How to Become a Cisco Routing and Switching Sales Specialist

In addition to Cisco's Entry, Associate, Professional and Expert Certificates, Cisco offers Specialist Certifications to verify knowledge and expertise in a more focused specialty. Specialist Certifications are available in the following categories: Advanced Routing & Switching, Data Center, Foundation for Channels Partners, Unified Communications, Security, and Wireless LAN. According to Cisco, "The Cisco Advanced Routing and LAN Switching focused certifications recognize a candidate's ability to sell, design, install, and support the core infrastructure of a Cisco solution for small and medium-sized businesses. This recognition is based on demonstrated knowledge of building, configuring, and troubleshooting campus networks and remote access networks using Cisco Catalyst multilayer switching technologies over high-speed Ethernet and Cisco routers connected in LANs and WANs. Designed exclusively for Cisco Channel Partners, the Cisco Routing and Switching Sales Specialist has demonstrated a strong understanding of routing and switching concepts including the function of advanced features necessary to effectively position and sell end-to-end Cisco network solutions and wide area application services."

PREREQUISITES:

The prerequisite for this certification is a valid Cisco Sales Expert: 646-203 CSE.

RECOMMENDED TRAINING:

Cisco recommends 1 of 2 training courses to help prepare you for this certification; Routing and Switching Advanced Sales (RSAS) [if you plan to take the 646-003 ARSAM exam] or Cisco Wide Area Application Services for Account Managers [if you plan to take the 646-653 WAASAM exam].

TAKE REQUIRED EXAM:

Cisco requires 1 of 2 exams to attain this certification; 646-003 ARSAM - Advanced Routing and Switching for Account Managers (75 minute exam, with 65-75 questions) OR 646-653 WAASAM - Wide Area Application Services for Account Managers (45 minute exam, with 45 questions). Once you are prepared to take your exam, you can register for them at vue.com/cisco/.

RECERTIFICATION:

Cisco Specialist Certifications are valid for two years. To recertify, take and pass the current version of the required exam(s) or pass a current CCIE written exam.