Author: bensbookmarks

The Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) certification is a validation of advanced knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks. Network professionals that are CCSP certified have external confirmation of the skills that are necessary to manage and secure network infrastructures. CCSP certified professionals can accomplish these tasks in such as way that they reduce costs, mitigate threats and protect productivity. This curriculum places emphasis on Cisco systems such as the Cisco Router IOS and Catalyst Switch. Network professionals such as network administrators and security professionals can use the CCSP to sharpen their knowledge base and bring new skills to their professions.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth for computer network, systems and database administrators is projected to grow over 20 percent between 2008 and 2018. Additionally, the number of jobs in this field is expected to increase by approximately 286,600 over the 2008 – 2018 decade. Salary prospects are also likely to be excellent. In a range of job titles that hold the CCSP certification, from IT Network Engineer to Senior Network Engineer, salaries range from $43,000 to as high as $133,000 per year.

The CCSP is a professional level, highly specialized certification. The National Security Agency (NSA) and the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS) have recognized that the CCSP certification meets the CNSS 4013 training standard. Professionals who maintain a valid CCSP certification assist private entities in protecting sensitive information as well as aid federal agencies in the defense of the United States’ crucial information technology infrastructure. The CNSS 4013 is an advanced standard designed and intended for system administrators who are responsible for the safety of critical networks.

Cisco has the authority and ability through NSA and the CNSS to recognize candidates who demonstrate that they have met the CNSS 4013 standard. Cisco will write such a candidate a formal recognition in letter form. The candidate can include the letter in their professional references and use it to confirm that he has met the standard.

The CCSP has three prerequisites: the Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security) certification, the CCNA Security plus the Cisco Secure Network Devices (SND) certification or any Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certification. The SND certification prerequisite is only valid until November 17, 2011.

Cisco is planning on replacing the CCSP certification with an alternative: the Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security) certification. CCSP exams for new applicants ceased to be offered in April 2011. Existing CCSP holders will be able re-certify themselves only until October 2011. Individuals that have a valid CCSP certification who have passed the CCNP Security exams may be able to receive the CCNP Security certification.

To obtain the new CCNP Security certification, four exams must be passed: 642-637 SECURE v1.0, 642-617 FIREWALL v1.0, 642-647 VPN v1.0 and the 642-627 IPS v7.0. Each of these exams has a recommended training class: Secure v1.0 Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches, Deploying Cisco ASA Firewall Solutions, Deploying Cisco ASA VPN Solutions and Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention System v7.0, respectively. To become re-certified, a holder of the CCNP Security certification must re-take the exams within three years of receiving the certification. All Cisco professional certifications are valid for three years.

The Cisco Certified Network Professional Service Provider Operations (CCNP SP Operations) exam is designed specifically to validate the service provider skills of a Tier 1 or Tier 2 engineer. The CCNP SP Operations certification gives the engineer the ability to repair and troubleshoot IP NGN core service provider network infrastructures. The CCNP SP Operations recognizes network professionals that have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform critical tasks related to network maintenance. Detecting network problems and implementing solutions based on proactive measures using frameworks, operations management processes and network management systems are all part of this certification.

The curriculum for this certification includes quality of service (QoS) mechanisms using Cisco IOS and IOS XR, maintaining carrier class routing protocol environments and Multiprotocol Label Switching Virtual Private Network and Traffic Engineering deployments. Network professionals like network technicians and support providers can take advantage of the CCNP SP Operations to broadcast their skills and abilities.

Salary and Job Market for CCNP SP Operations

Job growth in the field of computer networks and systems, which includes jobs for network professionals holding the CCNP SP Operations, is projected to grow phenomenally. Over the decade from 2008 to 2018, job growth is expected to increase by more than 20 percent, adding more than 280,000 jobs. This will create numerous opportunities for network technicians, support providers and other network professionals. The need for skills related to information technology infrastructure will power this very strong job growth for years to come.

Such strong demand for individuals with certifications like the CCNP SP Operations will create incentives in the form of well-paying salaries. The market research firm PayScale, which specializes in reporting compensation data, bears this out. PayScale reports that all individuals who hold the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification or sub-tracks like the CCNP SP Operations earn five-figure and six-figure salaries. PayScale lists certain positions as examples. They are

• Senior Network Engineer: $65,000 to $113,000
• Network Engineer: $47,000 to $90,000
• Senior Systems Engineer: $59,000 to $116,000
• Information Technology Manager: $43,000 to $111,000
• Information Technology Network Engineer: $48,000 to $93,000

What are the prerequisites and recertification requirements?

This is a professional level certification that specializes in service provider skills for Cisco networks. As such, in the Cisco pyramid, it is higher than the associate level and lower than the expert level. Applicants must have already achieved the Cisco Certified Network Associated Service Provider Operations (CCNA SP Ops) as a prerequisite. After achieving the CCNP SP Operations certification, holders must re-certify every three years, which is the time limit for all Cisco professional level certifications. They have several options to accomplish this. Passing any professional level exam currently offered by Cisco will re-certify them for the CCNP SP Operations.

Alternative routes involve examinations further up on the pyramid. Passing the written exams for either the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) or the Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) will re-certify them. Additionally, passing the practical exam for the CCDE will also do the trick. Finally, passing the interview and board review for the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr), the highest certification that Cisco offers, will re-certify the holder for all lower levels.

What exams are required to obtain CCNP SP Operations certification?

Achieving the CCNP SP Operations requires passing four examinations, each relating to a specific aspect of the certification’s skill set. The required exams are 642-770 OFCN, 642-775 MSPRP, 642-780 MSPVM and 642-785 MSPQS. All of them last one hour and 15 minutes and cover 60 to 75 questions. Each exam has a recommended training course that will prepare the applicant for the questions on that exam. The recommended training courses are Operational Foundations for Cisco Service Provider Core Networks, Maintaining Cisco Service Provider Routing Protocols, Maintaining Cisco Service Provider VPNs and MPLS Networks and Maintaining Cisco Service Provider Quality of Service.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to avail themselves of the recommended training courses. The questions in each exam are detailed and precise. They are designed to assess the applicant’s knowledge and skills, and must be rigorously formulated to do so.

The Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) is a certification that validates the ability of the holder to design and configure Cisco networks. Network professionals armed with the CCDP certification are able to design and create complex architectures integrating routing, addressing, security, data center and network management objectives. Holders of this certification are also able to discuss their ideas with clients and colleagues. The skills that CCDP holders have learned also include the ability to incorporate wireless domains and virtual private networks. The curriculum focuses on creating architecture for network service, building a multilayered switched network and designing scalable network schemata.

Network professionals like architects and engineers can use the CCDP certification to take their careers to new heights. Network architects and engineers are expected to experience increasing demand over the next decade. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, a publication of the U.S. Department of Labor, the United States should see an increase of over 20 percent in the field of computer network, systems and database administrators within this decade. On a numerical basis, this equates to over 280,000 jobs created between 2008 and 2018. Job searchers in this field will find numerous opportunities awaiting them.

The widely known compensation data research firm PayScale has researched the salary ranges for five job titles with a CCDP certification. In order from least to most, these five jobs and their corresponding salary ranges are

• Network Engineer, IT: $45,000 to $100,000
• Systems Engineer: $84,000 to $104,000
• Senior Network Engineer: $64,000 to $116,000
• Network Engineer: $34,000 to $117,000
• Senior Systems Engineer: $92,000 to $122,000

The CCDP is a professional level certification that specializes in network design and creation. In order to obtain the CCDP certification, applicants must have two valid prerequisite certifications. These are the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and the Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) certifications. Alternatively, a valid Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert in any track can serve as a prerequisite if the applicant does not have the CCNA and CCDA.

To become re-certified, the CCDP holder must re-take one of a number of specified exams before the CCDP expires. All professional level certifications offered by Cisco are valid for three years. The CCDP holder must re-certify before the CCDP expires. Re-certification automatically extends the validity of the certification until the new expiration date.

The CCDP requires the applicant to pass three exams in order to achieve certification. These exams are 642-902 Route, 642-813 Switch and Arch. Recommended training for the exams can be found in three courses: Implementing Cisco IP Routing, Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks and Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures respectively.

CCDP Exam #1: 642-902 Route

This exam verifies the ability of the examinee to utilize advanced routing and IP addressing functionalities. The exam seeks to apply this knowledge to implement a secure and scalable network using the Cisco ISR router. The network will be connected to Wide Area Networks and Local Area Networks. Secure solutions for routing to mobile workers and branch offices will also be covered. The test is two hours long and comprises 52 questions.

CCDP Exam #2: 642-813 Switch

The Switch exam focuses on the ability of the candidate to implement very complex switching solutions using the Campus Enterprise Architecture by Cisco. The exam measures the candidate’s ability to design, plan and verify the solutions created using the architecture. It also incorporates tests of the candidate’s ability to integrate wireless local area networks, virtual local area networks and video and voice capabilities into the campus network. This test is also two hours long and comprises 52 questions.

CCDP Exam #3: Arch

A candidate is tested for the latest design and technologies in networking in this exam. Intelligent network services, network infrastructure and converged network solutions are all included in the test. This test is one hour and 15 minutes long and is comprised of 60 to 70 questions.

The Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) is proficient in designing, testing and evaluating Cisco routed, converged and switched local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and broadband networks in the small office/home office (SoHo) market involving less than 100 nodes. The CCDA is a step up from an entry level position and confirms competence in using Cisco network equipment – routers and switches – to develop a service-oriented network architecture (SONA).

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job market for the CCDA should be robust from 2008 to 2018 due to the need for the design of new computer networks, data communications and e-mail systems for businesses. The BLS classifies the CCDA as a network systems analyst involved in designing, testing and evaluating network architecture.

In 2008, employment for the network systems analyst was calculated to be 292,000 with an expected rapid growth increase of 53% over the decade to 447,800. These industries are expected to hire the most computer systems designers: data processing, healthcare, hosting and software publishing. The median annual wage for computer network systems analysts was $71,100 in May 2008.

The CCDA is a general, associate degree demonstrating basic knowledge of Cisco networking fundamentals. Cisco is well-recognized as the leader in networking equipment and its IT certifications are well-respected by the industry.

Cisco Systems was founded in 1984. It was instrumental in connecting computers together into networks using routers and switching equipment. In 1993, Cisco Academies established training certifications as benchmarks for competence in the networking profession.

Analytical, communication (written and spoken), mathematical and problem-solving skills are necessary for computer network designers. Typical coursework for the CCDA include database management, electronic business and systems design.

Switching knowledge of the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) are needed to pass the CCDA exam. It is also recommended that students gain Building Converged Cisco Multilayer Switched Networks (BCMSN) knowledge.

Certification requires passing the DESGN v2.1 exam. The Cisco certifications last three years.

Recertification requires passing one of the following exams:

• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
• Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP)
• Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certificate in Wireless technology is an associate level certification to specialize in installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting networks that use Cisco switches and routers. Wireless networking is becoming increasingly popular and gaining this certification can help you achieve a position as a network administrator or network technician. There are many certifications available to those who desire a network administrator role. Which certification you choose can determine your path in your professional career. There are many specializations that are desired by companies looking for network administrators including Microsoft, Cisco, Linux/UNIX, and VMWare among others.

The required exam to obtain CCNA certification is the 640-721 IUWNE Implementing Cisco Unified Networks Essentials. Earning this new certification requires that you hold a valid CCNA via the 640-802 exam as a prerequisite. However, you could opt for the two shorter exams 640-822 and 640-816. Training and preparation for these exams could be covered at local technical colleges, private organizations or directly through Cisco with their Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices study program (ICND). The 640-721 IUWNE CCNA Wireless exam covers topics such as:

• Wireless fundamentals including the different 802.11x standards, regulations and encryption methods
• Installing a basic Cisco wireless LAN which involves Cisco Mobility Express Wireless architecture, Cisco Unified Wireless Network architecture, modes of controller-based AP deployment, roaming and stand-alone access points
• Installing wireless clients and knowing basics of OS WLAN configuration (ADU, CSSC, CCX)
• Implementing basic WLAN security which involves authentication and encryption methods
• Configure controllers and APs, Operate basic WCS and Navigator with knowledge of mapping system
• Conduct WLAN maintenance and troubleshooting for controllers, access points and clients methodologies, describe basic RF deployment, know RF interference sources, describe the use of WLC show, debug and logging, transfer WLC configuration and OS using maintenance tools and commands and also describe the differences of WLC WLAN management access methods.

These skills will make to the network guru of your organization. The job market for these types of jobs is on the rise. Expected annual salary is around $30,000 for entry level experience and around $50,000/year for experienced corporate persons. Acquiring a position as a network administrator or systems administrator is usually company specific as to the particular hardware and software applications they use. Cisco certification is a well known certification to have. Cisco was founded in 1984 by Len Bosak and his wife Sandy Lerner. They ended up creating a multi protocol router device, which eliminated the problem of a unified and standardized local area protocol. Cisco has since evolved to become one of the nation’s leading providers of networking hardware.

Specializing in Cisco certifications will put your resume at the top of the stack and give you a competitive advantage among your peers for employers who desire those skills. However, just about all network administrator jobs involve knowledge of Microsoft products. Like any job, it is easier to acquire a position if you are already working. Entry level positions are steadily deteriorating and finding one means having advanced hands on knowledge of the skills desired by the employer. Certifications combined with formal education provide a solid backbone for employment decisions. The CCNA Wireless certification is valid for three years after which, you must recertify one of Cisco’s administrative exams such as the ICND2 exam, or pass the current CCNA exam, or the current CCDA DESGN exam, or any current 642-XXX Professional level exam.

A CCNA certification is recognized by the US government and the NSA. Anyone with this certification won’t have a problem getting good paying jobs in the military, government agencies or mid-sized privately-held companies. Computer systems need to be secured and monitored for faults and Cisco is a leading manufacturer of this network architecture. Other vendors of routers and switches include: Adtran, Extreme, Foundry, Juniper, NetGear, etc. Each has a unique GUI although architecture is similar. The CCNA Wireless certification is specialized to Cisco products although it does contain a lot of general information relative to networking that could be applied to other vendors of similar devices.

A CCNA certification is great to have and will give you the knowledge to excel as a network administrator, systems administrator or network technician. It is highly recognized in the IT field and being recognized isn’t a bad thing.

The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Routing and Switching (CCIE Routing and Switching) certification is a sub-track of the most widely recognized certification in the industry, the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification. CCIE is the highest level of certification offered for technical professionals by Cisco. Accepted worldwide, CCIE is the most prestigious industry-wide certification available. Professionals who achieve this certification have demonstrated a solid mastery of network engineering and various Cisco products or services. CCIE holders are routinely deployed to the most challenging and difficult technical problems.

CCIE Routing and Switching is the most popular track within the CCIE framework. Routing and Switching focuses on achieving expert knowledge of networking. Further, this knowledge will be valid across multiple networking platforms including both Local Area Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN) settings. A wide variety of routers and switches will also be added to the CCIE Routing and Switching holder’s repertoire. The primary goal of the Routing and Switching track is to equip the certification holder with the skills necessary to solve complex connectivity problems. Increasing bandwidth, response time improvement, performance maximization and supporting global operations are all goals of this track.

Who should seek CCIE certification?

CCIE Routing and Switching is most appropriately designed for network professionals who are experts in handling routers, switches and extensive network issues. Cisco considers the CCIE certification along with all of its tracks to be “master level”, the best the company has to offer information technology professionals.

Since the CCIE Routing and Switching process involves a wide range of topics, applicants are encouraged to have at least three to five years of job experience before attempting this certification.

What is the salary range and job outlook for CCIE certified professionals?

According to PayScale, a well-known market research firm specializing in compensation data, CCIE holders can earn quite a bit of money in the U.S. Specifically, five job titles taken by CCIE certification holders are compensated as follows:

• Senior Network Engineer: $75,000 to $133,000
• Network Engineer: $50,000 to $120,000
• Senior Systems Engineer: $61,000 to $144,000
• Systems Engineer: $47,000 to $132,000
• Network Engineer: $37,000 to $135,000

Job growth in this category is expected to increase in the United States by over 20 percent between 2008 and 2018. This translates to over 280,000 jobs added in that time frame. Opportunities are expected to be plentiful.

What are the prerequisites and recertification requirements for CCIE?

The CCIE Routing and Switching is an expert-level, highly specialized certification. This certification is recognized globally as the elite networking community that leads the industry. It has become a standard unto itself based upon its extensive written and laboratory examinations. No prerequisites are necessary to obtain the CCIE Routing and Switching certification. Unlike other Cisco certifications, which expire every three years, the CCIE certification and all tracks expire after two years. CCIE holders are expected and encouraged to expand their technical knowledge and familiarize themselves with the latest industry updates. If a CCIE expires, the former holder has one year to re-certify before he must start the certification process all over again.

What should I expect on CCIE exams?

An in-depth understanding and comprehension is expected. Each exam is of high quality and sets high standards.

CCIE Routing and Switching has both a written and laboratory exam, both of which are extensive. The written exam is two hours long and consists of 90 to 110 questions. Multiple choice and complex, interactive questions are used in the exam. No reference materials are allowed; the exam is completely closed-book.

The laboratory exam is eight hours long and consists of multiple, interactive exercises. Examinees are required to troubleshoot and configure a series of complicated networks. Importantly, each network must be configured to a precise set of specifications. Cisco prides detailed troubleshooting knowledge and it is an integral part of the laboratory exam. The examinees do not work on end-user systems. Instead, they are responsible for making sure every device in the network is working properly and meets the pre-specified goals. If the laboratory exam is not passed within three years of having passed the written exam, the applicant must take the written exam over again.

The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) validates the holder’s skills on virtually everything related to Cisco networks. Planning, verifying, implementing and troubleshooting local and wide area networks for enterprises is all covered in this certification. Integrating various technologies such as video, wireless, security and voice solutions is also included in it. Working with specialists with regard to integration is emphasized. CCNP holders usually work on an independent basis with complicated network problems and try to find innovative solutions. The CCNP is most appropriate for job titles such as network technician, systems engineer, network engineer or support engineer.

Careers for CCNPs

The job market for titles like these is projected to expand precipitously in the coming years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is responsible for collecting and organizing data on all of the job categories that currently exist in the United States. To accomplish this goal, the BLS compiles and publishes the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which is revised every two years. The Handbook forecasts that the category including job titles related to network technology, engineering and administration will increase significantly in the next several years. Specifically, job growth is projected to increase more than 30 percent, providing plentiful opportunities for entry and advancement in this career path.

As to the available salary ranges, the CCNP certification can put the holder in the high-end of most of them. The market research company PayScale specializes in compensation data for a variety of different industries. It reports that the CCNP certification can fetch anywhere from an average of $43,000 to well over $100,000 per year. Depending on the job, some salaries are over $110,00 per year. The CCNP certification provides a tremendous boost to career goals for most holders.

About the CCNP Exam

Cisco groups its certifications visually in the form of a pyramid. The pyramid has five levels: entry, associate, professional, expert and architect. The CCNP is a professional level certification that specializes in network technology. In 2009, Cisco updated the CCNP to reflect changes in the networking industry. Advancements in routing and switched networks, in particular, made the update necessary.

Prerequisites for the CCNP include one that is beneath it on the pyramid and one that is above it. A Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) that is still in force can serve as a prerequisite. Alternatively, a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification can also fulfill the prerequisite requirement.

Since all professional level certifications from Cisco are valid for a time period of three years, the holder must pass one of four options to recertify and retain his status and the associated benefits. The easiest option is for the holder to pass any currently offered professional level exam in the 642-XXX category. Another option is to pass the written exam for the CCIE certification. The holder may also pass either the practical or the written exam for the Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE), an expert level certification focusing on network design. Finally, completing the requirements for the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) will automatically certify him for all of his outstanding lesser certifications.

With the revision and update to the CCNP in 2009, the required examinations and training courses also changed. The courses for the CCNP are now 642-813 Switch, 642-832 Tshoot and 642-902 Route. The courses for these exams teach the applicant everything he needs to know about routing, switching and troubleshooting Cisco networks and associated devices. The courses each last five days. Two of them, Troubleshooting and Maintaining Cisco IP Networks and Implementing Cisco IP Routing, have 9.5 and 7.5 hours of self-directed online learning respectively.

The Cisco Certified Network Professional Voice (CCNP Voice), formerly known as Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP), validates the skills and knowledge necessary to integrate Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology into existing network architecture and infrastructure. This certification also covers a wide variety of skills related to converged Internet Protocol networks. The skills validated include operation, implementation, troubleshooting and configuration. Network professionals armed with the CCNP Voice are able to create solutions that reflect collaborative input and are scalable, manageable and transparent. The CCNP Voice focuses on Cisco routers and Catalyst switches. Cisco Unified Communications Manager devices and protocols are covered extensively, including quality of service (QoS), gatekeepers, gateways, Internet Protocol phones, voice applications and utilities.

Salary and Job Outlook for CCNP Voice Certification Holders

Network professionals with a CCNP Voice are well-placed to enjoy one of the largest job creation surges over the next several years. The United States Department of Labor predicts that between 2008 and 2018, more than 280,000 jobs will be created in the field of computer systems and computer networking. This represents a phenomenal growth rate of approximately 30 percent.

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) holders enjoy favorable salary options, as well. The salary that a CCNP holder receives, of course, varies according to his work experience, training level and demonstrated expertise. Data available from PayScale, a market research firm that specializes in compensation information, clearly shows high salary ranges for CCNP holders, including CCNP Voice holders. The salary range was higher for senior or managerial positions. For instance, a Senior Network Engineer could earn between $65,000 and $113,000, while a Network Engineer could earn a lesser range, from $47,000 to $90,000.

The CCNP Voice is a professional level certification that specializes in integrating VoIP technology into Cisco network infrastructure. Cisco organizes its certifications into a pyramid, with entry-level certifications being on the lowest level. Associate level certifications comprise the next step followed by the professional level certifications including the CCNP Voice. The expert level is second to the top of the pyramid with the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) being the highest certification level available. The CCNP Voice requires only one prerequisite certification, the Cisco Certified Network Associate Voice (CCNA Voice).

The CCNP Voice used to be known as the Cisco Certified Voice Professional (CCVP). The CCVP was changed to reflect Cisco’s desire to enhance and round out its Voice certification track. Additionally, Cisco wished to provide a clear career track to individuals who wanted to focus on voice technologies within the context of Cisco products.

CCNP Voice Re-certification Requirements

CCNP Voice holders who wish to re-certify must do so within three years. All professional level certifications offered by Cisco are valid for three years after the date the certification was achieved. The easiest way to re-certify is simply to pass any professional level exam currently offered by Cisco. Alternatives involve passing exams for higher level certifications, such as the written and practical exams for the Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) certification.

CCNP Voice Exams

To achieve the CCNP Voice, the applicant must pass five exams. These exams are geared specifically to testing the applicant’s skills and knowledge about VoIP, Cisco Unified Communications Manager and various applications. The five exams are 642-437 CVOICE v8.0, 642-447 CIPT1 v8.0, 642-457 CIPT2 v8.0, 642-427 TVOICE v8.0 and 642-467 CAPPS v8.0. The first four are 90 minutes long, but the fifth exam lasts only 75 minutes. Each one features 60 to 70 questions. Recommended training courses for the exams are Implementing Cisco Voice Communications and QoS v8.0, Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Part 1 v8.0, Implementing Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Part 2 v8.0, Troubleshooting Cisco Unified Communications v8.0 and Integrating Cisco Unified Communications Applications v8.0 respectively.