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Return On Investment

Investing in Your Future Success

The following is a comparison of the time and out-of-pocket expenses* required to achieve a Cisco Express Unified Communications Specialization using either the Partner Education Connection (PEC) or Instructor-Led Training (ILT), where available. As a Cisco Partner you benefit by using the PEC, as you're generally able to save a significant amount of money in travel and training fees as well as out-of-office time.

Note: When you submit for this new specialization you may only incur exam costs. See below for details.

Cisco specializations and certifications represent a significant investment of time and resources. We highly recommend that you consult with your Cisco channel account manager prior to committing to a particular specialization and/or certification to help ensure there is adequate opportunity in your geography and market.

* Times and costs are estimates for the purpose of comparison. Your organization's investment may vary depending on the career certifications that individuals may have.

Total Estimated Learning Hours and Investment
  Estimated Hours Investment
Training
60
US$2500
Out-of-pocket exam costs
Required IP Communications Lab
$500
$7500
Total Investment
$10,500

Break-Even Point

Based on the investment estimate above, the following are the revenue levels at which you would start to gain a return on your investment. The chart below illustrates gross revenue from the resale of hardware at an average of 5 percent margin or services revenue at an average of 20 percent margin.

  Hardware Only @ 5% Services @ 20%
Training
$265,000
$66,250

Training & Exam Investment by Role

When you submit for this new specialization you may only incur exam costs.

Account Manager (Total below covers both account managers required):
Classes are available ONLY on Training (consult Learning Map)
Training
Estimated hours of courses and exams

12

Out-of-pocket training cost
$0
Out-of-pocket exam cost
$250

Systems Engineer
Classes are available via Training (consult Learning Map)
Training
Estimated hours of courses and exams
48
Out-of-pocket training cost
$2,500
Out-of-pocket exam cost
$250

NOTE: Although training courses are recommended to improve the probability that you pass your exams, you are required only to pass exams to achieve specialization. Therefore, it's possible that your cost and time investment will be less than stated above, leading to a faster return on investment.