CCNP#Professional certifications
{{Short description|Professional Cisco networking qualification}}
A Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) is a person in the IT industry who has achieved the professional level of Cisco Career Certification.[http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/certifications/professional/ccnp/index.html CCNP Routing and Switching - IT Certificates and Career Paths - Cisco Systems]
Professional certifications
Prior to February 2020 there were approximately eight professional-level certification programs within Cisco Career Certifications.{{Cite web | url=http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/professional.html |title = Professional Certifications}}{{cite web | url=https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications.html#~stickynav=3 | title=Certifications - Training & Certifications }}
- CCDP
- CCNP Cloud
- CCNP Collaboration
- CCNP Data Center
- CCNP Routing and Switching
- CCNP Security
- CCNP Service Provider
- CCNP Wireless
Cisco has announced that as of February 2020, the above format has been retired and replaced with the following:
- CCNP Enterprise (integrating CCNP Routing and Switching, CCDP and CCNP Wireless)
- CCNP Data Center (integrating CCNP Cloud)
- CCNP Security
- CCNP Service Provider
- CCNP Collaboration
- Cisco Certified DevNet Professional
Migration guides to the newer certification exams are available from Cisco at its [https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/professional/ccnp-migration-tools.html CCNP Migration Tools] page.{{cite web |title=CCNP Routing and Switching |url=https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/professional.html#~stickynav=1|publisher=Cisco}}
Required exams
Before February 2020 relevant entry-level certifications needed to be passed in advance if a candidate wanted to attempt the professional level exams. Starting February 2020, no entry-level certification will be required to attempt the CCNP exams.{{cite web |title=CCNP Infographic |url=https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en_us/training-events/certifications/professional/ccnp-infographic.pdf |website=cisco.com |publisher=Cisco |access-date=30 November 2023}}
Validity
The validity of CCNP Certification is 3 years. Renewal requires certification holders to register for and pass same or higher level Cisco recertification exam(s) every 3 years or obtain 80 continuing education credits.