Cisco Systems is keeping pace with the growing popularity of VoIP and converged networks by building new skill sets into its mid-level certification program.
Cisco has expanded its CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) program -- its second-most-popular program behind CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert) -- so that it extends...
... beyond just core routing and switching. The certification now encompasses applications such as voice, wireless and security.
"The program used to emphasise routing and switching, so the major change is in recognition of a broader set of solutions: security, voice and wireless," said Don Field, director of certifications at Cisco.
"We have significantly increased the content in those three areas because that's the way companies are buying, or will buy, our product. Having individuals with skills in those areas, plus switching and routing, will help enterprises … to have [network professionals] who can design, troubleshoot, etc., a converged network."
"We have significantly increased the content in those three areas because that's the way companies are buying, or will buy, our product. Having individuals with skills in those areas, plus switching and routing, will help enterprises … to have [network professionals] who can design, troubleshoot, etc., a converged network." 
