If you currently hold a CCDA certification or any CCIE certification, you can start on the road to acquiring Cisco’s IP Telephony Design Specialist certification. This credential is primarily for individuals who work to create solutions for IP Telephony multi-service networks. Through this certification process, you will learn how to develop a converged network using QoS, MGCP, SIP signaling protocols, and Cisco Call Manager clustering. You will also be able to assess the level of work that is required to integrate legacy TDM PBX’s and voice mail systems that is part of a pre-existing network.

In addition to holding the perquisite certifications, you must pass a series of exams that consists of the 642-415 UCAD, the 650-251 LCSAUC, and the 642-642 QoS. There are also training courses that correspond to each exam that are highly recommended as preparation resources. Even more in-depth study, particularly for the QoS exam, is available from Testslive, an exam tutorial source that provides intensive exam practice techniques to greatly increase your certification exam readiness. Following successful completion of your certification requirements, you must complete one of the following choices every two years from you original certification date: Re-taking and passing all required exams for the specialist certification area or pass a current CCIE or CCDE written exam. Fulfilling either of these options will result in successful recertification.