Introduction
Cloud Certifications have traditionally been the domain of the big three Cloud Service Platforms- AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. Cisco is introducing a twist in the dynamics, a multi-cloud Certification, to cater to the growing need of professionals who want to pursue a career in a Multi-cloud environment. This blog post will explore three Cisco Multi-Cloud certifications.
It will discuss the overview of each of these certifications, the exams, and the opportunities they can avail you. How does Cisco play in the Cloud? What are the blueprints of these certifications?
What Are Cisco Cloud certifications?
The Cisco Cloud certifications are a collection of Cisco’s specialist and professional-level certifications that are designed to train Network Engineers/Administrators, IT professionals, Cloud Architects, etc on the knowledge and skills to deploy, manage, secure, and monitor complex public and private multi-cloud networks.
Cisco has introduced the following new Multi-Cloud Specialist Certifications under three different professional tracks. They are;
- Cloud Connectivity Specialist Certification (ENCC 300-440)
- Secure Cloud Access Specialist Certification (SCAZT 300-740)
- Cisco Service Provider Cloud Network Infrastructure Specialist Certification (SPCNI 300-540)
These certifications are designed to address very specific industry needs in a Multi-cloud environment. The Cloud Connectivity certification (ENCC)is in the Enterprise Professional pathway or track, the Secure Cloud Access certification (SCAZT) is in the Cisco Professional Security track, and the Service Provider Cloud Network Infrastructure (SPCNI) is in the Service Provider professional track.
1. Cloud Connectivity Specialist Certification (ENCC 300-440)
This Certification is for Enterprise Network Professionals who want to develop skills in managing Public Cloud connectivity and use Cisco technology to establish and secure the network. The details of the certification are highlighted in the different sections below;
1.1 What Is It About?
The Enterprise Cloud Connectivity (ENCC) is for Designing and implementing Cloud Connectivity. The certification validates such skills, including knowledge and skills in the design, and operations of architecture models, IPsec, SD-WAN, etc.
An organization may have its resources in a public cloud location, maintain a private data center, have different branch offices, etc, the Enterprise Cloud connectivity certification equips engineers/IT professionals with the skills to connect these multi-cloud environments using a consistent mechanism of technology that Cisco provides.
1.2 Key Focus
The key focus of this certification are as follows;
- Understanding Paradigm of On-prem and Hybrid Cloud Connectivity.
- Utilizing Cisco technologies for Connectivity and Security.
- Public Cloud Connectivity strategies
1.3 Course Description
The course is about designing and Implementing Cloud Connectivity. There are 5 domains that this specialization exam covers and each of these is further divided into smaller sections as described in the Exam Topics. The different domains are as follows;
- Architecture Models
- Design
- IPsec Cloud connectivity
- SD-WAN Cloud connectivity
- Operation
1.4 Exam, and Certification
The first date to take this exam was 20 September 2023- making it a relatively new exam. The exam itself is a 90-minute exam and will test a candidate’s understanding of the exam topic in the course description, including practical skills through Cisco’s Performance-based lab exam items. The exam fee is $300, like other Cisco specialty exams.
The single exam qualifies you for the Cloud Connectivity Specialist Certification. (The professional Certification requires you to pass the ENCOR 350-401 in addition).
2. Secure Cloud Access Specialist Certification (SCAZT 300-740)
This certification is recommended for Network and Security professionals who want to ensure that network experience and Policies remain consistent. The details of the course are highlighted in the different sections below;
2.1 What Is It About?
This certification is about Designing and Implementing Secure Cloud Access for Users and Endpoints. Modern Cloud network deployment does not need to rely on VPNs to ensure secure connectivity with end-users. The SCAZT Certification is designed to help network professionals with the skills to build Security Architectures to provide applications and data access to users.
The ultimate goal is to provide a better user experience without compromising to Security of the network or applications.
2.2 Key Focus
The key focus of this certification are as follows;
- Skillset for policy installation and recommendations to organizations
- Ensuring network Policies remain consistent for Remote, On-Site, and Home Office scenarios
- Employee Cloud-Centric Solutions to recognize and mitigate threats.
2.3 Course Description
The different domains in the SCAZT certification are as follows;
- Cloud Security Architecture
- User and Device Security
- Network and Cloud Security
- Application and Data Security
- Visibility and Assurance
- Threat Response
The fine details are in the exam topics.
2.4 Exam And Certification
Like all Cisco Specialization exams, it costs $300 and the exam duration is 90 mins. The passing score is about 825-850/1000.
3. Cisco Service Provider Cloud Network Infrastructure Specialist Certification (SPCNI 300-540)
This certification is for Network and Service Provider Professionals who are responsible for implementing and connecting Cloud technologies while adhering to best practices. The details of the course are discussed further below;
3.1 What Is It About?
The Cisco Service Provider Cloud Network Infrastructure Specialist Certification is for Engineers who are actively involved in building a private cloud for Organizations or working for a Service Provider to build a Public Cloud offer to customers, it equips them with the skills. It also helps them take advantage of tools like Network Automation, Infrastructure as Service technologies, Infrastructure as Code, etc.
Also how to get better at Real-time Telemetry and Streaming information. Although this is a Service Provider Certification, it is also suitable for Infrastructure Engineers who want to build and automate their own Private Cloud.
3.2 Key Focus
The key focus of this certification are as follows;
- Preparing for Cloud Hyper-scaling Dynamics.
- Leveraging analytics and insights for a Cloud-rich environment for employees and customers
- Automation of Infrastructure setup and management
3.3 Course Description
There are five broad areas covered in the SPCNI 300-540 exam blueprint, these are
- Virtualized Architecture
- Cloud Interconnect
- High Availability
- Security
- Service Assurance and Optimization
3.4 Exam And Certification
The Certification exam is a 90-minute exam with a $300 cost. Available through Pearson Vue.
Cisco Cloud Certification Pathway – Professional
The Cisco Cloud certifications are Specialist certifications but they can also count toward your obtaining the Professional level certification. You will need to take the corresponding Core exams in addition to each of the concentration/specialization exams.
- The Cloud Connectivity Specialist Certification (ENCC 300-440) is in the CCNP Enterprise Network Certification track; taking(passing) the Enterprise Core 350-401 ENCOR will qualify you for the Professional level certification.
- The Secure Cloud Access Specialist Certification (SCAZT 300-740) is in the CCNP Security Certification track. Passing the SPCOR 350-501
- The Cisco Service Provider Cloud Network Infrastructure Specialist Certification (SPCNI 300-540) is in the Service Provider certification, passing the SPCOR 350-501 exam will lead to the CCNP Service Provider Certification.
| S/N | SPECIALIZATION | CORE EXAM | PROFESSIONAL LEVEL CERTIFICATION |
| 1 | ENCC 300-440 | ENCOR 350-401 | CCNP Enterprise |
| 2 | SCAZT 300-740 | SPCOR 350-501 | CCNP Security |
| 3 | SPCNI 300-540 | SPCOR 350-501 | CCNP Service Provider |
The benefit of A Cisco Cloud Certification
Cisco is not a public Cloud Service provider but its technology and infrastructure make many Cloud provisions possible. Its certifications address new skill demands to work in a multi-cloud environment. According to a Gartner report, 50 percent of businesses’ Mission-critical applications will reside outside centralized public clouds through 2027. Also, 80 percent of companies have a multi-cloud strategy.
These set the tone for demand for specific specialized skills to work in a multi-cloud environment, not just the generic Cloud skills that are often found with most other cloud certifications—that’s where the Cisco Cloud Certifications may take the lead. To summarize, the benefits of Cisco multi-cloud certifications include;
- Make you an expert in multi-cloud, which increases your marketability and salary
- Gives you a competitive edge over those with generalist knowledge of Cloud technology – and highlights your skills.
- Gives you the credentials and validation for leading intricate hybrid and multi-cloud migrations initiatives.
- Combined with an appropriate Cisco core exam, it qualifies you for the CCNP Professional-level certification.
Conclusion
Cisco multi-cloud certifications are about using Cisco tools and technologies in multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud transitions. The certifications help you explore the key aspects of multi-cloud technology trends and advance specific multi-cloud expertise.
The latest Cisco cloud certifications include Cloud Connectivity Specialist Certification (ENCC 300-440), Secure Cloud Access Specialist Certification (SCAZT 300-740), and the Cisco Service Provider Cloud Network Infrastructure Certification (SPCNI 300-540).
