Cisco certified network professional certification, more commonly known as CCNP Certification authenticates a network professional's technical expertise for the installation, configuration and troubleshooting of centralized local and wide area networks having nodes in excess of 500. The networking professionals who are able to achieve CCNP certification illustrate the expertise and knowledge needed to manage and administer the switches and routers which form the crux of any network. Also, they attain the mastery on applications by the help of which voice, security and wireless networks are integrated.

In simpler terms, the CCNP establishes a person's achievement which enhances his professional credibility by maintaining high standards of technical mastery. This certification is mainly implied for big organization where knowledge of dealing with large networks is required.

A 642-845 exam can be achieved going by any of the 3 paths of taking the exams: 2 exams, 3 exams or the lengthiest of the pack 4 exams. This is valid for three years after which one has to clear the composite exam which basically re certifies at the professional level. Various job profiles which are offered for a CCNP certified network professional are network administrator, network infrastructure administrator and LAN administrator. Generally, instead of going for two exams route people go for individual four exam route as the course fee for the combined foundation exam is quite high and also the course material and study guides are more readily available for individual exams. However, for people who have good knowledge of Cisco switches and routers, going for a combined foundation exam will be beneficial.

Various websites offer very good resources to refer for the preparation of this certification. Cisco site is very useful and one must consult it for the accurate information about the certification. Also it has a huge information database related to the concepts in Cisco press CCNP. Practice tests are one of the other ways to prepare for this certification as it help in creating a simulated environment similar to the test environment, which in turn improves your chances of clearing the CCNP certification.

Preparation of CCNP certification needs the right approach of studying, coupled with good certification guides and practice exams. These certification guides and practice exams are specifically designed to meet the requirements from the perspective of CCNP curriculum. Highly experienced network experts and authors are employed for the production of these guides.