CCSPs in the Real World

When talking about an ideal CCSP candidate, I understand that only a few actual candidates meet this ideal. In fact, my description of that ideal candidate might seem utterly unrealistic . However, although the requirements to obtain the CCSP certification might seem formidable, they are by no means impossible to meet. Having said that, you should have no illusions: It does take time, it requires you to spend some money on materials, and, above all, it calls for a substantial effort to earn this certification.

You can get all the real-world motivation you need from knowing that many others have gone before you. You can follow in their footsteps. If you're willing to tackle the process seriously and do what it takes to gain the necessary experience and knowledge, you can takeand passthe certification tests. In fact, the Exam Crams are designed to make it as easy as possible for you to prepare for these examsbut you still have to do your part.

The same, of course, is true for other Cisco certifications, including these:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), which concentrates on introductory networking and requires only one exam (although Cisco recently began offering a two-exam option, to make the learning requirement more manageable for new candidates). The CCNA is a prerequisite to earning the CCSP as well as the CCNP.

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), which is the professional-level certification focused on networking. It requires four exams.

• Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA), which concentrates on the fundamentals of network design and requires only one exam. The CCDA is a prerequisite to earning the CCDP.

• Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP), which is the professional-level certification focused on network design. It requires three exams.

• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), widely considered the ultimate networking certification. It has four specializations: Routing and Switching, Security, Service Provider, and Voice. Each specialization requires a written exam, to be followed within 12 months by passing an all-day, hands-on configuration and troubleshooting laboratory exam.