SAN JOSE, Calif. -- April 14, 1998 -- Cisco Systems Inc. today announced new technical certification programs that address the worldwide need for more trained experts in computer networking.
The new Cisco Career Certifications program expands the range of opportunities for individuals who want to participate in the industry's most respected certification program. The changes create four growth paths for certification and professional development that match market trends. The certification tracks also match a person's career growth path, beginning as early as high school with the Cisco Networking Academies program.
The new program builds on the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) program, the acknowledged industry standard for certifying networking expertise. While the previous CCIE program had only one level of certification, Cisco Career Certifications enables professionals to be certified at various levels of expertise as they enhance their technical skills.
Two of the new certification tracks are in network support - one for Routing and Switching, and another for Wide Area Network (WAN) Switching. The other two tracks are in network design - again, one for Routing and Switching, and another for WAN Switching. Within each of these tracks, there are various levels of certification. CCIE status remains the highest level of certification.
The two new certifications on the path toward CCIE status in Routing and Switching and WAN Switching are the entry-level Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) and the mid-level Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP). CCNA status denotes proficiency in installing, configuring and operating simple routed LAN, routed WAN, and switched LAN Cisco networks. CCNA status can be achieved through courses offered by certified training partners, or through the Cisco Networking Academies program. Networking Academies teach high school and college students to design, build and maintain computer networks.
The CCNP certification covers the same skill sets as CCNA, but at a higher level of expertise that includes troubleshooting for more complex Internet Protocol (IP) networks. No changes have been made in the CCIE certification itself, which ensures that the person has the expertise to meet the complex demands of mission-critical networks. The CCIE pathway incorporates testing throughout, along with a hands-on lab requirement. About 2,500 persons are currently certified as CCIEs.
Holders of CCIE certification also can pursue courses and testing for specialist certification in dial-up networking equipment. This certification is designed for people working at Internet service providers, telecommunication carriers and other organizations who support dial-up connections.
The parallel track of wide-area network (WAN) switching certification addresses the unique requirements of geographically dispersed networks. It has the same three levels of certification in network support - CCNA-WAN Switching, CCNP-WAN Switching and CCIE-WAN Switching. The courses drop some material that is specific to enterprise networks and adds material specific to WANs.
The new network-design certification track has two levels for Routing and Switching. The entry-level Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) certifies proficiency in designing simple routed LAN, routed WAN and switched LAN networks, and assumes a prerequisite knowledge and skills to install, configure and operate the same. The Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) designation adds skills needed for designing more complex networks. In the WAN Switching category, there is only one level of design certification, CCDP.
All certification examinations are administered by a third-party testing service.
"The additional certification programs will help satisfy the growing demand for networking experts," said Tom Kelly, director of worldwide training for Cisco. "CCIE certification has always been the standard of excellence in the networking industry, and now we are making it easier for professionals to take advantage of the courses behind the certification."
The new certification programs are effective immediately, with courses available from approximately 75 training partners worldwide.
"Cisco's new certification program will add enormous value to the training world," said Elliott Masie, president of the MASIE Center, a training consulting company. "The skills gap in the IT industry can only be dealt with in the context of standards and certification."
Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CSCO) is theworldwide leader in networking for the Internet. News and information areavailable athttp://www.cisco.com.
Cisco, Cisco Systems, and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
