Prepaway – Cisco CCNP R&S Certification: 5 Best Study Tips for Network and Support Engineers

Last updated May 14, 2019

Cisco CCNP R&S is a globally recognized credential that is obtained by clearing a series of exams. It validates that an individual has the knowledge, skills and experience to work effectively with middle-sized networks. Precisely, the certificate proves that you have the skills to operate, plan, troubleshoot and verify middle-sized networks, as well as cooperatively work with other professionals on wireless, security and other solutions. This certification is intended for the candidates who are aiming at getting a position of systems engineers, network technicians, network engineers, or support engineers.

The prerequisite for getting the Prepaway is a valid CCNA R&S certificate or any CCIE credential. There are 3 exams that you must clear to obtain your CCNP R&S. These tests include:

300-101 ROUTE
300-115 SWITCH
300-135 TSHOOT

Main Preparation Tips

As you can see, CCNP R&S is a highly valuable credential. So, it is expected that obtaining it involves some hard work. After obtaining the CCNA R&S certification or any CCIE credential, you will have to clear the above named exams for you to get the CCNP R&S certificate. As expected again, the exam series for obtaining this certification is a serious undertaking. In this post, we have presented you with the best tips for passing all 3 tests and obtaining the Cisco credential.

Boost your confidence

Prepaway.com you read that right! The first thing to do is to boost your confidence. And how do you do this? Well, it is simple. Start with the easiest of the relevant exams. When you pass one of them with flying colors, you will be able to face the other two with confidence and this will increase your chances of passing all the exams with ease.

So, which of the three exams should you take first? That depends on which one you believe you can take with utmost ease. Typically, the progression is 300-101, 300-115 and finally 300-135. You can take the first 2 exams – ROUTE and SWITCH – in any order. Just start with the one you are most comfortable with. In case you are already in the industry and switch-heavy is your daily work, then you can start with SWITCH first. When you pass the first exam with flying colors, you will have the confidence to walk into the remaining two certification tests. 300-135 TSHOOT should be taken last.

Have a plan

It doesn’t matter the order in which you have decided to take the three CCNP R&S certification exams. You need to start with a clear plan. You are already done with step one of planning, which involves establishing the order in which you are going to take the tests. Step two is to approach your training and preparation with a plan. Start by setting training goals. The goals should be based on the exam objectives and how much time you have from now until the exam date. Be sure to allocate enough time for you to be able to prepare adequately. Set practical schedules and remember to include a practical part in your training plan.

Get as much hands-on experience as you can

There is a good mix of practical and theoretical questions in the Cisco CCNP R&S exam series. For you to be able to handle them effectively on the exam date, you should get lots of hands-on experience. Cisco suggests that you should sit for the CCNP R&S tests after gaining at least one year of experience with the Cisco products. And because you are already considering taking these exams, it could mean that you have experience with the task. However, on the tests, you are tested and timed strictly. That can make a huge difference psychologically. So, it obviously needs thorough preparation.

Besides validating the theoretical information you have acquired during your preparation and training, hands-on experience also helps you to prevail over the psychological element. If you ask any expert or anyone who has cleared the exams needed to obtain CCNP R&S, they will tell you that hands-on experience is a very big and it is an important part of the exam preparation. Take hands-on labs if possible to get prepared properly especially for the simulation parts of the certification tests.

Build your own home lab

You probably built a home lab for the CCNA R&S certification. If you didn’t, then you should build it for CCNP R&S. One advantage of having a home lab is that you will be having a laboratory. So, if you are for the CCNP R&S credential, you are not simply studying for the three tests but you are deeply and genuinely interested in providing workable solutions to the increasingly more complicated problems. Keep your home lab after clearing the CCNP R&S tests.

Get a blend of other preparation resources

You can identify a reputable IT company that provides the best quality IT training either offline or online and take the relevant courses that can help you pass the three exams and obtain your CCNP R&S credential. Besides, find current practice tests and see how good you are. You can also combine in-depth study guides with videos, flashcards and blogs. Good thing is, you have already passed CCNA and CCENT, which means that you know the best learning resources and where to get them.

Bonus Tips

Arrive early at the testing center

If you are taking your CCNP R&S exams at the Pearson VUE center, you should arrive early enough. Arrive at the center several minutes earlier before the exam begins. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the area and get more psychologically prepared. If you arrive late, you will be sweating and already panicking and all these will be reducing your chances of passing the exam.

Relax

This is the most common advice you will come across when you are looking for tips on how to get the Cisco CCNP R&S certificate. Take a break from studying especially on the night before the exam. Eat well and have a good sleep. This will allow you to keep fresh and energetic during your certification test.