How to Prepare for 2020 with the New CCNP

Update: Training is now available for the CCNP Enterprise Core exam (335-435 ENAUTO).
There has been much talk about the changes that will be made to Cisco’s certification program. This makes sense. It’s been a while since Cisco made such dramatic moves. IT certification is a huge deal.
We’ll be discussing changes to CCNP, and what you need know about this certification when 2020 rolls around.
These changes are important for anyone who is working towards their CCNP or just starting to study. (Spoiler alert! Keep studying and you will be able to get your CCNP by February 23, 2020. This article will also help you understand the changes in certification if you are just starting your Cisco certification journey.
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Get started training for CCNP Certification: The present
You’re likely pursuing one or more of the following certifications if you’re working towards your Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification:
CCNP Routing & Switching
CCNP Collaboration
CCNP Wireless
CCNP Data Center
CCNP Service Provider
CCDP

Let’s take CCNP Routing & Switching as an illustration. The CCNA Routing and Switching certification will help you meet the requirements. You begin to research the CCNP and how you can prepare for the exams. You must take three exams: 301-101 Routing, 300-115 Switch, or 300-320 Arch. After passing these exams, your CCNP Routing & Switching certification will be issued to you.
The above example is a common path. Some CCNPs may require additional exams to be certified. The current system gives you a clear path to follow, regardless of what the case may be. If you have your CCNA Data Center certification, the next logical step is CCNP Data Center.
CCNP Changes: The Future
The CCNP requirements will be changing significantly on February 24, 2020. These are the certifications you’ll be able to get starting next year.
CCNP Enterprise
CCNP Data Center
CCNP Security
CCNP Service Provider
CCNP Collaboration
Cisco Certified DevNet Professional

There are several changes. The first is that the list does not include CCNP Routing and Switching or CCNP Wireless. These CCNPs will be integrated into CCNP Enterprise if you have one or are working towards completing them. The CCNP Migration Tools can be used to assist you if you are interested in planning for your CCNP before February 24.
Another important change in the new program is that you will only need to take two exams, regardless of your CCNP choice. This makes it easier to track your activities and plan your studies.
Cisco is also removing all formal prerequisites. This allows you to jump right into a CCNP at any time. You’ll likely still want to earn a CCNA, and a few other specialties to get to the CCNP. It is not necessary. This is great news if you already have CCNA-level certification and wish to move on to a professional-level certification.
Let’s look at another example of the new CCNP to better explain. In this example, we’ll use CCNP Enterprise. First, you must take the core exam. Then you will need to take the concentration exam. Concentration exams are focused on topics that fall under the CCNP Enterprise umbrella. The core exam covers a bit of everything in this area.
The idea behind this CCNP Core Concepts is that everyone who wants to pursue it should be familiar with them. If you want to focus on wireless, the 300-401 ENCOR Enterprise core examination and the 300-430 ENWLSI could be taken. This would give you the CCNP Enterprise. This is not the only route you can take. To meet the requirements of your CCNP Enterprise, you can take any one of these concentration exams:
300-410 ENARSI, Advanced Routing and Services
300-415 ENSDWI