CCNP certification is often a logical next step after the CCNA certification for most professionals. For those professionals who intend to undertake the CCIE certification, while certification is not necessary, the training that leads to it is usually needed for most professionals.
CCNP training & certification validates a network professional's ability to install, configure and troubleshoot converged local and wide area networks with 100 to 500 or more nodes. Professionals who achieve the CCNP have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to manage the routers and switches that form the network core, as well as edge applications that integrate voice, wireless, and security into the network.

CCNP Exams & Recommended Training

Required Exam(s)	Recommended Training
642-902 ROUTE	Implementing Cisco IP Routing
642-813 SWITCH	Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks
642-832 TSHOOT	Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks

Course Duration:

Track	Regular Track	Fast Track	Super Fast track	Weekend (Sat & Sun)
Duration	3 Months	45 days	30 days	12 weekends
Hours	2 Hours a day	4 Hours a day	6-7 Hours a day	4 Hours a day

Prerequisite:

To fully benefit from this course, the CCNP student should have studied the Cisco CCNA curriculum.

CCNP Recertification
Cisco professional level certifications (CCDA, CCNP, CCDP, CCSP, CCVP, and CCIP) are valid for three years. To recertify, pass any 642 exam that is part of the professional level curriculum or any CCIE/CCDE written exam before the certification expiration date.