Cisco redesign Security, Voice, Wireless certifications

Cisco has redesigned its Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification to reflect new skills required of security, voice, and wireless experts. In addition to the curriculum changes for its associate-level CCNA certification, Cisco also has rebranded the certification to “CCNA Routing and Switching.”

 

In addition to Routing and Switching, new CCNA designations in the upgraded certification program also include CCNA Voice, CCNA Security, CCNA Wireless, CCNA SP Operations and CCDA.  The updates include comprehensive troubleshooting, technologies such as IPv6, and updated software on Cisco routers and switches.

 

The new exams and training will be available starting March 26, 2013.

 

Beginning October 1, 2013, the 640-816 ICND2 exam will be replaced by  200-101 ICND2 , the 640-822 ICND1 by 100-101 ICND1, and the 640-802 CCNA exam will be replaced by  200-120 CCNA. For more details, see:

CCIE Storage Networking Certification Retirement

Cisco has announced the imminent retirement of their CCIE Storage Networking Certification. This certification has a written exam (code: 350-040) as well as a lab component.


While the announcement was effective Feb 5, 2013, candidates may continue to take the written exam through April 30, 2013. As from May 1, 2013, this exam will not be offered. The last date to test for the lab exam is June 30, 2013. If, as of July 1, 2013, a candidate has passed the written test but not the lab exam, they should consider the CCIE Data Center certification or a Data Center Specialist certification.

Do we really need a vendor certification?

In the ever growing IT market, and in the pool of various certifications, do we really need a vendor certification. Let’s discuss…

Industry demands have forced vendors to create their own certifications. In the IT industry, technology changes too often and too quickly. Hence, traditional means of certifications loose their significance. The demand for a vendor certification arises when the market requires skilled professionals. A vendor certification provides an easy way to identify such skilled professionals.

The vendor certification provides a win-win opportunity for all.