Cisco Security Training Leads to Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professional Certificate

In April 2003, the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) awarded Cisco formal certification recognizing that Cisco security courseware meets the 4011 training standard. This standard is intended for Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals responsible for the security oversight or management of critical networks. This formal NSA and CNSS certification gives Cisco the authority to recognize those candidates who have demonstrated that they have met this training standard.

To be eligible for the INFOSEC Professional certificate, candidates must be CCNA certified and pass these security exams:

• SECUR-Securing Cisco IOS Networks (or MCNS)
• CSPFA-Cisco Secure PIX Firewall Advanced
• CSVPN-Cisco Secure Virtual Private Networks
• CSIDS-Cisco Secure Intrusion Detection System (or IDSPM)

This certificate indicates confidence in the competency of your skills. The 4011 standard for INFOSEC Professionals applies to all U.S. Government departments and agencies, as well as to its contractors. Therefore, this certificate will help you meet current or future Federal employment requirements. In environments where these requirements do not apply, you can use this certificate to demonstrate that you possess the knowledge and skills needed to oversee and protect critical information infrastructures and networks.

On July 1, 2003, candidates in the Cisco Career Certifications Tracking System who meet the above requirements will be recognized as an Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professional and will receive a letter of recognition from Cisco. Candidates who partially meet these requirements can track their progress using the online tracking system as with all Cisco certifications at www.cisco.com/go/certifications/login. To learn more about this and other training standards set forth by the CNSS, go to www.nstissc.gov. Additional information about this INFOSEC certificate can be found on the Certifications Online Support page at www.cisco.com/go/certsupport.

Cisco Press Announces New Suite of Products for CCNA 640-801, 811 and 821 Exams

Indianapolis, IN-June 24, 2003 Cisco Systems announced today the revision of their popular entry-level networking certification with the introduction of CCNA® 640-801. Replacing CCNA 640-607, this new version includes a number of changes, including updated content to match current networking trends, a significant amount of new topics, and the introduction of an optional two-exam path to CCNA certification. This newtwo-exam path offers candidates the ability to certify at their own paceand skill level. With this announcement, Cisco Press today introduces a new comprehensive line of CCNA self-study solutions with advancements in design and format to meet the needs of candidates following either CCNA path. These products incorporate the proven tools from the number one selling Cisco CCNA 640-607 Exam Certification Guide with new elements that include network simulation software, an all-new testing engine with advanced study tools, and a modular design for ease of concept comprehension and retention.

The two paths to CCNA certification include taking the single CCNA 640-801 exam or taking two exams: INTRO 640-821 and ICND 640-811. The two-exam path splits the extensive CCNA topics into the INTRO (Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies) and ICND (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices) exams. With two paths, candidates can proceed at their own pace, making learning the large amount of information and test taking more manageable. The new ICND exam also serves as the recertification exam for current CCNA certified individuals. With the introduction of the new CCNA two-exam option, Cisco Press is publishing accompanying INTRO and ICND self-study guides to help candidates thoroughly prepare for the new exams.

Cisco Press has the flexible self-study preparation materials needed for both testing options.

Working in conjunction with Cisco Systems, Cisco Press has developed the first authorized self-study materials available for the new exams. As the only Cisco authorized publisher of certification self-study books, Cisco Press continues its long-standing tradition of producing a CCNA product suite that is designed to help readers master concepts, apply knowledge to real-world applications, and prepare for success beyond the exam.

Product Line Advancements

The new modular design of the books and invaluable CD-ROMs introduced with the new CCNA editions are designed to suit the flexible learning needs of CCNA exam candidates. The chapters within the new exam certification guides, CCNA ICND Exam Certification Guide (CCNA Self-Study) [1-58720-083-X], and CCNA INTRO Exam Certification Guide (CCNA Self-Study) [1-58720-094-5] break concepts into easy-to-absorb segments to aid in the candidates' self-study.

Cisco Press is also publishing a discounted two-book bundle, CCNA Certification Library (CCNA Self-Study) [1-58720-095-3], that will be relevant to all candidates, regardless of the CCNA pathway they choose. This discounted two-book bundle also includes a USD $10 voucher good toward any of the three CCNA exams. Cisco Press and its partners Pearson VUE and Prometric are pleased to offer this first-time benefit to Cisco CCNA exam candidates.

The following self-study materials apply to the new CCNA Exams.

• CCNA ICND Exam Certification Guide (CCNA Self-Study) [1-58720-083-X]
  SRP: $39.95
• CCNA INTRO Exam Certification Guide (CCNA Self-Study) [1-58720-094-5]
  SRP: $39.95
• CCNA Certification Library (CCNA Self-Study) [1-58720-095-3]
  SRP: $59.95
• CCNA Flash Cards and Exam Practice Pack (CCNA Self-Study) [1-58720-079-1]
  SRP: $39.95
• CCNA Practical Studies [1-58720-046-5]
  SRP: $49.95

Additional information and details about each product can be found at http://www.ciscopress.com/ccna.

CCNA Offers New Exams for Those Entering Networking Field

On June 24, 2003, Cisco Systems, Inc. ® announces three enhancements to the CCNA® (Cisco Certified Network Associate) Program which are based on customer feedback, the need for an accessible entry path into the certifications, and upgrades to the exam for addressing emerging networking technologies. As the entry-level certification of the Cisco Career Certifications Program, CCNA represents a strong foundation and understanding of IP networking and troubleshooting. The enhancements include a new two-step exam path for new candidates entering the networking field, revisions to the existing CCNA exam and the option for candidates to apply one of the new exams for CCNA recertification.

A Two-Step Approach:

The two-step approach introduced in the CCNA program offers candidates the ability to certify at their own pace and skill levels. The two step approach does not replace the existing one exam option, but allows candidates to achieve the certification in two stages by passing a new Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies (INTRO) exam and a new Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices (ICND) exam to achieve CCNA certification.

"Given the popularity and success of the CCNA program, we continue to enhance CCNA to meet our customers needs through skills assessment aimed at today's job requirements," said Don Field, senior manager, Internet Learning Solutions Group, Cisco Systems, Inc. "The two-step approach offers those new to the networking field the option to test their networking knowledge in stages."

The two-certification paths for CCNA include:

• Passing the CCNA 640-801 exam (available on June 30, 2003); or
• Passing the INTRO 640-821 exam (currently as beta exam 641-821) and ICND 640-811 exam (available on June 30, 2003). Revisions to the CCNA content:

The revised CCNA 640-801 exam replaces existing CCNA 640-607 exam and is designed to better assess the networking skills of entry level candidates. The CCNA curriculum includes understanding the functions and operations of local area networks (LAN), Cisco IOS fundamentals, wide area networks (WAN), virtual private networks (VPN), and Storage Area Networks (SAN). Other topics covered in the CCNA curriculum are IP Addressing, Cisco Command Line Interface (CLI), Routing and Switching technologies and protocols. The CCNA certification content, technology and testing remains focused on real-world skills assessment with labs and exam simulations being key components of CCNA courses and exams.

Recertification:

The new ICND exam now qualifies CCNA holders for recertification. The CCNA certifications are valid for three years. To recertify, candidates can also pass the new ICND 640-811 exam, the current CCNA exam, or any exam at the Professional or Cisco Qualified Specialist level bearing the prefix 642. The existing CCNA 640-607 exam will retire on September 30, 2003.

http://www.cisco.com/go/ccna

Cisco Announces Security Exam Updates and Two New Security Design Courses

Securing today's mission-critical networks requires a ready and able workforce to address current threats and vulnerabilities.

Updated certification exams for SECUR, CSPFA, CSVPN, and CSI will be available and a new CSIDS exam will be available on October 7, 2003. These exam updates represent Cisco's continuing efforts to ensure that certification exams effectively validate the most current industry knowledge.

Candidates working towards their CCSP, Cisco Firewall Specialist, Cisco VPN Specialist, or Cisco IDS Specialist certifications can still combine these updated exams with security exams already passed in order to earn a security certification. To learn more about the recommended training associated with these updated exams visit the appropriate URLs below.

• CCSP
• Cisco Firewall Specialist
• Cisco VPN Specialist
• Cisco IDS Specialist

Security Titles First Self-Study Resources Available

Indianapolis, IN--April 29, 2003 As the only Cisco authorized publisher of Cisco networking technology and certification self-study materials, Cisco Press announces the first self-study security titles available for CCIEâ Security certification preparation. Cisco Press has an established history of being the first to provide certification candidates with reliable self-study products that are approved and recommended by Cisco Systems.

Available now, the recently published Network Security Principles and Practices [1-58705-025-0] provides candidates with topical coverage of CCIE security exam issues. CCIE Security Exam Certification Guide [1-58720-065-1], available April 9, and CCIE Practical Studies: Security [1-58705-110-9], publishing in June, will provide written exam and lab exam preparation tools, as well as topical coverage of CCIE security exam issues.

Network Security Principles and Practices (CCIE Professional Development) [1-58705-025-0] (Available now)

Taking a practical, applied approach to building security into networks, this book shows you how to build secure network architectures from the ground up. Network Security Principles and Practices is a comprehensive guide to network security threats and the policies and tools developed specifically to combat those threats.

CCIE Security Exam Certification Guide (CCIE Professional Development) [1-58720-065-1] (April 2003)

The official preparation guide for the CCIE Security written exam, this book includes the proven tools from the best-selling line of Cisco Press Exam Certification Guides like pre- and post-chapter exams, exam objective reviews, and a CD-ROM-based testing engine that allows for focused or comprehensive tests.

CCIE Practical Studies: Security (CCIE Self-Study) [1-58705-110-9] (June 2003)

This title provides a series of lab scenarios that help a CCIE candidate or advanced-level networker gain hands-on experience while preparing for the CCIE Security lab exam.

About Cisco Press

Cisco Press (www.ciscopress.com), a partnership between Cisco Systems® (NASDAQ: CSCO) and the Pearson Education division of Pearson plc (NYSE: PSO), is the official publisher of Cisco Systems. With products designed to help users prepare for Cisco certifications and master a diverse range of technologies, Cisco Press provides users with a variety of products to suit their self-study and learning styles. Cisco Press resources are the only print companions reviewed and approved by Cisco Systems for use in the Cisco Networking Academy Program.

Do you have any difficulties finding authorized and good quality CCSP certification materials? Have you found that the study materials you just bought awhile ago is out-of-date now? Cisco is very active recently revisiting its certification exams and don't be surprised that the newly-released CCSP is not an exception! Cisco plans to revised 640-100 MCNS to 642-501 SECUR, 9E0-111 CSPFA to 641-521 CSPFA, and 9E0-121 CSVPN to 642-511 CSVPN in mid June 2003. We recommend you to get the authorized and up-to-date CCSP self-study books from Cisco Press to protect your investments. Below is the press release from Cisco Press.

(Note: This is not a promotion and at this point in time we are not affiliated with Cisco Press in any way.)

Indianapolis, IN-April, 2003 Cisco Press announced today the release of a suite of CCSP(tm) self-study books for the new professional-level security certification offered by Cisco Systems®. The only Cisco® authorized publisher of Cisco networking technology and certification self-study books, Cisco Press is the first publisher to provide Cisco authorized CCSP self-study resources since the certification's November 2002 introduction. CCSP provides professional-level recognition in designing and implementing secure Cisco networks and requires successful completion of five exams.

Cisco Press will publish in April two CCSP self-study exam guides: CCSP Cisco Secure PIX® Firewall Advanced Exam Certification Guide and CCSP Cisco Secure VPN Exam Certification Guide. Additional titles are underway for all five CCSP components, including the Cisco Secure Intrusion Detection System (CSIDS), Cisco SAFE Implementation (CSI), and Securing Cisco IOS Networks (formerly MCNS) courses and exams. The best-selling Exam Certification Guide line by Cisco Press provides learning assessment and CD-ROM testing engines that allow candidates to put theoretical concepts into real-world practice.

Cisco Press is historically first to market with new Cisco certification self-study products and did so with its rollout of titles for the CSS-1 Security Specialization, the precursor to CCSP. The Cisco Press certification self-study products are a part of a recommended learning path from Cisco Systems that can include instructor-led training with hands-on experience, e-learning, and self-study training. To learn more about Cisco authorized learning partners worldwide, please visit www.cisco.com/go/authorized training.

CCSP resources available from Cisco Press:

• CCSP Cisco Secure PIX® Firewall Advanced Exam Certification Guide
  [1-58720-067-8]
  Official self-study guide for the Cisco 9E0-111 and 641-521 CSPFA exams
• CCSP Cisco Secure VPN Exam Certification Guide [1-58720-070-8]
  Official self-study guide for the Cisco 9E0-121 and 642-511 CSVPN exams

Additional CCSP certification information can be found at www.ciscopress.com/ccsp. Cisco Press products can be purchased at your local bookstore, computer store, online booksellers or at www.ciscopress.com.

About Cisco Press

Cisco Press (www.ciscopress.com), a partnership between Cisco Systems® (NASDAQ: CSCO) and the Pearson Education division of Pearson plc (NYSE: PSO), is the official publisher of Cisco Systems. With products designed to help users prepare for Cisco certifications and master a diverse range of technologies, Cisco Press provides users with a variety of products to suit their self-study and learning styles. Cisco Press resources are the only print companions reviewed and approved by Cisco Systems for use in the Cisco Networking Academy Program.

Think you've got enough with all the changes and revisions Cisco made recently to its exam certification paths? Fear not, because Cisco plans to revise all exams of the current CCNP track.

What does this mean to you? Well, you'd better get your CCNP /CCIP sooner rather than later because the new exams will cover materials not contained in the certification preparation materials currently available in the market. As everybody knows, the Cisco certification book publishers struggle to keep pace with Cisco's moves. Usually the exam preparation books/materials are only available many months after the exams are released to public.

What is the bright side of the news? Well, Cisco always announces that it wants to keep its certification credentials remain valuable and highly regarded. With the new revised exams, the quality of the questions is raised to a level on which it is expected that less and less of peoples merely studying from cramming or braindumps can pass the exams.

Here is what Cisco says about the new CCNP/CCIP beta exams.

As an update to the Cisco Career Certifications program, Cisco has introduced a host of beta exams at more than 50 percent off of the regular price for the CCNP, CCDP, and CCIP certification exams. Seven new beta exams will cover revised content that will be added to the latest versions of the certifications. For those candidates who pass these exams, each will also count toward a CCDA and CCNA recertification.

• 641-661 BGP--Available January 21 - May 30, 2003
• 641-871 ARCH--Available February 3 - May 30, 2003
• 643-641 QoS--Available March 18 - April 25, 2003
• 643-821 BCRAN--Available March 24 - May 16, 2003
• 643-811 BCMSN--Available March 31 - May 30, 2003
• 643-831 CIT--Available April 7 - April 25, 2003
• 643-801 BSCI--Available April 17 - May 7, 2003

Beta exams enable Cisco to ensure quality exam development. Any individual who takes and passes a beta exam receives credit toward the appropriate certification. Candidates are not allowed to take beta exams for certifications they already hold.

Cisco Systems announced on March 18 a reorganization and updating of the CCIP certification. The Implementing Cisco Multicast (MCAST) course, and the corresponding 640-905 MCAST/QoS exam will be retired. New courses and exams will be added, with exams 642-661 BGP, 642-641 QoS, 640-910 MPLS, and 640-901 BSCI required. The Cable, Content Networking, DSL, METRO, Packet Telephony, and Security electives will no longer apply to the CCIP certification. If you are currently pursuing a CCIP certification with elective, click here.

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Professional (CCIP) certification provides individuals with competencies in infrastructure or access solutions in a Cisco end-to-end environment. CCIP professionals have a detailed understanding of the diverse technologies in the telecommunications arena including IP routing, IP multicast, cable, DSL, content networking, IP telephony, QoS, MPLS, and IP+optical networking. Learn more about CCIP certification from Cisco Systems

Prerequisites

CCNA certification is a prerequisite for CCIP certification.

Required Exams

There are four required exams for the new CCIP certification:

• 640-901 BSCI
• 640-910 MPLS
• 642-641 QoS
• 642-661 BGP

Cisco Systems has introduced a new Voice track for the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification. The beta version of the qualifying exam, 351-030, will be offered from March 17 through April 7, 2003. Learn more about CCIE Voice certification.

Cisco Systems announced a reorganization and updating of the CCDP certification. A new course, Designing Cisco Network Architectures (ARCH), and exam, 642-871 ARCH, will replace the Cisco Internetwork Design course and 640-025 Design exam. Candidates must hold a valid CCNA certification, and 640-604 Switching, 640-861 DESGN, and 640-901 BSCI are required exams. The 640-605 Remote Access exam will no longer be required.

As of November 19, 2002, a new Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) certification and three new focused security certifications: the Cisco Firewall Specialist, the Cisco VPN Specialist, and the Cisco IDS Specialist are available. This new CCSP certification prepares an individual for a career in the IT security market while focused certifications concentrate on the needs of individuals who want to pursue skills in specific areas of network security.

What does this mean to people who pursue Cisco security specialization? Good news! Instead of passing all the core security exams in order to obtain the former CSS1 status, you can now pass two core exams to get the Firewall, VPN, or IDS Specialist credentials. On the other hand, the CCSP certification becomes harder with one additional exam requirement: Cisco SAFE Implementation. Please read the following for details.

CCSP

The CCSP (Cisco Certified Security Professional) certification provides network professionals with professional level recognition in designing and implementing Cisco secure networks. CCSP holders are actively involved in developing business solutions and designing and delivering multiple levels of security departments.

Required exams:

• 640-100, MCNS Managing Cisco Network Security (MCNS 3.0)
• 9E0-111, CSPFA Cisco Secure PIX Firewall Advanced (CSPFA 3.0)
• 9E0-100, CSIDS Cisco Secure Intrusion Detection System Version 3.0 (CSIDS 3.0)
• 9E0-121, CSVPN Cisco Secure VPN (CSVPN 3.0)
• 9E0-131, CSI Cisco SAFE Implementation (CSI 1.0)

Cisco Firewall Specialist

Cisco security certifications focus on the growing need for knowledgeable network professionals who can implement complete security solutions. Cisco Firewall Specialists focus on securing network access using Cisco IOS Software and Cisco PIX Firewall Technologies.

Required exams:

• 640-100, MCNS Managing Cisco Network Security (MCNS 3.0)
• 9E0-111, CSPFA Cisco Secure PIX Firewall Advanced (CSPFA)

Cisco VPN Specialist

Cisco security certifications focus on the growing need for knowledgeable network professionals who can implement complete security solutions. Cisco VPN Specialists can configure VPNs across shared public networks using Cisco IOS Software and Cisco VPN 3000 Series Concentrator technologies.

Required exams:

• 640-100, MCNS Managing Cisco Network Security (MCNS 3.0)
• 9E0-121, CSVPN Cisco Secure Virtual Networks (CSVPN)

Cisco IDS Specialist

Cisco security certifications focus on the growing need for knowledgeable network professionals who can implement complete security solutions. Cisco IDS Specialists can operate and monitor Cisco IOS Software and IDS technologies to detect and respond to intrusion activities.

Required exams:

• 640-100, MCNS Managing Cisco Network Security (MCNS 3.0)
• 9E0-100, CSIDS Cisco Secure Intrusion Detection System (CSIDS 3.0)

For more information on the new Cisco Security certifications, click here.

On November 12, 2002 Cisco announces its redesigned CCDA(r) certification track, which features the new CCDA exam # 640-861 and the new course, Designing for Cisco Internetwork Solutions (DESGN). The new DESGN five-day, instructor-led course will teach how to design Cisco network infrastructures.

The existing DCN course will retire on January 6, 2003, and the existing DCN exam #640-441 will retire on March 5, 2003.

A CCDA certification is achieved upon successful completion of the DESGN exam, and is valid for three years. The recommended training includes CCNA Basics and DESGN.

The CCDA program is the first step toward achieving CCDP(r) certification (CCNA(r) certification is also required), and a redesigned CCDP track exam and course will be released around February 2003. The CCDP related course, Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures (ARCH), builds upon the DESGN foundation, teaching designers how to architect network services and solutions using that infrastructure. While the DESGN course addresses mainly infrastructure and network service issues, the ARCH will address mainly network services and solutions.

What's New in DESGN

Because networks and network services are growing exponentially complex, designing a network separately becomes impossible. Instead, the network is divided into modules such as the enterprise edge, campus, and service provider edge, with each module designed separately. Designers must ensure the entire solution responds
optimally to business and technical needs, and that the network is highly available. A strategic network solution requires content networking, storage application networking, and voice applications. Successful network designs require critical modern infrastructure services (such as wireless access) and network services (such as
security and management, quality of service, and multicast).

For more information on the new CCDA exam, click here.

On October 22, 2002, Cisco offers two new Cisco Qualified Specialist focused certifications: the Cisco Wireless LAN Design Specialist and the Cisco Wireless LAN Support Specialist.

A Cisco Wireless LAN Design Specialist must have a valid CCDA(r) certification, and pass the Wireless LAN for Systems Engineers Exam number 9E0-576. This focused certification is based on knowledge of designing, selling, and installing wireless LANs. The Cisco Wireless LAN Support Specialist must have a valid CCNA(r) certification, and pass the Wireless LAN for Field Engineers Exam number 9E0-581. Available through authorized Cisco Learning Partners worldwide, the recommended training courses for both certifications include Cisco Aironet(r) Wireless LAN Fundamentals (AWLF) and Cisco Aironet Wireless Site Survey (AWFSS).

Cisco wireless solutions can span multiple broadband frequency bands and are compatible with Cisco core networking equipment. Cisco mobile wireless products and services provide mobile operators scalable access and core technology solutions. Cisco Aironet wireless LAN products lead the industry in performance, security, and reliability, with cost-effective solutions for the enterprise and small and medium-sized businesses.

Both certifications are valid for two years. Within the Wireless LAN Specialization, the Cisco Wireless LAN Design Specialist will fulfill the requirements for the systems engineer role, and the Cisco Wireless LAN Support Specialist will fulfill the requirements for the field engineer role.

As of September 13, 2002, BSCI 640-901 has replaced the CCNP Routing exam (RTING 640-603) for CCNP and CCDP certifications. The CCNP Routing exam is now retired. Individuals registering for the Routing exam on or before September 13, 2002 will be able to take that exam through October 25, 2002.

This move from Cisco is expected due to overlap on both exams. One year ago, Cisco replaced the Building Scalable Cisco Network (BSCN) with Building Scalable Cisco Internetwork (BSCI). So, replacing the RTING exam with BSCI is just a matter of time and it has happened now.

CCNP/CCIP candidates and exam takers, do not be afraid! Do not panic! SavvyEngine will release a solution for this in the near future. Stay tune and monitor our web site for oncoming updates!

As of August 13 2002, Cisco Systems announces the Cisco Optical Specialist 1 certification as part of the Cisco Career Certifications. The new focused certification is for network professionals who design, install, operate, and maintain optical networking systems. A professional who attains the Cisco Optical Specialist 1 certification will understand the protocols and underlying technologies of optical systems, such as SONET/SDH, DWDM, DPT/RPR, POS, optical cross connects, Ethernet services over optical, and element management. In addition, a Cisco Optical Specialist 1 will be able to design, configure, build, operate, and troubleshoot Cisco optical networking products in metro access and regional environments.

To obtain a Cisco Optical Specialist 1 certification, one must successfully complete the Cisco Optical Specialist 1 exam 9E0-611. Candidates will have a strong background in optical networking technologies, and participants must have proficiency using Cisco optical products and applying them in a metro environment. A valid CCNA(R) certification is also recommended, though not required. Visit Cisco Optical Specialist 1 web site for details of the new optical focused certification.

The recommended training courses are available through authorized Cisco Learning Partners worldwide, which can be found by visiting the Cisco Learning Locator web page.

Courses include:

- Cisco ONS 15454 Provisioning and Operation Training course
- Cisco ONS 15216 Provisioning and Operation Training course
- Cisco ONS 15201/15252 Provisioning and Operation Training course
- Cisco Transport Manager course

Cisco has just released the newly updated CCIE Written exam on August 7, 2002. Contrary to previous anticipation, the new exam still carries the old exam number, 350-001, not 351-001. It is the contents of the exam that have been completely revised. New question sets have replaced the old ones. For exam takers, be prepared for new topics like QoS, multicast, and multiservice questions like VoX and MPLS.

>> Blueprint of the new CCIE Written exam

Effective July 23, 2002 Cisco is offering a new focused certification-the Cisco Multiservice Switching Specialist. Multiservice switches provide the highest port densities in the market, unmatched scalability, and carrier-class reliability. Partnerships and standards facilitate open networks that allow service providers to create the most cost-effective and reliable networks for IP and ATM service delivery, using one network infrastructure. The new focused certification will provide candidates with the technical expertise necessary to install, configure, support, troubleshoot, and design complex ATM-based networks in the service provider market segment.

>> Cisco Multiservice Switching Specialist Program

Effective June 5, 2002 the following CCNP exams have been replaced in all countries except Japan. The BSCI, Routing, and Remote Access exams now include real-world simulations.

Candidates with certifications in progress may combine 640-50x and 640-900 exams with 640-60x and 640-901 exams to achieve their CCNP, CCDP or CCIP certifications.

What does this mean for test takers? This means Cisco wants to make sure that all candidates actually understand the topics being tested and have real-world experience working with Cisco routers and switches.

How should I get prepared? SavvyEngine is here to help you. SavvyEngine contains all test formats you will face in the actual Cisco certification exams: multiple-choice single answer, multiple-choice multiple answer, drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, and simulations. You should practice with SavvyEngine to familiarize yourself with the new exam format before taking the actual exams.

CCIE Candidates should note the following changes to the technical content and equipment for the CCIE Lab exam. The content changes affect the CCIE Routing and Switching Lab exam, while the equipment changes affect all CCIE certification tracks.

The CCIE program continually monitors the topics and technologies covered in the CCIE certification tracks. The end result of this process is that a topic may be removed from the exam to allow greater emphasis on features or technologies that are more current in the industry.

Therefore, effective November 4th, 2002, the following topics will no longer be tested on the CCIE Routing and Switching exam:

• IGRP
• Token Ring
• Token Ring Switching
• IPX

Please note that DLSw+ will remain as a valid topic on the exam.

Between September 1, 2002 and November 4th, 2002 all CCIE labs will replace the current Catalyst 5000 switches with Catalyst 3550 switches. However, the only switching features tested during this time will be those common to both devices - additional features on the Catalyst 3550 will only be tested after November 4th, 2002.

Please note that except for the change in switches, no new topics are being added to the content covered by the Routing and Switching exam. However, many features currently tested will now be able to receive more weight on the exam after November 4th.

Upcoming Networkers events include free certifications testing (Monday through Friday for U.S. events), available on a pre-register first-come, first-served basis.

Networkers events worldwide include:

• Mexico City, Mexico; September 25-27, 2002
• Seoul, Korea; October 9-11, 2002
• Beijing, China; October 17-18, 2002
• Copenhagen, Denmark; October 22-25, 2002
• Buenos Aires, Argentina; November 12-15, 2002
• Brisbane, Australia; March 11-13, 2003
• Orlando, Florida; June 23-27, 2003
• Los Angeles, California; July 7-11, 2003

Michael Purcell, a systems engineer with the Cisco Systems Inside Sales Organization, first achieved CCIE® Certification status in September 1998, when he passed the Routing and Switching exam. He followed with CCIE certifications in ISP Dial in April 2001, SNA/IP in July 2001, and, most recently, Security in January 2002.

>> Find out the complete story on how Michael pursues the pinnacle of networking certifications four times over, and the effect it has had on his career