Effective: November 4, 2003
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What is changing?
The specialization program will now recognize valid Cisco Qualified Specialist certifications instead of requiring specific individual exams. This change does not add new requirements -- Cisco Qualified Specialist exams are based on all current specialization exams.
Technical roles in most existing specializations now recognize a Cisco Qualified Specialist certification. Account Manager and Program Manager roles will continue to migrate to the Cisco Qualified Specialist certification over time.
What is a Cisco Qualified Specialist?
Cisco Qualified Specialist certifications are granted to individuals demonstrating significant competency in specific technology areas, solutions, or job roles. This certification is awarded for a period of two years and is based on a Cisco career certification, plus the successful completion of one or more other specialty exams.
Why are we changing?
This change is designed to provide a greater return on investment (ROI) on your specialization investments because having the required Cisco Qualified Specialist on staff offers a two-year badge equivalent for your specialization. Because Cisco Qualified Specialist certifications are valid for two years, your staff won't need to pass multiple tests annually, as they may have had to in the past. This certification also provides your staff with an added benefit for any individual associate-level career certifications they hold (such as CCNA or CCDA) -- passing any technical Cisco Qualified Specialist exam automatically renews an associate-level career certification (CCNA and CCDA) for three years.
When is this change effective?
This change is effective November 4, 2003; however, you are not required to have Cisco Qualified Specialist certifications until your next specialization renewal.
If you are in the process of applying for or renewing a Cisco specialization, this announcement will not change anything about meeting current program requirements; qualifying Cisco Qualified Specialist certifications are based on all current specialization exam requirements.
What should you do next?
Review the role requirements for your Cisco specialization(s) to understand which job roles now accept the Cisco Qualified Specialist certification. Please also review the resources listed at the top of this page to obtain additional information about this change, including a Q&A and a video on demand. These resources should answer any questions you have; however, if you have any additional questions after reviewing the Website, please visit Partner E-Support.