Network architects are finally getting their due. Cisco, a worldwide leader in networking, recently announced the creation of a brand new, expert-level certification: Cisco Certified Design Expert ( CCDE ).
What is a CCDE?
A Cisco Certified Design Expert assesses advanced network infrastructure design principles and fundamentals for large networks. These network architects develop solutions that address planning, design, integration, optimization, operations, security, and ongoing support focused at the infrastructure level. The CCDE credential, which is parallel to the CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) in terms of difficulty and expertise, recognizes the expertise of designers that have the knowledge to assess network business requirements and translate them into technical specifications to be incorporated into successful designs.
Why CCDE?
"With so many mission-critical business functions flowing through networks, it's essential for organizations to think more strategically about network architecture," says David Bump, portfolio manager at Learning@Cisco. Architectural expertise is what will be used to support global customers' increasingly complex networks. A Cisco Certified Design Expert knows how to make design accommodations to bring value to advanced technologies, particularly in the areas of unified communications, security, and performance.
What skills do I need to become a CCDE?
To be a viable Cisco Certified Design Expert candidate, you should have a minimum of seven years experience on the job, and a thorough understanding of network infrastructure principles. Specifically, you must be able to gather and clarify network functional specifications, develop network designs to meet functional specifications, develop an implementation plan, and convey design decisions and the rationale for those decisions.
Which certification exams can I take to become a CCDE?
To obtain the Cisco Certified Design Expert credential, you must complete a written qualification exam and a subsequent practical exam. The two-hour, multiple-choice advanced design theory and principles qualification exam is available worldwide at any Pearson VUE testing center. If you're already a CCIE, the CCDE qualification exam will recertify your credential. The eight-hour, scenario-based practical CCDE exam is still in development and is expected to be released late fall 2008.
What is the value of a CCDE?
"Attaining a CCDE as a certification for someone in the network design field is like stepping up to the high-rollers table in the poker room," says Bump. "CCDEs need to be able to make strategic design decisions and trade-offs for the network architecture that could pay large dividends for their respective organizations."
If you want to impact the strategic direction of your organization and advance your IT career, learn more about becoming a Cisco Certified Design Expert today.
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