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Help for CCNP Certification Exam February 3, 2010

Gaining CCNP certification is a good decision for all those who want to prove their mettle in the networking vertical. At the same time, CCNP certification is not something that can be achieved in a short span of time by just flipping through the concepts and finishing some practice tests.

CCNP Certification Paths.

There are four paths for CCNP Certification below.

Path 1.

642-901 BSCI
OR

642-902 ROUTE
642-812 BCMSN
OR

642-813 SWITCH
642-825 ISCW
642-845 ONT

Path 2.

642-892 Composite
642-825 ISCW
642-845 ONT

Path 3.

642-901 BSCI
OR
642-902 ROUTE
642-812 BCMSN
OR

642-813 SWITCH

643-832 TSHOOT BETA
OR

642-832 TSHOOT

Path 4.

642-892 Composite
643-832 TSHOOT BETA
OR

642-832 TSHOOT

CCNP exams demand a high level of understanding of relevant topics, implementation details of various types of networks in addition to being aware of the various challenges that these networks can pose at any given time. The networks that are dealt with are quite large which have their own set of problems. In addition to implementation issues, a network specialist should be in a position to endure its smooth functioning and be able to fix problems quickly.
Considering the exams that CCNP aspirants should complete, you have the flexibility of completing four or three exams. This means that two exams are included in a single composite exam. The basic elements of the exams are: knowing the techniques used for complex routing and switching, access methods that are used for accessing remote locations and complex techniques that are applied for troubleshooting networks.

But, the notable point here is that the CCNP candidates need not complete the exams in a particular order. This can facilitate the candidates as they can complete the exams they find easy first and then concentrate fully on more complex ones. The contrary may be suitable for other candidates who wish to finish the difficult exams and then move to the other exams.
Broadly speaking, you will be required to prepare well for topics like: Traffic management, the routing protocols, QOS (Quality of Service) of a network, WANs and their components, Remote Access Networks, IP Addresses, features of Catalyst® Switches and software associated with them, Virtual LANs, tools used for Troubleshooting, Troubleshooting issues related to TCP/IP, VLANs and Catalyst® Switches, etc.

You will find that many topics are interrelated in CCNP exam. You have to prepare in such a way that you understand the key concepts well before you proceed to other topics. Though CCNP is not so easy, many have managed to overcome the toughness emerging successfully. They have achieved this by planned preparation and good practice of possible questions.