Posts Tagged ‘CCNA Voice’

Cisco’s New CCNA Voice Specialization Can Increase Your Pay!

Monday, February 2nd, 2009

Are you looking to boost your career or have more job security? If so, Cisco’s newest CCNA Voice specialization may be the right step for you. This past summer, Cisco released three new certifications:

# CCNA Voice
# CCNA Security
# CCNA Wireless

These exams are add-on concentrations to Cisco’s very popular Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification. For many years the CCNA has been the most sought-after entry level computer networking certification in the industry which focuses mostly on Router and Switch configuration.

What are some of the key motivators for getting the CCNA Voice certification? Based on research by Forrester Consulting the demand for specialized IT professionals will be very strong in the coming years. One finding was that 69% of the companies surveyed expect to have a dedicated voice technologies specialist in their organization within five years. Another motivator is salary. Certification Magazine’s 2007 annual salary survey found a worldwide average salary of US$74,810 for people with a CCNA certification. In comparison, attaining the professional-level Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP) certification beyond the CCNA resulted in a 23 percent higher salary, at an average of US$92,350. Job roles available for individuals who obtain a CCNA Voice certification include:

# Voice Administrators
# Voice Technicians
# Voice Engineers

The CCNA Voice concentration provides candidates with a good foundation in traditional telephony and Cisco Unified Communications. The exam focuses on testing a student’s knowledge to install, configure and support a Cisco Unified Communications solution from 8 – 250 phones. In order to attain the certification there are two routes a candidate can go:

Option 1
Pass the three following exams:
1) Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices (640-822 ICND1)
2) Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices (640-816 ICND2)
3) Implementing Internet Unified Communications (640-406 IIUC)

Option 2
Pass the two following exams:
1) Cisco Certified Network Associate (640-802 CCNA)
2) Implementing Internet Unified Communications (640-406 IIUC)

Having the CCNA Voice is a new a requirement for achieving the Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP). The one caveat is if you have already passed the CCNA you will have until June 2009 to pass the CCVP without taking the CCNA Voice.

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Get Cisco Certified and Prosper, Even in a Recession

Thursday, January 29th, 2009

No one will argue that the current economy is bad. As a consultant, I have noticed a significant decrease in project opportunities over the last 6 months ending 2008. The same has happened in the IT job market. Organizations are looking to cut cost. The question you have to ask yourself is “How can I survive in this environment?”

I believe the best thing any IT professional can do is increase their knowledge. One of the best ways to do that is to pursue a certification. I started my IT career working with Microsoft technology and then progressed into working with Cisco equipment. So I will narrow my comments to networking certifications.

When I first learned about certifications, I was going through a tough time in my career. I was out of work with very few prospects. I started researching different certification programs and was surprised to learn what Microsoft Certified System Engineers (MCSEs) and Cisco Internetwork Experts (CCIEs) were earning. That motivated me to purse first the MCSE and then CCNA, CCDA, CCNP, CCDP, CCSP, CCVP and then finally the CCIE. I can say without a shadow of a doubt, that it has been one of the best investment I have ever made. Each certification I have obtained has provided me with bigger and better career opportunities. It has also helped me differentiate myself from the competition.

Getting certified is not easy. It requires discipline and hard work, but there is a multitude of learning opportunities available today to help you reach your goal. You no longer need to purchase a bunch of lab equipment. You can rent online racks of equipment for a small fee. I personally believe that hands on is the best way to learn a subject. You also do not need to travel to take classes anymore. There are many companies offering online training classes and video-on-demand options.

If you are interested in getting certified, but are not sure which route to go, here are a few recommendations. Unified Communications is a growing field. Voice and video over IP is just getting started and there will continue to be a demand for qualified Engineers. Network Security is another good alternative. As more kinds of devices get connected to the internet, security concerns will continue to grow.

Here are a few of the certifications I recommend:

Unified Communications

• CompTIA Convergence+

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

• CCNA Voice

• Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP)

• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Voice

Network Security

• CompTIA Security+

• CCNA

• CCNA Security

• CCSP

• CCIE Security

I challenge you to investigate which is the right certification for you and to get started now. You will not be sorry you did!

If you are interested in learning more about Cisco Unified Communications sign up for our free newsletter and get a free bonus training video: Introduction to Cisco Unified Communications ($49 Value).

http://www.VoIP-Tutor.com/freetutorial.htm

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