Your computer network is the backbone of your business. When your network isn’t working, your people aren’t working. If you want to get the most out of your computer network and ensure security and reliability, you need to hire a Cisco Certified Network Professional or get CCNP training for your IT staff.

There are three ways you can get cisco ccnp certification for your staff:

1. Send your IT staff to CCNP boot camp for a quick and intensive learning experience.

2. Examine CCNP self-study courses and training materials for your IT staff.

3. Consider formal learning opportunities in which your employee can become a Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Bring your staff up to speed rapidly with CCNP boot camp

Boot camps provide a fast track where IT professionals can learn what they need to know in order to pass the CCNP examinations. These boot camps typically run one to two weeks, and usually require full-time participation.

I recommend: Use a CCNP boot camp like the one from Unitek Education. This program runs 14 days, and provides students with the information they need to pass their CCNP exams. Internetworking Dynamics offers a similar program that runs 12 days, and is all-inclusive.

Use self-study materials to educate your network staff in a less formal manner

Computer-, book- and video-based education is an excellent way to bring your IT staff up to speed on the latest in network technology. They can get CCNP information from a variety of sources, providing them with a broad spectrum of knowledge that they wouldn't get from just a single vendor or from the CCNP boot camp experience.

I recommend: Computer-based training programs like those offered by E-Learning Center can be a great way for your staff to get CCNP info in their spare work time. Global Knowledge offers a combination of the CCNP boot camp with self-study materials, allowing your employee to earn the CCNP certification in quick order without having to travel.

Offer employees formal education as a benefit to your business and their career

CCNP certification isn't the only education your IT staff needs. If your company already offers a tuition reimbursement plan, you can incorporate CCNP certification and training into a more formal education process.

I recommend: Kaplan University is a regionally-accredited university that offers CCNP training. Technical schools like ITT Technical Institute may offer the CCNP as part of a degree program.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While CCNP certification is one indication that an individual understands network technology, the ability to apply that knowledge in a real-world environment is critical to your business success. When you're hiring a CCNP, make sure you look for someone who has the experience to back up the certification.