About Networking
A network or collection of networks has become an essential component of businesses and organizations. Sharing information, communicating with clients, and managing resources are some of the few functions that networks allow us to do with high precision and efficiency. During the past decade or so networking technologies have taken leaps in terms of hardware and software. The latest technological advancement in this area is the replacement of physical networks with the much sophisticated virtualized networks. Implementing, designing, maintaining, and securing these networks is not a simple task and requires the knowledge of a team of experts. This is why employers are keen on sorting and picking professionals based on their experience and bag of certifications here .
Cisco as a Leading Vendor of IT Certifications
When it comes to the field of networking, Cisco is a name that is regarded as a pioneer, which products and services are used by an overwhelmingly large fraction of the organizations worldwide to facilitate their networking architecture. Its training and certifications are also a service that has earned immense recognition over the past few decades. With its diverse and multi-level certifications, individuals can explore a range of options to suit their career ambitions. Cisco offers certifications for all tastes: from newbies to experts.
Among the most popular IT certifications issued by Cisco are CCNA Data Center, CCNA Collaboration, CCNP R&S, CCIE Security, CCIE Wireless to mention a few.
CCNP Routing & Switching Certification Overview
If you are seeking a qualification in networking and already have some experience working in this field, then the CCNP Routing & Switching (CCNP R&S) is designed for you. It is an advanced level certification that assesses your knowledge in switching, routing, and troubleshooting techniques. Each of the three sections is tested via three separate exams called 300-101 ROUTE, 300-115 SWITCH, and 300-135 TSHOOT and to earn the credential you must pass all three exams. To register for the exams, you are required to have qualified in CCNA Routing and Switching or any Cisco CCIE certification as a pre-requisite.
The CCNP R&S credential and training programs are going to undergo several changes in February 2020 from which date this credential will be replaced by the CCNP Enterprise certification.
Benefits of getting CCNP R&S certified
- Added benefits and pay rises – According to a survey conducted by Global Knowledge, 72 percent of professionals receive a raise of 13-19% of their salary upon certification in the US.
- Value outweighs the cost of certification – Employees have reported to Cisco thatthe skills they’ve earned by undergoing training for certification make a significant impact at their workplaces.
- Higher job satisfaction – Earning CCNP R&S is a big deal thus you will receive more respect, recognition, and status which help you stay motivated on a day-to-day basis at work.
- Having the CCNP R&S certification paves you the way to the credential of the higher level – CCIE R&S. Thus, you’ll upgrade your skills and enjoy more benefits that the certification brings with it.
Career Prospects with CCNP R&S
CCNP R&S is targeted at professionals with a minimum of a year of networking experience. If you are looking to promote or get more productive at any one of the following roles, then you will benefit through this qualification.
- Network Engineer – Working as a Network Engineer you will be responsible for implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting network services. The average annual salary in the US is about just under $83,000, while an experienced network engineer can earn up to $170,000 per annum.
- Support Engineer – Job description generally comprises of responsibilities such as monitoring and maintaining computer systems, troubleshooting problems in routers and switches, and upgrading hardware and software. Average Salary for a relatively experienced network support engineer lies between $65,000 and $90,000 per year.
- Systems Engineer – Typical job description would be to design, set up, and expand a network of computers and system architecture. Other responsibilities include installing and configuring operating systems, performing backups, and anticipate potential issues and solutions to problems that may arise. The typical salary is $80,000 per annum.
- Network Technician – Typical workload will involve providing technical support, detect system vulnerabilities, and securing networks from cyberattacks. The typical salary is about $73,000 yearly.
Best resources for practicing
- Exam labs – One of the best platforms for testing strategies, minimizing nervousness, and perfecting time management. With Exam labs you can obtain exam questions and answers for hundreds of certification exams provided by all major vendors including Cisco. With various training materials available for reading at your own pleasure, obtaining good scores becomes more of a choice when you are using Exam labs. The best feature is that CCNP R&S practice tests that are opened on the ETE Software can be simulated to get the real exam experience whenever you wish. For the CCNP R&S certification exams you can download either free practice tests or the verified ones which are contained in the premium bundles.
- Cisco Labs – The CCNP R&S requires you to possess practical skills therefore, the experience becomes the x-factor towards efficiency and productivity at your workpl Cisco Labs provide you with the necessary infrastructure (virtual access to routing and switching features) to put the theory into action.
- Cisco Study groups – Here you can ask the specific questions regarding r&s that you may come across when preparing for the exam. Furthermore, there you will get access to useful tips and highly informative learning material.
Conclusion
Every organization, business, or facility that runs an IT-based service relies on a network or combination of networks for carrying out its daily functions and communications effectively. Technical issues, security vulnerabilities, outdate of infrastructure are some of the things that need to be addressed by skilled professionals. CCNP R&S is your license to successfully carrying out these tasks at the highest level. With Exam labs and its practice tests and other reliable resources listed above achieving excellence in all three 300-101, 300-115, and 300-135 exams can be done without too much hassle. Start taking the initial steps towards attaining your certification by registering with Exam labs and embark on a mission to take your IT career to the next level.