CCNP is an
acronym for
Certified Cisco Network Professional. This
certification is considered the expert-level class in the
Cisco cert track. The beginner level is
CCNA and the next level is the
CCIE.
The test taker can choose from several specialties, including Routing & Switching (2-4 exams total) and the WAN Switching exams (4 total). You must have your CCNA certification to get the CCNP version.
These tests require lots of hands-on training and practice, plus many hours of reading highly technical books. If you breezed through the CCNA exam, don't fall for thinking you're an expert at Cisco systems. The tests are difficult and expensive to gamble on, so take your time if you're considering the CCNP certification.