The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) designation indicates advanced or journeyman knowledge of networks.  With a CCNP, a network professional can install, configure, and troubleshoot local- and wide-area networks for enterprise organizations with networks from 100 to more than 500 nodes.  The content emphasizes topics such as security, converged networks, quality of service (QoS), virtual private networks (VPN), and broadband technologies.

This certification represents the second step toward earning the Internetworking Expert certification from Cisco Systems [CCIE].  Besides complex routed LANs and WANs, the Cisco Certified Network Professional also knows how to install, configure, operate, and troubleshoot switched LANs and Dial Access Services.  Additionally, the Professional needs to be able to install and/or configure a network to increase bandwidth, quicken network response times, and improve reliability.  A CCNP should be able to maximize performance through campus LANs and routed WANs, and create a global intranet.

In addition they should be able to provide end-to-end resiliency services, and custom queuing & routed priority services.  The protocols and concepts included in this understanding are IP, IGRP, IPX, Async Routing, AppleTalk, Extended Access Lists, IP RIP, Route Redistribution, IPX RIP, Route Summarization, OSPF, VLSM, BGP, Serial, IGRP, Frame Relay, ISDN, ISL, X.25, DDR, PSTN, PPP, VLANs, Ethernet, ATM LAN-Emulation, Access Lists, 802.10, FDDI, and Transparent & Translational Bridging.  To remain competitive and succeed as you pursue your career, proper training is essential for extending your knowledge and strengthening your professional options.