Is The CCNP Service Provider Worth It?

August 16, 2023

To improve your chances of a successful career, you can benefit from gaining industry-recognized networking certifications. 

Cisco Certified Network Professional Service Provider is one such certification with a high value within the networking world. This article will explore the importance of the CCNP Service Provider and whether pursuing the certification is worth it.

What is a CCNP Service Provider?

Cisco offers a specialized certificate called CCNP Service Provider. This certification is intended to verify the knowledge and skills required to design, implement, test, and troubleshoot service provider networks. This certification covers advanced topics, such as Quality of Service, MPLS, VPN technology, service provider architecture, and MPLS.
Earning the Cisco certification for service providers demonstrates networking professionals’ expertise in managing and deploying service provider infrastructures. The Cisco service provider certification is a proof of their expertise in configuring and optimizing network services to ensure efficient and reliable customer connectivity.


The CCNP Cisco certification for service providers, also known as CCNP SP or CCNP SP is a focus on the building of networks by service providers. This certification demonstrates you have a thorough understanding of advanced IP services, MPLS and BGP routing protocols. The Cisco CCNP Service Provider validates that you are an expert in the configuration of service provider networks.
What is the cost of the CCNP Service Provider Exam?
You must pass 3 exams in order to receive the full CCNP SP certification. Each exam costs $300. Exams are:

  • Building Cisco Service Provider Next-Generation Networks, Part 1 (SPNGN1)
  • Building Cisco Service Provider Next-Generation Networks, Part 2 (SPNGN2)
  • Building Cisco Service Provider Next-Generation Networks, Part 3 (SPNGN3)

Cisco’s service provider certification is divided into two parts. It covers both the basic concepts and practices of service provider networks, along with a focus area that you choose. Core exam SPCOR covers such topics as:

  • Service provider architecture
  • Routers and switches
  • Security
  • Quality of Service(QoS)
  • Network assurance

Concentration exams include more specific topics such as:

  • Advanced Routing Solutions
  • Service Provider Automation & Programmability (SPAUI).
  • Service Provider Data Center

What is the cost of the CCNP Service Provider Exam?
It is important to take into consideration the costs associated with the CCNP provider before deciding if it’s worth pursuing.
Each concentration costs $300.
Note that the certification exam fee can change over time. It is best to consult either the Cisco website, or the official documentation for the latest pricing.

How much experience do you need to hire a CCNP provider?

Cisco’s service provider certification targets individuals who have intermediate-to-advanced networking experience and knowledge. Cisco suggests that candidates possess at least one-year of experience in the implementation and operation of service provider networks. Cisco recommends that candidates have at least one year of professional experience in implementing and operating service provider networks.

Cisco suggests that you have between one and two years’ experience in the field before taking the CCNP exams. It is important to have a practical understanding of protocols such as OSPF, EIGRP BGP and MPLS. You can apply the knowledge you have gained by having practical experience in designing and maintaining networks for service providers.

Which service providers should take the CCNP?

The CCNP Cisco certification for service providers is perfect for network engineers who want to advance their career in the industry. This certification shows that you possess the necessary technical skills to implement and design complex networks for service providers. Cisco’s service provider certification can be valuable to network engineers who are seeking senior positions or consulting at ISPs, telecoms companies and ISPs.

Cisco recommends at least 2 years experience as a network administrator in a provider service before you take the CCNP exams. Many people are able to pass the exam with little experience if they possess a solid foundation of networking concepts.
The Cisco certification for service providers can be incredibly beneficial if you want to excel and gain an edge on your competitors. The Cisco service provider certification will equip you with knowledge and skills that you can use to overcome the obstacles in service provider networks. This allows you to provide superior solutions for your customers.

Learn about the differences between CCNP SP and others.

Does the service provider of CCNP worth it?

CCNP Cisco certification for service providers is a valuable and highly respected credential. The CCNP Cisco service provider certification demonstrates an in-depth understanding of technologies and concepts that are used by service providers networks. It can also lead to significant opportunities for career advancement.
Cisco’s service provider certificate is an important credential which can open up many career options. Although the cost of these exams can be high, the returns on your investment are often significant. The Cisco certification can be a great investment if you’re interested in networking or want to move up in your industry.

You may also want to consider the Cisco Service Provider Certification for other reasons:

  • You will learn the latest technology in network service providers.
  • You will learn how to solve problems and troubleshoot.
  • You will gain the confidence you need to accept more demanding roles.

You should do some research before you decide to get the Cisco Service Provider Certification and speak to network professionals that already have it.

The conclusion of the article is:
The Cisco certification for service providers is a valuable tool for professionals working in networking. This certification validates that you are an expert in managing large networks, and shows your dedication to your professional development. The value of pursuing certification depends on the career objectives, your interests and your specific job requirements. Before making any decisions, it is best to assess the situation and speak with colleagues or industry experts.
Certifications do not ensure success. However, they will open up new doors and increase your credibility. The CCNP can be a great differentiator in the highly competitive service provider network. It will help you stand out as a skilled and qualified professional.

The CCNP sp certifies advanced technical skills that are highly sought after in the job market for service providers. The Cisco certification for service providers can lead to career advancement and higher salaries.


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One Comment

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