SAN JOSE, Calif., August 13, 2002 - Cisco Systems, Inc®, the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, today announced the addition of the 12th focused certification to the Cisco Qualified Specialist Program. The rapid growth and success of the Cisco Qualified Specialist program demonstrates Cisco's commitment to helping customers and channel partners stay aligned with emerging Cisco technologies to meet new business challenges. The new Cisco Optical Specialist 1 certification validates the knowledge and expertise required to design, install, operate and maintain Cisco optical networking systems.

Individuals who become certified as a Cisco Optical Specialist 1 will gain the knowledge and skills required to understand the protocols and underlying technology of optical systems such as SONET/SDH, DWDM, DPT/RPR, POS, Optical Cross Connects, Ethernet services over optical and Element Management. In addition, certified individuals will be able to describe, operate and troubleshoot Cisco optical networking products in METRO access and regional environments.

Launched in April 2001, the Cisco Qualified Specialist program was developed to extend the Cisco Career Certification Program by validating significant competency in specific technologies, vertical markets, solutions and job roles. With the addition of the Cisco Optical Specialist 1, the program offers certifications in nine specific technology areas:

• Cisco Cable Communications Specialist
• Cisco Content Networking Specialist
• Cisco IP Telephony Support Specialist, IP Telephony Design Specialist & IP Telephony Operations Specialist
• Cisco Internet Solutions Specialist
• Cisco Multiservice Switching Specialist
• Cisco MxU Specialist
• Cisco Optical Specialist 1
• Cisco Security Specialist 1
• Cisco SNA/IP Design Specialist & Cisco SNA/IP Support Specialist

Each focused certification is created in response to new Cisco technology developments and customized to meet current market needs. Providing a qualified talent pool of Cisco certified individuals is a key benefit to customers, and offers the assurance that they'll be able to recruit or develop employees who are well versed in Cisco technologies and solutions.

"All of the focused certifications within the Cisco Qualified Specialist Program are designed to address the diverse needs of our customers and channel partners, enabling them to continually validate their skills in the rapidly changing IT industry," said Don Field, senior manager of certifications, Cisco Systems. "The release of the Cisco Optical Specialist 1 certification marks the continued commitment by Cisco to meet and exceed growing demand for individuals who are highly skilled in designing, configuring and building Cisco METRO optical networks."

Training and Exams

To obtain a Cisco Optical Specialist 1, candidates must take and pass the Cisco Optical Specialist 1 exam #9E0-611. Candidates should ideally have a strong background in optical networking technologies, and proficiency in using Cisco optical products and their respective applications in a METRO environment. Prerequisites or equivalent field experience include:

• Introduction to Optical Networking Technologies (OPBNT) course
• Optical Metro Solutions (OPBMS) course
• Cisco ONS 15454 Provisioning and Operation Training course
• Cisco ONS 15216 Provisioning and Operation Training course
• Cisco ONS 15201/15252 Provisioning and Operation Training course
• Cisco Transport Manager

As with all certifications within the Cisco Qualified Specialist Program, the Cisco Optical Specialist 1 is valid for two years from the date of passing the exam. All training courses are available through Cisco Learning Partners and the Partner E-Learning Connection. Authorized Cisco Learning Partners instructors are certified by Cisco to provide the recommended courses in preparation for the required exams. Virtual University Enterprises (VUE) and Prometric offer Cisco certification exams at locations worldwide.