Tracking Certification Status

As soon as you pass any Cisco exam, Cisco generates transcripts that indicate which exams you have passed. You can view a copy of your transcript at any time by going to the Certification Tracking System secured site and selecting Test History and Certification Progress. These tools enable you to print a copy of your current transcript and confirm your certification status.

After you pass the necessary set of exams, you are certified. Official certification is normally granted after three to six weeks, so you shouldn't expect to get your credentials overnight. The package for official certification that arrives includes a Welcome Kit that contains a number of elements (see the Cisco Web site for other benefits of specific certifications):

• A certificate that is suitable for framing, along with a wallet card.

• A license to use the applicable logo, which means you can use the logo in advertisements, promotions, and documents and on letterhead, business cards, and so on. Along with the license comes a logo sheet, which includes camera-ready artwork. (Note that before you use any of the artwork, you must sign and return a licensing agreement that indicates you'll abide by its terms and conditions.)

Many people believe that the benefits of CCNP certification go well beyond the perks that Cisco provides to newly anointed members of this elite group. We're starting to see more job listings that request or require applicants have CCNA, CCNP, and other certifications, and many individuals who complete Cisco certification programs can qualify for increases in pay and responsibility. As an official recognition of hard work and broad knowledge, one of the Cisco credentials is a badge of honor in many IT organizations.