One cannot deny the fact that Networking has become an integral part of the computer world. The information technology professional, who is skilled and has gone through the CISCO CCNP training, is in great demand in the Networking industry. To assure the quality and standard of that technician, they need to be certified by this Networking equipment giant and this involves an evaluation for their years of experience as well as training.

The information technology specialist who has this certification is currently in high demand as more businesses are growing more dependent on computers and networking to carry out their operations. This is now the standard by which the industry assess how well trained the technician is.

Cisco's core, networking certification for the professional level is the CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) certification. Individuals who manage to earn this prestigious certification can plan, do installation, configure and troubleshoot WAN's and LAN's, and are able do this for small and large firms alike. CCNP certification is also possible other areas of specialty and these certification designations include, CCNP Data Center, Security, Service Provider, Service Provider Operations, Voice and CCNP Wireless.

The target group group for the Cisco Certified Network Professional certification is administrators, technician and network engineers who have not less than one year practical experience and desire to expand their skills set so that they can work on complex network solutions.

Before the prospective candidate can sit the exams to achieve CCNP certification they need to confirm that they possess a valid CCNA Switching and Routing certification or any recognized CCIE certification. The CCNP certification exams are a set of three; Implementing Cisco IP Routing - 120 minutes, 45-55 questions; 642-813 SWITCH - Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks - 120 minutes, 35-45 questions and 642-832 TSHOOT - Resolve issues with and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks - 135 minutes, 35-40 questions.

The Certified Network Professional exams from this Networking equipment industry are a mix of mix of simlets, multiple choice, simulations etc and the candidates can take the exams in any order they prefer. Candidates need to score more than 850 point to pass the exam and the examinations are graded on a scale of 300-1000 points. The question carry different values based on the level of difficulty involve.

You can re-sit a failed exam after paying the applicable fees and waiting five business days. The cost of the exam varies based on where you are located, local or overseas, and whether foreign currency is involved. It is vital that you contact your nearest testing center to confirm cost and exam timetable.

If you are unsuccessful in the exams you can pay the applicable exam fees and re-sit the exam after five business days. Examination fees may differ based on the country or region that you are in and the exchange rate applicable at the time, therefore you should contact the examination center nearest you as early as possible to confirm the fees. Candidates can also register for the exams through any available Prometric or Pearson VUE testing center. You will need to be registered in order to do the exams. Your Certified Network Professional certification from CISCO is valid for three years after which you will need to be re-certified.