SAN JOSE, Calif., September 5, 2000 - Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today announced the recertification policy for its career-certified associates and professionals. The policy highlights the Cisco commitment to address an industry-wide need for qualified technicians who can solve the complex issues created by the latest network technology.
"Our commitment to continue to provide world-class customer service is dependent on our ability to make sure our certified professionals are well-trained on the latest networking technology," said Tom Kelly, vice president, Worldwide Training. "In today's fast-paced Internet economy recertification is a tangible indication, to both IT professionals and the organizations that employ them, that our career certification holders are current on the latest technology trends."
Recertification has been part of the Cisco Career Certifications Program since 1997, when the company implemented recertification for the coveted Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certificate. Under the guidelines of the Cisco Career Certification Program, career certifications at the associate and professional levels, including Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) and Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) certificates, are valid for three years. The CCIE and career specializations, including security, voice access, network management, SNA/IP network management, LAN ATM and SNA/IP integration, are valid for two years. Renewing a Cisco associate or professional certification requires passing the appropriate recertification exam before expiration. Alternatively, certifying at a more advanced level also recertifies an individual's existing certifications.
To help simplify the recertification process and ensure success, Cisco has certified and licensed its numerous worldwide Cisco learning partners to offer training needs analysis, certified instructor-led career courses, access to Cisco learning tools and technologies as well as e-learning editions of courseware for exam preparation. Go to www.cisco.com/go/training to find a local Cisco learning partner.
Career Certifications Tracking System
The password-protected Cisco Career Certifications Tracking System database, available on the certification Web site, serves as the certified professional's informational resource. Cisco uses the contact information from the database to notify certified professionals about expiring certificates. Thus, Cisco certified professionals are encouraged to regularly update their contact information. In addition, the database tracks exam history and certification progress for the more than 100,000 Cisco career certified and specialized network professionals.
Exam Availability
Associate recertification exams are now available worldwide with professional exams due to be available worldwide next month. The first set of professional and associate Cisco Career Certifications expire on September 5, 2001, giving certified network professionals a minimum of one year to prepare, register, and pass the required recertification exam. Go to www.cisco.com/go/certifications to learn more about how to update personal information, check certification expiration, locate the nearest test center and register for a recertification exam.
