Juniper Networks Certified Internet Specialist

The JNCIS-M was originally developed as the exam used to prequalify candidates for admittance to the practical hands-on certification exam. While it still continues to serve this purpose, this certification has quickly become a sought-after designation in its own right. Depending on the candidates’ job functions, many have chosen JNCIS-M as the highest level of JNTCP certification needed to validate their skill set. Candidates also requiring validation of their hands-on configuration and troubleshooting ability on the M-series and T-series routers and the JUNOS software use the JNCIS-M as the required prerequisite to the JNCIP-M practical exam.

The JNCIS-M exam tests for a wider and deeper level of knowledge than does the JNCIA-M exam. Question content is drawn from the documentation set for the M-series routers, the T-series routers, and the JUNOS software. Additionally, on-the-job product experience and an understanding of Internet technologies and design principles are considered to be common knowledge at the Specialist level.

The JNCIS-M (exam code JN0-302) is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam delivered at Prometric testing centers globally for U.S.$125. It consists of 75 questions to be completed in 90 minutes. The current passing score is set at 70 percent.

The study topics for the JNCIS-M exam include:

• Advanced system operation, configuration, and troubleshooting

• Routing protocols—BGP, OSPF, and IS-IS

• Routing policy

• MPLS

• Multicast

• Router and network security

• Router and network management

• VPNs

• IPv6

Note 

There are no prerequisite certifications for the JNCIS-M exam. While JNCIA-M certification is a recommended stepping stone to JNCIS-M certification, candidates are permitted to go straight to the Specialist (JNCIS-M) level.