Hello everyone – You’re probably wondering where the heck I’ve been – or Maybe not ..

Well as of late, I’ve been working very hard and focusing on studies for my anticipated May BSCI exam. That’s right, I’m trying to beat the clock! What clock? Hmmm – Oh let me explain.. The new CCNP exams will soon become the mainstream replacing the current CCNP exams and study material.

What am I talking about? For those who aren’t fully aware of the changes – It boils down to this (I’m just sharing information snagged from various sources and put it together my way)

Cisco has developed a new version of the CCNP course and exam.. The new version no longer contains the sub-topics that have been around for some years now – BSCI, BCMSN, ONT or ISCW. The topics in the new CCNP course and exam version are as follows…

ROUTE v1.0 #642-902 – Implementing Cisco IP Routing – plan, configure and verify the implementation of complex enterprise LAN and WAN routing solutions using a range of routing protocols. as well as configuration of secure routing solutions to support branch offices and mobile workers.

SWITCH v1.0 #642-813 – Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks – Plan, configure and verify the implementation of complex enterprise switching solutions using Cisco’s Campus Enterprise Architecture. Securing integration of VLANs, WLANs, voice and video into campus networks.

TSHOOT v1.0 #642-832 – Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks – Plan and perform regular maintenance on complex enterprise routed and switched networks and use technology-based practices and a systematic ITIL-compliant approach to perform network troubleshooting.

It’s been said that extensive labbing will surely help with this exam. Topologies of the lab are floating all over the internet – Have a look for yourself – Also take a look at the CCNP TSHOOT Demo Simulator. As noted by many, it’s a very nice comprehensive topology that will surely prove your troubleshooting skills. With all of the many protocols, configurations and network segments you’ll have to work with – You better be prepared!

You can take the BETA version of this exam available until March 26th. The exam will run you $50 and Passing scores on beta exams count towards certification just like final release exams; however, scores will not be available until April 30, 2010. – See more details here. The official and final exam comes out April 26th, 2010.

All three exams will be increased to 120 (previously 90) minutes in length. The ROUTE and SWITCH exams will be beginning March 10th, 2010. The TSHOOT BETA exam is available now until March 26th, 2010. The TSHOOT BETA exam will stop after that date and the official exam will be available beginning April 30th (others say April 26th, but the Cisco Learning Network says April 30th).

The current version of the CCNP (BSCI, BCMSN, ONT and ISCW) will be retired as on 7/31/2010. Yep! This means if you’ve been studying for a long time and have had your eye on any of these exams this year, you better move quick! They will be gone on after July 31st, 2010. The current COMP exam #642-892 will also be retired on July 31, 2010 and will not be replaced.

Unofficial information shared by a friendly vistor Fabio

Q. Until when will Networking Academy students be able to take the current CCNP certification exams?

A. The four current CCNP certification exams will be available to the general public through July 31, 2010 and to Networking Academy students using a special voucher through July 31, 2011. More information about how to obtain a special, non-discount voucher to enable students to continue to take the retiring exams will be communicated as soon as it is available.

After July 31, 2011, all Networking Academy candidates for CCNP will need to pass the Troubleshoot
(TSHOOT) certification exam. Passing scores on the BSCI and BCMSN exams will continue to be accepted
as satisfying CCNP certification requirements, even though the exams will no longer be available.

Folks in the same boat as me – aspiring to score the BSCI before the deadline should definitely consider taking the BSCI before the deadline. Here is the reason why…

Taking the current BSCI, BCMSN and Composite exam allow you to carry over that exam and certification onto the new CCNP track.

BSCI = ROUTE
BCMSN = SWITCH
Composite = ROUTE & SWITCH

The ISCW and ONT exams do NOT carry over to the new track, so all candidates who planned on finishing up their CCNP with the ISCW and ONT exams must get it done before July 31st or face the new TSHOOT exam. For those having a brain-fart, do not be confused in thinking that taking the ISCW or ONT will carry over and give you partial certification as a CCNP. You should take these exams before July 31st ONLY if they are your remaining certifications to become a full and complete CCNP. Got it? No? Have a read here

Well I think I covered enough on the topic – Didn’t I say I was going to make it short and sweet? Hope this all helps someone.. I’m sure you’ve heard of most of this already – excuse my little comedy bit in the beginning. I was trying to make up for my waaaay late covering on the subject.

So I’m definitely excited on the new CCNP track to follow after the BSCI. I’ve decided not to let all my BSCI studies thus far be taken out of order and applied to the new ROUTE course. I think not – Time wise I cant afford that! So I’m on the hunt, working at it every day and plan to sit the exam in May 2010 – I’ll let you know how I do, if I do, when I do it

As for labs here on the site? I’ve got plenty, that I’m brewing up from studies labs and gathered from all over. Specifically the labs I’m building will be objective / challenge labs – I’m sure you’ll all like and benefit from them. Just sit tight, I’ll be posting them shortly..

Given the new CCNP topics introduced, it will be interesting to see the new GNS3 labs built to support the practice labs. The TSHOOT labs will be huge and you will definitely need some horse power to support them. Keep your hardware sets in mind before building the labs – I know my own lab needs upgrading..

Friendly Disclaimer: Don’t take anything I’ve posted regarding the new CCNP verbatim – Do your own research please.. I’m also not pushing the sales to any particular vendor or educator. AKA I’m not making any money form the links below

For more info – have a look at the more detailed sources.

• Slides of Cisco Webinar Explaining CCNP Changes & Revisions
• CCNP Route And BSCI Exam Comparison (VIDEO)
• CCNP Certification Revised
• Information – 642-832 TSHOOT – Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks
• TSHOOT Topology
• Cisco Career Certifications & Paths – CCNP Certification
• Chris Bryant CCNP July 2010 Certification Program Changes
• EvilRouters Look At the TSHOOT Exam Topology
• Source TSHOOT Topology Post – Cisco Learning Network
• CCNP TSHOOT Demo Simulator
• Study Material
  • Cisco Learning Network
    • ROUTE v1.0 #642-902 – Implementing Cisco IP Routing
    • SWITCH v1.0 #642-813 – Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks
    • TSHOOT v1.0 #642-832 – Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks
  • Books
    • Cisco Press
    • Amazon – CCNP Routing and Switching Foundation Learning Library: Foundation Learning for CCNP ROUTE, SWITCH, and TSHOOT (642-902, 642-813, 642-832)

    Videos

    • CCNP ROUTE 642-902 Cert Kit
    • CCNP SWITCH 642-813 Cert Kit
    • CCNP TSHOOT 642-832 Cert Kit

Tags: CCNP, CCNP Certification Revised, CCNP v6, Cisco Cert Candidates, ROUTE, SWITCH, TSHOOT