When applying for a Partner level Certification or Specialization within the Channel Partner Program, individual career certifications of the employees at the partner organization are an important component. View the Q&A.

Why are Cisco Gold Partners required to have multiple Specializations?
Maintaining the required four advanced specializations enables Gold Certified Partners to increase their expertise in multiple integrated technologies. This expertise provides them with access to key markets and the ability to deliver the new solutions their customers demand.

How will partners be able to focus and add value if they need several Specializations?
Cisco encourages partners to specialize in related technology areas, thereby taking advantage of their breadth of knowledge to add more value and services. Or they could develop comprehensive expertise in a single technology area with services on top of the Specializations. If partners want to focus primarily on just one or two technology Specializations, they would likely fit well within the Select, Premier or Silver partner program levels.

Why are Specializations a requirement of the Cisco Channel Partner Program?
Networking technology has become far too complex to build a sustainable business model around generic value-added services. The Cisco Certification program was, therefore, designed to require Specialized expertise for Cisco badging. Cisco Systems® will recommend partners in specific sales situations based on these Specializations. The Specialization Program complements this by helping you maximize your skills and market focus, regardless of your chosen business model. Through the use of structured training road maps and an objective knowledge validation process, you will be able to pursue a technology or services Specialization that can make your company more profitable and sharpen your competitive edge.

What are the current Specializations and their point values?
View the retired Cisco Partner Specializations point-value Website. As of March 1, 2007, the current Channel Partner Program rules apply and certification will no longer use a points-based model.

Where can I learn more about the recently launched SMB Specialization?
The SMB Specialization is the first Cisco Partner Specialization that addresses high-level skills required to successfully design and deploy Cisco SMB (fewer than 250 employees) solutions. Learn More

What are the benefits of Specialization?
By acknowledging the partner's ability to deliver and support the latest Cisco technology, a Cisco Specialization enhances the value of their company, enables partners to enter new markets, and gives them added credibility with customers and prospects. Cisco Specialized Partners can effectively differentiate themselves from their competitors while they grow their business around their core competencies.

The Cisco Partner Specialization Program offers benefits that help develop technical expertise while driving value into your business model.

• Differentiation from your competitors
• Migration to a higher-margin, services business model
• Preference for Specialized partners by Cisco sales organization through value engagement
• Skills to address new, high-priority markets
• Focus around core competencies
• Enhanced credibility with customers
• Ability to take advantage of Cisco Certified personnel
• Foundation for entry into services Specializations
• Equal consideration regardless of geography and size
• Listing on Cisco Partner Locator
• Contribution to Certification
• Subscription lab equipment (where available)
• Partner spotlights—online promotion on Cisco.com
• Virtual lab access

Are distributors eligible to become Specialized?
Yes. Distributors are eligible to complete the course and exam work necessary to become Specialized in any technology, service, or solution program offered by Cisco. Allowing distributor partners to include this capability enables the distributors to better differentiate their services and provide more proactive support to their reseller customers.

Are distributors eligible to participate in the other aspects of the Cisco Channel Partner Program?
Although the Cisco Specialization Program is also part of the Cisco Channel Partner Program, distributors are ineligible for participating in any other aspects of the Cisco Channel Partner Program, including any discounts associated with the Cisco Channel Partner Program. Although distributors may publicize any Specializations they obtain, the Specialization is not transferable to resellers or customers. In addition, successfully completing certain Specializations automatically provides partners the ability to purchase and resell some restricted products; even though distributors may successfully complete a Specialization related to restricted products, distributors will continue to need approval from Cisco for access to any Specialized-restricted products.

What are the benefits to the distributors for becoming Specialized?
In return for successfully completing a Specialization track, the distributors receive the following:

• Congratulatory notification to Cisco sales and reseller community
• Recognition for their Specialization status on the Cisco Distributor Locator
• Specialization certificate and press release template
• Ability to differentiate themselves in market and provide added value to their customers

Where can I find more information about Cisco Partner Specializations?
View the Cisco Partner Specialization Program information, including Specialization requirements.

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Specialization Renewal Policy

Do Cisco Specializations have expiration dates?
Yes. A Specialization is valid for one year. Partners must renew their Cisco Specializations, annually, within 90 days of the anniversary date that the Specialization was issued.

What is the renewal policy for Specializations?
Specialization renewal consists of two elements:
a. Partner must apply annually for the Specialization renewal through the Channel Partner Certification and Specialization Application .
b. Individuals must meet current requirements for each Specialization job role. Current requirements will include each of the following:

• Assuring individuals filling the Specialization job roles have valid Cisco Career Certifications, such as CCNA or CCDA—as specified in each job role
• Validating that those individuals filling job roles meet any other current requirements, such as passing a specific specialization exam or holding a valid Cisco Qualified Specialist badge—as specified in each job role.

What happens if a Specialization partner does not comply?
Partners who fail to comply with any of these requirements by their Specialization renewal date will be deemed ineligible to claim that Specialization. The partner's Certification level may be adjusted accordingly, as well as removal of any references on the Cisco Partner Locator for the partner related to that Specialization. When ineligible, the partner must reapply for a Specialization or any Certification changes that resulted from the loss of the previous Specialization or Certification status.

A partner who notifies Cisco of noncompliance with the Specialization requirements may be eligible for a "get-well" period. Get-well periods will not be granted for retired Specializations or Specializations within 90 days of the renewal deadline. Partners must notify the Cisco Specialization team of noncompliance by opening a case at Partner Help. Notification does not guarantee a get-well period. Noncompliance cases are reviewed and an acknowledgement is sent to the partner confirming or denying a get-well period and including any deadlines or additional requirements. If at the end of a get-well period the partner still lacks the necessary Specialization points to retain current Certification, the partner is moved to the next appropriate Certification level (or potentially decertified).

What happens if a Certified employee leaves a Certified partner who has helped that partner meet the requirements?
If the loss of a Certified individual who is performing in one of the required Specialization roles take a partner out of compliance, the partner must notify Cisco of non-compliance with Specialization requirements within 30 days of the event. The partner may be given a get-well period from the time of notification to replace the missing individual in order to avoid losing the Specialization (and, potentially, the current Certification level). Get-well periods are not available for retired Specializations or for partners within 90 days of their Specialization renewal.

If a partner hires a CCIE away from another Cisco certified or specialized partner, Cisco will not count this individual toward certification or specialization for the hiring partner for a period of 12 months from the date of hire. This rule does not apply if a Cisco certified or specialized partner terminated the CCIE. In this case, Cisco will require documentation from the partner that terminated the CCIE.

How do partners know when their Specialization is up for renewal?
In all cases, it is the partners' responsibility to track the expiration date(s) of their respective Specializations. Cisco may notify partners, via e-mail 90 days prior to renewal date, that they are required to complete the renewal process by a specified date.

How will partners know when a new Specialization is available?
Various communications are used to announce new Specializations. It is also suggested that partners consult with their Cisco Channel account managers and frequently visit the Specialization Web site to stay current on any new Specializations as well as changes to existing Specializations.

What new Specializations are on the road map?
It is not Cisco policy to pre-announce Specializations. In the next year, however, partners will see the addition of Technology and Services Specializations tailored to commercial, enterprise, and service provider marketplace.

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ATP Program

1. What is the ATP Program?
   The objective of the Cisco Authorized Technology Provider (ATP) Program is to bring emerging technologies to market through Cisco Channel Partners. ATP offerings help define the necessary knowledge and skills to bring emerging technologies to market and also provide a program that supports the services required for a particular technology. As a particular technology progresses along the adoption curve and becomes more standardized, it can evolve into a Specialization.
2. How are Specializations different from ATPs?
   ATP Partners must already possess acceptable job/industry/market credentials in the ATP focused technology which makes the ATP Program extremely restrictive. This restriction allows Cisco ATP Partners to gain early entry into an emerging market of new or low-volume technologies. These partners are required to provide post-sales end-to-end support, because often Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) support is still being defined. Because the program is not open to all Cisco partners, it does not offer points toward a Cisco Certification. Specializations, on the other hand, are focused on more established technologies and are open to any partner who meets the minimum role requirements. Additionally, partners can provide their own post-sales support or resell Cisco SMARTnet® contracts.
3. What are the benefits of participating in the Cisco ATP Program?
   The Cisco ATP designation enhances the value of a partner company and provides partners the opportunity to enter into new markets. Partner expertise in various technology areas also enables differentiation from competitors, and increased credibility with customers. Once Cisco ATP Partners complete all program requirements, they are listed in the Cisco Partner Locator.
4. Where do I find out more about the Cisco ATP Program?
   View the Authorized Technology Provider Website.

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1. What is the intent of the Technology Specialization?
   Technology Specializations are intended to:
   
   
   • Enable partners to sell and position the products and/or applications contained in the technology group
   • Build baseline technical skills through training to deliver basic planning, design, configuration and installation services necessary for the typical job encountered by the Channel partner in this technology
   • Build awareness of the process steps and provide tools and resources to help partners successfully deliver
   • Recognize partners for their expertise and commitment to a given technology area
2. What type of partner is the ideal candidate for the Technology Specialization?
   • Resellers interested in developing deeper technical knowledge in a given technology
   • Resellers interested in developing basic services capability in a given technology
   • Resellers interested in accessing restricted products
   • Partners with services expertise interested in applying their skills to a new technology
   • Resellers and services partners looking to migrate to a more service-based focus and who intend to eventually become Services Specialized in the given technology
3. As a customer, why should I consider using Technology Specialized partners?
   Technology Specialized Partners have been trained and tested on both the technical and process-related aspects necessary to correctly position, sell, plan, design and implement a specific technology for a typical customer environment. By choosing a Technology Specialized Partner you know they are skilled in the following areas:
   • Technical Resources: Individuals have received the most current training and recognition through certifications
   • Lab Resources: Partners are recommended or required to maintain a laboratory for customer fault replication, internal training and proof-of-concept demonstrations as specified per Technology Specialization.
4. As a partner, why should I consider getting the Technology Specialization?
   Specializations provide a structured training roadmap to help partners build their skills and knowledge around a new technology. This technical expertise enables your company to differentiate itself from competitors and grow business around core competencies. By recognizing your organization's knowledge and ability to deliver and support the latest Cisco technology, a Cisco Specialization enhances the value of your company, allows you to enter into new markets, and gives you added credibility with customers and prospects. Achieving a Cisco Specialization will help your company grow its business and maintain high levels of customer satisfaction. Additionally, a specialized partner is skilled to:
   • Position and sell the products for a given technology
   • Position and sell the necessary services needed for proper implementation
   • Perform necessary planning, design and implementation services necessary for the standard engagement
   Technology Specializations are the entry point into developing a deep understanding of the specific technology and provides credibility with customers and prospects. Technology Specializations may serve as a migration path to achieving Services Specialization where applicable for the specific technology.

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1. What is the intent of the Services Specialization?
   Service Specializations are intended to:
   • Recognize Services-focused partners for their services value-add
   • Identify partners with expertise, experience and high customer satisfaction in the technology
   • Identify partners with ability to support jobs with large and/or complex service needs
   • Qualify partners that could potentially team with resellers to fill a services gap
2. What recognition will I receive as a Services Specializations Partner?
   Cisco Specialized partners will be recognized by the Services Specialization they have achieved. For example: A partner that achieves an IP Telephony Services Specialization will be described as a Cisco IP Telephony Services Specialized partner. A certificate with this descriptor and the partner's name will be mailed to the partner to recognize their successful completion of all specialization requirements.
   
   Specialized partners, including Services Specialization Partners, will be identified in the Locator by their specialization and all partners can use the points achieved through specialization to receive Gold, Silver, and Premier Certification for further recognition from Cisco.
3. What type of partner is the ideal candidate for the Services Specialization?
   • Service-only partners with experience and expertise in the specific technology
   • Reseller partners with experience and expertise looking for services recognition
   • Existing go-to partners in specific technology
   • Partners interested in selling professional services to other partners
   • Partners interested in focusing on larger jobs with more complex service needs
   Because the Services Specialization requires partners to have experience and high customer satisfaction in the specific technology, the ideal partners are already involved with the specific technology. A services-only partner may already focus on the specific technology and may not resell any product.
4. As a customer, why should I consider using the Services Specialization partners?
   If you require a large and/or typically complex solution, you would benefit from using a partner with a structured approach and past experience with similar deployments. A Services Specialized Partner has demonstrated skills in the following areas:
   • Technical Expertise: Individuals have received the most current training and recognition with certifications
   • Experience: Partner has a successful services delivery record for specific technology
   • Customer Satisfaction: Partner has demonstrated high customer satisfaction for solutions deployed in the specific technology
   • Risk Reduction: Partner brings structured approach to complex Service jobs through up front scoping and project management
   • Incremental Resources: Partner has incremental resources beyond that required by the Technology Specialization including emphasis on pre-sales services definition, (Engagement Manager role) up-front design (Design Engineer role) and formal project management (Project Manager role)
5. As a partner, why should I consider getting the Services Specialization?
   Many partners are increasing their focus on delivering services as a core element of their business model. Service-only partners and partners who resell but also have service capability receive recognition from Cisco. Achieving a Services Specialization allows the following:
   • Building Expertise: Specializations contain the necessary training to allow an organization to develop both the technical and process-related skills needed for the given technology
   • Recognition for Services Expertise: Service Specializations provide recognition for those Partners choosing value-added services as their primary focus
   • Differentiation to Customer: Recognition as a Partner capable of and experienced in providing complex services
   • Differentiation within Cisco: (see Differentiation to Customer)
   • Differentiation to Other Partners: Market your organization's service capability to other partners who have service needs they can't fulfill
6. What are the requirements for achieving a Services Specialization?
   A partner applying for a Services Specialization must achieve the corresponding Technology Specialization as a prerequisite. In addition, the partner must meet four main criteria:
   • Delivery Experience: Partner must have a minimum of 6 successful services references in the specific technology
   • Technology Specific Customer Satisfaction: Reported customer satisfaction rating from a minimum of 6 reference accounts responses must be greater than or equal to 4.5 (1-5 scale).
   • Resource Requirements: Technology Specialization is a prerequisite. Incremental resources are required including one Project Manager, one Engagement Manager and three Design Engineers, and two Field Engineers
   • Lab Requirements: Partner must maintain a laboratory as specified
   More Specializations and requirements information.

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1. Why did Cisco evolve the Professional Service Provider (PSP) Partner Program into the Channel Partner Program?
   The PSP Program was migrated into the Cisco Channel Partner Program in order to address the needs of partners who successfully deliver internetworking services to their customers and to encourage all Cisco partners to develop value-added services expertise. The former PSP program provided limited benefits to qualifying partners. With the introduction of a "unified" program, all partners can enjoy the same branding and still be recognized for their specific specialized expertise. The New Channel Program has leveled the playing field so that partners with diverse business models, including strictly professional services companies, can enjoy the same branding as the traditional reseller partners.
2. As a former PSP partner, do I automatically qualify for Service Specializations?
   No. In order to maintain consistency in the program, PSP partners must have the same personnel, training, customer satisfaction, and technology proficiency as any other partner joining the program. Therefore, current PSP partners will need to pass certain exams or prove a certain level of customer satisfaction in order to qualify for the new program.

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1. Does my CCNP supersede the CCDA pre-requisite?
   No, the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) designation does not supersede the Cisco Certified Design Associate (CCDA) designation, because it does not include mandatory design curriculum for pre-sales roles. However, some career certifications will "over-ride" others in order to assist individuals in meeting the job role requirement. The following hierarchy details which designations may replace others; review the requirements for the particular specialization you are pursuing to assure alternative individual certifications are applicable:
   
   CCIE = CCIE
   CCIP = CCIE or CCIP
   CCDP = CCIE or CCDP
   CCNP = CCIE or CCNP
   CCSP = CCIE and CCSP
   CCDA = CCIE or CCDP or CCDA
   CCNA = CCIE or CCIP or CCDP or CCNP or CCSP or CCNA

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