure development, and design within networking, cloud, Internet of Things (IoT), and DevOps. The track will follow the same structure as other certifications, progressing from DevNet Associate to Specialist to Professional. To become certified, you can take an associate-level exam at the CCNA level, earn the Specialist certification after one test, or take two exams to become a DevNet Professional.