CCNP is not as serviceable as it supposed to be

Many people holding impractical expectations to participate in the certification exams of Cisco are usually ending with frustration. Before the certification exam, a lot of people will have the following expectations:

• CCNP is the only way to bring me a job in IT industry;
• CCNP certification is the golden key to my success,
• If I got the CCNP certification, I will get my dreamed work;
• CCNP certification is the game rule in the IT industry;
• CCNP is a gold mine.

Does the certification of CCNP really have such a big function? Maybe it is the mistaken concept of the certification that contributes to such unpractical expectations.

In fact, the certification exams, for example Cisco 642-812, is used to assess candidate's knowledge about a certain software, logical thinking ability as well as ability of problem solving, but almost all the clients and employers want you to have sufficient experience and skills. And the certification examinations are not working experiences.

In addition, 642-812 mainly focus on the technological skills, while it’s impossible for you to achieve success in IT industry merely by skills. Therefore, if you wanted to achieve success in the IT industry, you should master not only certain skills but much other knowledge – interpersonal relationships, negotiation skills, teamwork and so on.

In short, you should consider carefully before applying for certification, and must guarantee yourself enough time and resources to pass the examination. You might as well get more useful experience from the media, the Internet or even your boss.