“Out with the old CCNP Routing & Switching, in with new” was probably the Cisco of 2015’s thought. They decided to update this coveted certification in January 2015. This decision was made earlier than expected and announced last summer. The certification was updated fully on January 29, 2015. The current Cisco CCNP Routing and switching certification exams (642-902 ROUTE and 642-813 SWITCH) will be retired on January 29, 2015. You can register only for the CCNP Routing and switching v2.0 certification exams beginning January 30, 2015. Candidates have been able mix and match the old and new versions of the three exams for the past six months (and still have three weeks to complete it).
What’s the new CCNP Routing and Switching v2.0 like?
The new CCNP Routing and Switching targets candidates with more current topics and forward-looking strategies. It pays particular attention to IPv6’s impact on workforce mobility and the proliferation Internet-connected devices. The updated exams include network scale support and accommodating IoT’s continued growth (see below).
The updated CCNP R&S exam validates your ability to plan, implement and verify complex network solutions. The new CCNP Routing & Switching exams are:
Implementing Cisco IP Routing (300-101)
Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (305-115)
Troubleshooting and maintaining Cisco IP Networks (300-135)
Cisco is increasing the level of CCNP Routing & Switching credential. This will bring it closer to the expert level as well as other CCNP certifications. CCNP R&S updates were long overdue. CCNP Routing and Switching now has the same level as other CCNP-level credentials like Data Center Security and Voice.
The new CCNP Routing and Switching 2.0 curriculum focuses on IPv6, including dual-stack IPv4 and IPv6 networks. Cisco believes that the IPv6 market will continue to grow, and Cisco needs to match it accordingly. There is also a growing emphasis on the Internet of things (IoT), which includes manufacturing sensors, household gadgets and other devices that need network connectivity.
Cisco’s new version of CCNP Routing and Switching requires that candidates are proficient in StackWise and Virtual Switching Service technologies. Both are used to make multiple physical switch behave like one switch. However, there are many design considerations and implementation details that can impact their behavior in production networks.
DMVPN (Dynamic Multipoint Virtual Private Network) is another thing to remember when looking at the new version CCNP Routing & Switching certification. This technology overlays secure tunnels across public and leased networks. It has been added to the CCNP Track Routing & Switching.
If you are considering adding the CCNP Routing & Switching credential as part of your professional profile, then you should focus on Version 2.0. for all (ROUTE SWITCH, TSHOOT). exams. You can find the blueprints here. You might also want to visit our IT certification community to see if any of your fellow Cisco professionals have taken these exams. Good luck!
