September 12, 2018, Data networking is constantly evolving and the practices of networking infrastructures are regularly updated. This means that IT professionals who are skilled in this field are even more important. The ever-changing world of information technology means that IT engineers are constantly in competition.
You must be up-to-date and have the relevant skills and knowledge to thrive in this competitive industry. Earning IT certifications is one of the best ways to do this. Being certified not only validates your skills, but also adds value to your qualifications. This is critical for employers. With the constant introduction of new technologies powered through networks, networking certifications are in high demand.
There are many networking certifications that can verify your skills. You will have an advantage over your competitors if you choose the best certifications for your career. When deciding which certification exam you should take, don’t be concerned about the cost. Instead, consider the value of the skills it can provide. It is an investment that will help you boost your career. Although certification can be expensive due to all the exam fees and required study materials, trainings, classes, and other costs, it is worth it. The skills and knowledge you gain will outweigh the money you spend. Here’s a list with the top computer networking certifications in 2018.
CCNP
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), certifications offer several tracks that cover different technologies. The CCNP is a mid-range credential that can be used for various roles in the networking industry. These certifications can only be earned if you have the Cisco Certified Design and Network Associate certifications. You can then move on to professional-level certifications like Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP), and Cisco Certified Network Associate(CCNP), which cover Cloud, Collaboration, Data Center, Routing and Switching, Security, Service Provider, and Wireless.
CCNP: Routing & Switching is the most popular of these professional-level certifications. You must pass three certification exams to earn this certification. The first is the 300-101 ROUTE exam. The second is the Implementing Cisco IP Routing. This exam is composed of 45-65 questions and lasts for 2 hours. Next is the 300-115 SWITCH exam. This is the Implementing Cisco IP Switched networks exam. The exam is a 2-hour long, but only 30-40 questions are included. The last exam has only 15-25 questions. This 2-hour exam is the 300-135 TSHOOT exam, also known as Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks. Other CCNP exams may require additional exams depending on the exam.