If you’ve recently obtained the prestigious CCNP or CCNA certification, it is definitely an achievement and you deserve the big congratulations. You’ve positioned yourself as a valuable asset within the intricate IT chain, ready to embark on a path to success. The euphoria surrounding this achievement is undeniably rewarding. However, amidst the applause and admiration, there is an unexpected reality check that resounds with a resounding bang – Cisco certifications come with an expiration date, much like medicines.
Yes, you read that right! Each Cisco certification is time-bound, and once the expiration date looms, their value diminishes significantly, even including the esteemed expert level certifications. In this ever-evolving digital landscape, the technology that underpins our world is in a constant state of flux. Cisco, being at the forefront of networking solutions, acknowledges this reality by incorporating expiration timelines into their certification framework.
While this may initially seem daunting, it is essential to recognize the rationale behind this approach and understand how it impacts your career trajectory. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Cisco certifications and their expiration dates, demystifying this often-overlooked aspect of professional development. By grasping the significance of these timelines and learning how to navigate them effectively, you can harness the full potential of your certifications, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous IT career.
So, buckle up and join us as we explore the dynamic world of Cisco certifications, unlocking the key to lifelong success in the ever-evolving landscape of information technology. Together, we will uncover strategies to maximize the value of your certifications and stay ahead in the rapidly changing IT industry. Whether you’re just starting your journey or are a seasoned professional, this article will provide invaluable insights to help you make informed decisions about your certification path and future career prospects.
Stay tuned as we embark on this enlightening exploration, equipping you with the knowledge and understanding needed to thrive in the world of Cisco certifications. Get ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, as we navigate the intricate web of expiration dates and unlock the door to continued success in your IT endeavors.
Why does Cisco Credentials expire?
According to Cisco, a renowned authority in the field, the ever-evolving nature of technology leads to frequent advancements and changes. As a result, professionals must stay updated with the latest developments. The introduction of new modules in exams for CCNA online training and CCNP training reflects these changes, ensuring obsolete content is eliminated and essential topics are emphasized.
Fortunately, there is a silver lining. Certifications can be renewed with dedicated effort and perseverance.
Let’s dive in & take a closer look at the validity periods for some of the most sought-after Cisco certifications:
Associate-level certifications: CCNA certification has a validity period of 3 years. It means that after three years, the certification will expire, and you will need to undertake the recertification process to maintain its validity.
Professional-level certifications: Certifications like CCNP have a validity period of 3 years as well. It is essential to stay aware of the expiration date and take appropriate steps to renew your certification before it lapses.
Specialist certifications: Specialist certifications, designed to showcase expertise in specific areas, have a validity period of 2 years. To retain your specialist certification, you will need to stay updated and renew it within the prescribed time frame.
CCIE certification: CCIE certifications, highly regarded as the pinnacle of expertise in the Cisco world, also come with an expiration date. These certifications have a validity period of 2 years. To maintain your CCIE status, it is crucial to stay current with the evolving technologies and complete the recertification process in a timely manner.
Cisco Certified Architect: If you have attained the prestigious Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) certification, you will enjoy an extended validity period of 5 years. This certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional architectural expertise and leadership skills.
Cisco’s Renewal Policy Revealed: Embrace Recertification for Career Growth
Avoid highlighting expired certificates on your resume. Showcase them as past achievements to demonstrate your expertise.
As a candidate, you constantly seek ways to renew your Cisco certifications. Discover the top recertification options:
Network Programmability Developer Specialist Exam: Perfect for software programmers specializing in network application layer development. Enhance networking understanding and leverage Cisco’s expertise in campus environments, WAN, and data centers. Proficiency in C, Python, and open networking languages is essential.
Network Programmability Design and Implementation Specialists Exam: Focuses on Network Programming, automating network tasks. Enhance your skill set with Cisco Software Development Kit, Application Programming Interfaces, and network fundamentals.
By passing these exams, achieve immediate recertification and expand your expertise.
Note that these courses go beyond network theory, equipping you with essential skills for creating network applications in programmable environments using Cisco’s tools such as One Platform Kit, Open Daylight Controller, and Application Policy Infrastructure Controllers.
Exams (300-560) assess your knowledge in programming fundamentals, data handling and formats, network controller platforms and protocols, and device programmability.
Renew your associate and professional level certifications by exploring Cisco’s Software Development Kit, Application Programming Interfaces, and network fundamentals.
Stay ahead in the dynamic tech world through recertification and elevate your career prospects.
Unveiling the Role of Network Programmability Designer:
The Network Programmability Designer takes on an architect role, capturing customer requirements, understanding infrastructure leverage for applications, and translating these needs. Cisco’s Network Programmability Design and Implementation Specialist certification signifies expertise in automation, orchestration, and programmability for network engineers in evolving roles.
The exam (300-550) assesses skills in network programmability fundamentals, automation protocols, controllers, APIs, data models, and operations. It also renews both associate and professional certifications.
Renew your entry-level certifications by taking this exam or a higher-level certification. For example, if your CCNA R&S certification is expiring, you can take the CCNA Security or another CCNA exam.
You can bypass associate exams and opt for the professional level. Clearing a CCNP exam automatically renews your CCNA certification.
Additionally, you have the option to take CCIE level exams, which also renew your CCNA. The CCIE level typically has no prerequisites.
Renew Your CCNA Certifications by Passing:
- Associate-level exams (excluding ICND1 exam)
- 642-XXX Professional-level exams
- 642-XXX Cisco Specialist exams
- 300-XXX Professional-level exams
- CCIE Written Exam
- CCDE Written Exam
- CCDE Practical Exam
- Cisco Certified Architect interview
Revitalizing Your Professional Level Certifications:
Renew your professional certifications by either retaking the same test or achieving a higher level certification, such as CCIE.
Ensure recertification before your certification expires by passing any of the following exams:
- 642-XXX Professional-level exams
- 300-XXX Professional-level exams
- CCIE Written Exam
- CCDE Written Exam
- CCDE Practical Exam
- Cisco Certified Architect interview
- Renewal of Expert Level Certifications
- Renew your expert level certifications by successfully passing any CCIE exam.
Recertification requires passing the following:
- CCIE Written Exam
- CCIE Lab Exam
- CCDE Written Exam
- CCDE Practical Exam
- Cisco Certified Architect interview
Conclusion:
Recertifying for a Cisco certification is a crucial step in maintaining your professional edge and staying relevant in the ever-evolving field of networking. It not only demonstrates your commitment to continuous learning but also validates your expertise and competence in the industry.
By understanding and adhering to the recertification requirements, you can ensure that your skills and knowledge remain up to date. Cisco provides various options for recertification, allowing you to choose the path that aligns best with your professional goals and interests. Whether you opt to retake the same exam or pursue a higher-level certification, each recertification option presents an opportunity to expand your skill set and broaden your expertise.
It is essential to approach recertification proactively and plan ahead to avoid any lapses in certification. Starting the recertification process in a timely manner allows you to maintain a continuous certification status and avoids the need to rebuild a certification from scratch, which can be time-consuming and require significant effort.
Recertification not only benefits your own professional development but also enhances your career prospects. Validating your skills through recertification serves as a testament to your dedication and proficiency, making you a valuable asset to potential employers or clients in the networking industry.
In the rapidly advancing world of technology, where new innovations and trends emerge regularly, recertification serves as a powerful tool to stay ahead of the curve. It demonstrates your commitment to keeping pace with the latest developments and ensures that you possess the most current knowledge and skills to tackle complex networking challenges.
Embracing the recertification process is essential for networking professionals who seek to maintain their competitive edge, expand their expertise, and unlock new opportunities in their careers. Stay proactive, stay updated, and leverage recertification as a stepping stone to continued success in the dynamic field of networking.
If you are aiming to take a CCNP or CCNA certification training, talk to our experts now!
