The CCNP Routing & Switching certification is one of the well-recognized and well-respected credentials of Cisco across the globe. The professionals who earn this certificate also have great potentials in the field of IT. Many individuals desire to pursue this certification path but most of them are drawn back because of the rigor of work involved in earning it. No doubt, the candidates planning to earn Cisco CCNP R&S must be ready to study hard to pass the certification exams.
The Prepaway certification requires that one pass three different exams in order to be awarded the credential. Additionally, there are some prerequisites that the test takers must meet to be eligible to write these exams. You should visit the certification page to learn more about the prerequisites for the tests as well as their details to be able to earn yourCisco certification.
In this guide, we look at the best tips that will help you pass your CCNP Routing & Switching certification exams at your first attempt. Here, we explore five keyhints that you should follow to ensure you are adequately prepared for the tests before you attempt them.
- Carefully Select the Exam Sequence
As mentioned, you have to write and pass three exams to earn the CCNP R&S certification. These include ROUTE, SWITCH and TSHOOT. For many test takers, taking these exams in the standard progression of ROUTE first, SWITCH second and TSHOOT third is the best way to tackle them but this sequence is not cast in stone. You can take the first two tests in any order of your choice. It is only the Prepaway exam that you have to write last. Therefore, when choosing the sequence of how to write the tests, it is crucial that you take them based on your level of knowledge on each of them. You should look at the content of the exam and choose the one you are very confident you will pass easily. For instance, if you have been working in the industry and your job role centers on switching, it might be an excellent idea to take the SWITCH exam first. Starting with a certification test that you are familiar with its content will increase your confidence level in the exam and help you work towards the more difficult tests.
- Have a Study Plan
This tip cannot be overemphasized. You have to plan your exam taking process and everything that comes in-between. First, Prepaway look at the details of the three tests and decide on the sequence you want to take them. Order the exam taking process and put a timeline to each of them. Second, focus on the individual exams as you would take them. If you plan to take ROUTE first, focus your study and training on this test and have a blueprint for your preparation. You should set goals for your study in terms of covering the exam objectives. Span out the objectives according to how you want to study them and put a time to it. It is crucial that you don’t rush the test. Give enough time to enable you cover the topics before the exam. Remember, it is better to take your time to prepare than to write the exams at several attempts because you didn’t prepare enough.
- Develop Hands-on Experience before Exams
The Prepaway.com exams come with a mix of practical and theoretical questions. Therefore, get enough hands-on experience during your preparation period. According to Cisco, the test takers should have between one to three years of work experience on the Cisco products before writing its exam. This is to get you conversant with the test contents on a practical level. Hands-on experience offers you a measure of confidence on the theoretical and practical information that you need to boost your chance of success at the exams. No doubt, hands-on experience is very critical to understanding the scope and concepts of the CCNP R&S certification exams and it is important to develop competence in these prior to writing the test. There are many platforms online that offer hands-on labs that you can take advantage of.
- Create a Lab at Home
If you’ve already created one while taking the CCNA R&S certificate, that is great for you as you can use it for your CCNP R&S exam preparation. However, if you don’t have a lab, you might want to consider investing in it for your CCNP. Interestingly, you do not have to spend a fortune to create one at home. You can check ideas online on how to build an effective lab at a cost effective budget. A home lab is like your laboratory where you can develop your skills in solving more complex issues. It also helps you to keep learning and developing yourself, which ultimately translate you into a better professional.
- Use Additional Resources during Exam Preparation
The CCNP R&S certification exams are extensive and it is important that you study wide to be able to cover all bases. For the tests you are not very conversant with their topics, it is recommended that you take training courses. There are various platforms online that offer training for the candidates preparing for the CCNP R&S exams. You may also take training courses for the tests you feel you understand their contents too, in order to increase your knowledge on them. You don’t have to spend a fortune taking training courses; there are many affordable study materials and even some free ones that are available online. In addition to training courses, go through other resources that will improve your test-taking ability. Use videos, blogs, flashcards, study guides and practice tests to prepare for your Cisco certification exams. The Internet has a wealth of resources that you can tap into for your CCNP R&Stests.
Finally, you have to relax and don’t get worked up over the exams. Take time off study once in a while to do something you love. Don’t put every other aspect of your life on hold because of the test. You need the psychological stimulations that other areas of your life can give you to attain success. On the exam days, don’t fret. Give yourself a break from study the night before your tests and sleep. You have already crammed all you can, so let your brain relax. Arrive at the exam venue on time and do your best in answering all the questions and hope for the best.
