Is CCDA now becoming more of a Professional certification?

ITdude

I have recently seen numerous places on the Cisco website and even on the Neworkers website where they refer to the CCDA based on the new 640-863 as a CCDA Professional. I have not seen the same emphasis referred to the CCNA.

So, I was wondering with the new emphasis on advanced topics including a knowledge of BCMSN, whether Cisco is beginning to morph this into more of a Professional cert versus Associate. If so where does that place the CCDP?

I have noticed the wording in several places so I don't think it was a typo.

Of course we are all professionals once getting past the CCNA and above but I am referring to Cisco's classifications.

Any thoughts? Just curious

ITdude

Did everyone fall asleep on this forum?

larkspur

well from reviewing ccna and ccda i think the ccda is much more entailed then ccna?

ccna is more practical where the ccda is more thoery dare I say!!

also the chapters about upper management buy-in etc...

just my 1.5 cents....

ITdude

It definitely is/was a fun exam!

bighornsheep

I think it's because there isn't a design track as a CCIE, so the CCDP is "seen" as the terminal certification in design, thus making CCDA more highly qualified?

ITdude

Interesting read on that. You might have something there! Especially now that they are expecting some of the CCNP level material as prerequisites for even CCDA.

I did hear some rumblings somewhere about possibly a new CCIE Design track, though. It might just be speculation.

larkspur

rumble, rumble, did you read this?

http://www.networkworld.com/community/?q=node/17010

ITdude

Very interesting indeed! Looks like my rumblings may have been well founded. I don't think Cisco would like that Microsoft has a design/archetect level cert at the top of their cert structure and now they have nothing since they discontinued the CCIE.

I think on initial glance I would opt for reinstating the CCIE-Design, but some of the other possible titles are sorta interesting. Hmmm, I guess maybe more reason to continue on with design along with R&S and possibly pick up the CCDP along the way..