New Cisco Certification and Training
At Cisco Live in San Diego, Cisco announced new certification and training tracks, calling it the evolution of networking technology. The driving force behind this change is to unleash the full capabilities of the new network. New skills are required for both network engineers and software developers as networks become more intuitive, automated and intent based.
Updates include:
1. The Associate Level certifications will be consolidated and updated into two certifications:
- CCNA
Cisco have consolidated the CCNA programme into one, comprehensive exam (200-301 CCNA) that covers entry level networking skills across technologies, such as basic IP fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, and basics of automation and network programmability, and security fundamental skills, because a breadth of skills is needed when first entering networking.
Learn more - DevNet Associate
Achieving Cisco Certified DevNet Associate certification proves your skills in developing and maintaining applications built on Cisco platforms. To earn DevNet Associate certification, you pass one exam (200-901 DEVASC) that covers the fundamentals of software development and design for Cisco platforms.
2. The Professional Level certifications are being be consolidated and updated into 6 certifications:
To earn a Professional certification you need to pass 2 exams: one core exam + one concentration exam.
New certifications on Professional level after 24 Februari 2020:
- DevNet Professional
- CCNP Enterprise
- CCNP Collaboration
- CCNP Data Center
- CCNP Security
- CCNP Service Provider
Learn more about the new Cisco Professional certifications
3. No formal prerequisites for CCNP or CCIE certifications.
Ofcourse a good understanding of the exam topics is needed before taking the exam.
4. All Cisco certifications are valid for 3 years
Specialist and CCIE certifications are still valid for 2 years, however as of 24 February 2020 all Cisco certifications are valid for 3 years. You can re-certify by passing the corresponding exams, but also by demonstrating that you will continue to develop your knowledge by earning Continuing Education credits. For example, you can earn credits by attending Cisco Live sessions and by attending Cisco training courses.
5. CCIE: Written exams expire
All CCIE written exams expire on 24 February 2020. In order to obtain a CCIE certification, you will need to successfully complete a corresponding core exam and a lab exam. For a CCDE certification you still need to take a written exam followed by a practical exam.
Anticipated launch dates
The new training and certification portfolio was announced on 10th June 2019. The new and updated training courses will be rolled out over the next 8 months or so, the new exams however will not be available until the 24th of February 2020.
What will happen to my existing certifications?
- For CCNA, Specialist and CCNP:
Your current certification is still valid and will be active until its expiration date. When the new programme goes into effect on 24th February 2020, your current certification will be transitioned to an equivalent in the new programme.
If your certification expires before 24 February 2020, we advise you to renew your certification in time on the basis of the current conditions. After all, a valid certification will soon be converted into a new certification.
If your valid certification expires on or after 24 February 2020, we advise you to draw up a plan to recertify on the basis of the new conditions.
- For CCIE:
If you are an active CCIE, your suspended year will be converted to an active year. For example, if your active CCIE would have been suspended beginning 21st April 2020, you will sustain active status until 21st April 2021.
I have already started my certification Journey what should I do next?
The answer is simple keep going and complete your certification before the 24th of February 2020, as you will automatically be granted the new equivalent certification (where applicable) .
For more information about how to migrate your certification in progress, visit the migration tools below.
- Migration Tool CCNP Routing & Switching | to the new CCNP Enterprise certification
- Migration Tool CCNP Cloud | to the new CCNP Data Center certification
- Migration Tool CCNP Security | to the new CCNP Security certification
- Migration Tool CCNP Collaboration | to the new CCNP Collaboration certification
- Migration Tool CCNP Service Provider |to the new CCNP Service Provider certification
- Migration Tool CCNP Data Center | to the new CCNP Data Center certification
- Migration Tool CCNP Wireless | to the new CCNP Enterprise certification
- Migration Tool CCDP | to the new CCNP Enterprise certification
Recertification policy update
From 24th February 2020, certified individuals, including CCNA, Cisco Certified Specialist, CCNP and CCIE, will be able to recertify by either taking exams, earning Continuing Education credits or a mix of both. Continuing education activities include things like attending Cisco Live training sessions, authoring content, completing online training courses, completing instructor-led training courses and more.
