A Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification verifies a candidate’s competence to design, deploy, and troubleshoot LAN and WAN networks. The profile also entails active collaboration with experts on challenges involving phone, wireless, advanced security, and video solutions. As a result, Cisco has revised not only the substance of the examinations required to obtain a CCNP certification but also the process for earning the certification. 

Individuals who earn the certification are known to have a valuable skill set required in enterprise professions like systems engineer, network engineer, support engineer, infrastructure engineer, network technician, and others. But before obtaining CCNP certification, professionals must first get CCNA certification.

If you want to make a successful career in any of the mentioned job profiles, CCNP certification is necessary. Besides, the following are a few more reasons that make getting the certification worthwhile.

  1. Better Salary

Obtaining a CCNP Enterprise certification can provide candidates with a variety of job alternatives, and there is a significant rise in the opportunity to earn a higher salary. According to data provided by Cisco, individuals who are CCNP certified earn at least 10% more than those who are employed in similar positions but do not have the certification.

  1. Skill Validation

CCNP certification allows professionals to demonstrate their advanced knowledge and skills in computer networking. Candidates are acknowledged as professionals who have obtained the greatest training available in the industry since they are certified by a reputed organization such as Cisco.

  1. Job Growth

Earning a CCNP certification puts candidates at the top of the list for promotions and career improvements, in addition to helping them find a great job in computer networking. If someone wishes to change companies, this certification will assist them in obtaining a better job without having to start from the bottom and work their way up.

  1. Better Understanding of the Field

The CCNP Enterprise certification provides a thorough understanding of the computer networking sector and all its facets. Furthermore, candidates need to spend a significant amount of time studying to pass the test for this certification, which makes them acutely aware of the industry in which they will be working. 

  1. Greater Chances of Getting Hired

If a candidate has done a CCNP course and has a certificate, it shows they are familiar with the majority of the standards in their industry and have a great deal of experience. It also demonstrates that they have the technical ability to solve a wide range of problems. They also possess the elegance to protect the company from various threats and viruses. All these combined make them stand a better chance of getting hired for their dream job.

  1. Higher Demand than other Candidates

Every firm wants to hire CCNP-certified network professionals since they are the ones that secure the organization from all types of internet dangers. Having a CCNP-certified security specialist on staff is highly beneficial for a company. Thus the demand for network engineers and related professionals pursuing the certification via CCNP courses is way more than others. 

  1. Opportunity to specialize with CCNP Concentration Exams

The CCNP has gone through several changes throughout its course. CCNP Enterprise, the most recent edition, places importance on specialization. This is because professionals can no longer know everything there is to know about networking. The six core specialization exams are:

  • Enterprise Advanced Routing and Services (ENARSI)
  • Implementing Cisco SD-WAN Solutions (ENSDWI)
  • Designing Cisco Enterprise Networks (ENSLD)
  • Designing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks (ENWLSD)
  • Implementing Cisco Enterprise Wireless Networks (ENWLSI)
  • Implementing Automation for Cisco Enterprise Solutions (ENAUI)

CCNP certification cost for the core exam is $400. To acquire the CCNP Enterprise certification, candidates must pass one of the six core exams and one concentration exam. These specialization tests cover network design, SD-WAN, wireless, and automation. 

  1. Advanced training and certification

Candidates are trained in numerous aspects of computer networking while studying for the test, including network design, setup, installation, and troubleshooting. CCNP training also prepares them for a variety of job opportunities by providing them with the necessary experience. Professionals don’t just obtain information but also gain the practical experience essential for the future.

Several Cisco certificates serve as stepping stones to more advanced certifications. At the very least, they give the requisite training to earn higher certifications.

  1. Global opportunities

Whether a professional has prior expertise in the industry or not, CCNP certification will open doors for all CCNP hopefuls, especially in IT-enabled and rising countries like Nigeria, Canada, India, Dubai, Norway, Finland, the United States, Algeria, Angola, the United Kingdom, and Australia. This is because the CCNP is considered an accepted and important certification in the business world.

More about CCNP Certification

While acquiring a CCNP certification verifies that you have the necessary training, expertise, knowledge, and devotion, stay up to date on the latest certifications and training to demonstrate that you are qualified for all aspects of the profession. Some examinations are more difficult than others, but they are all worthwhile.

Studying for a Cisco certification exam is highly subjective and is heavily influenced by the amount of time and resources available. Hence a CCNP training course might be key. 
Also Read: What You Need To Know About Cisco Certifications