how tough is a CCNP Exam and where can I get proper guidence for the same?

Question

also how does this course suppliment a career in VoIP

Answer 1

There are four required exams for CCNP certification, you can pass them in any order: Routing, Switching, Remote Access and Troubleshooting. I did them in that order. Here are the official exam names and numbers: 642-801 BSCI, 642-811 BCMSN, 642-821 BCRAN, 642-831 CIT.

Each exam is somewhat difficult. Many people say switching is the hardest, some people say routing is the hardest. I have never met or heard of anyone who thought remote access or troubleshooting were the hardest. But these last two are also not "easy" exams, but may not require as much raw knowledge, studying and memorization as routing and switching do.

For proper preparation, I would spend time browsing www.ciscopress.com and look through the self-study guides and/or the exam certification guides. Below is the one link you need for CCNP info which has links to all of the relevant Cisco Press books. For each exam, if you already have experience, consider the exam certification guide. If you need the fundamentals and don't have much experience, go with a self-study guide.

There are many other books out there on CCNP exam prep, but I would stick with Cisco Press, they're official and they're usually the best. I have also used ExamCram books for extra brush-up and practice questions, and they come with a CD so you can install and take your own practice tests. When you consistently and honestly pass practice tests with 80% or higher you're generally ready for the real thing.

In addition to CCNP, you mentioned VoIP so consider (in addition to, or in place of CCNP) the CCVP, Cisco Certified Voice Professional. I put a link to that as well. If time permits, I highly recommend CCNP first, as CCVP is more of a "specialization" certification. CCNP shows you have your routing and switching knowledge... your basic "block & tackle" skills, the fundamentals, and then a CCVP further defines you as a voice specialist.

I'm assuming you have your CCNA, if not, you'll need it first in order to obtain CCNP or CCVP. Good luck.

Answer 2

If I recall correctly to get CCNP you have to pass 5 exams and all of them are pretty tough. I'd start with a CCNA to get the basic understanding of Cisco routing and then take the additional tests. CCNA touches on all areas of Cisco routing and from there you can dig deeper to get your CCNP.

CompTIA is working on a VOIP certification:

http://www.networkworld.com/newsletters/edu/2005/0131ed1.html

Perhaps think about the Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP) certification:

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_zdext/is_200502/ai_n9482901