Yet again, Cisco has made another big announcement this summer concerning their certification program, namely the introduction of a new exam, Composite (COMP 642-891). This exam, which is scheduled for release on August 7, 2003, will have a positive impact on the popular CCNP and CCDP programs, both for those new to these programs and for those who already hold these certifications.
Based on Cisco's recommended training for this exam, as well as on how it fits into the CCNP and CCDP paths, the Composite is basically a combination of the BSCI (Building Scalable Cisco Internetworks) and BCMSN (Building Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks) exams. Let's see how its introduction changes things.
Many IT professionals who get certified on Cisco's entry-level certification, the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate), soon move on to the CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional). The Composite exam will offer a new middle way to achieve the CCNP.
Come the last day to register for the 640-901 BSCI, 640-604 Switching, 640-605 Remote Access and 640-606 Support exams, candidates will have three options to complete their CCNP. The first post September 7, 2003 option does not involve the Composite exam and requires taking the following four exams:
So the appearance of the Composite exam provides a three exam approach for tackling the CCNP: one that is a bit pricier than the two exam approach, yet perhaps one that is a bit safer. In terms of recertification the Composite exam will be replacing the 640-851 CCNP Recertification exam come September 7th.
For more on how this new exam fits into the CCNP track, click here
Before embarking on the CCDP (Cisco Certified Design Professional), a candidate needs both a CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and a CCDA (Cisco Certified Design Associate) certification. The Composite exam will lessen the number of exams required to achieve the CCDP.
September 7, 2003 is the last day to register for the 640-901 BSCI, 640-604 Switching, and 640-625 CID exams. After that date, a three exam approach to the CCDP will still exist. These three exams are:
So we see that the Composite provides a shorter path to the CCDA. In terms of recertification the Composite exam will be replacing the 640-529 CCDP Recertification exam come September 7th.
For more on how this new exam fits into the CCDP track, click here
What The Composite Exam Covers
The Composite exam is broken up into routing and switching subsections, both of which must be passed in order to pass the Composite exam. The general topics for the Composite exam are:
The changes in Cisco's certification program seem relentless this summer. Fortunately, though, most of the news has been beneficial for certification candidates. The introduction of the Composite exam should simplify things, both for those who are tackling the CCDP or CCNP certifications for the first time or for those who find it high time to recertify. Fittingly, those ambitious enough to tackle both the CCDP and CCNP will really have a leg up by passing this new exam.
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