Cisco activated one of its biggest modifications in the certification system. Certification paths were removed at the same time as the new DevNet was introduced; prerequisites were eliminated; Conditions of obtaining and recertification were changed, and other important changes.
One of the notable changes is the modification of the professional level certifications. If you are on your way to earning a professional-level certification, how do these changes impact your readiness? A synthesis of the changes There are some relevant changes in the professional level certifications, which you should take into account:

There are 6 certification paths. The new certification paths are: Enterprise, Security, Service Providers, Collaboration and Data Center.
The new CCNP Enterprise, with its various specialties, encompasses the technologies of routing and switchins, design and wireless networks.
To these 5 technical certifications is added DevNet that validates technical capabilities in the area of ​​automation and software development.

• • There is a Core exam for each certification
    In this new scheme, to obtain a CCNP certification (any of them) it is necessary to pass only 2 exams: the core exam of the selected path and a concentration exam of the same path.
    As a consequence of this, different specializations appear within the professional level, which allows each one to focus on the area or product of interest.
  • No more prerequisites
    In this revamped system the prerequisites have disappeared.
    It is no longer necessary, to certify the professional level, to previously certify the corresponding associate level. It is possible to directly certify the professional level by taking the required exams in the desired order.
    However, we must not lose perspective that, especially the core exams, involve at least the knowledge of a CCNA, and in many cases more than that. The fact that the CCNA exam is not a prerequisite does not exempt you from having equivalent knowledge.
  • Options for
    recertification At all levels of certification it is now possible to recertify by passing new exams (as it was until now) or obtaining continuing education credits, or a mixture of both possibilities.
    The inclusion of the continuing education program adds an important new option to keep us up-to-date on technologies and also keep our certifications current.

• The Dual Role of Core Exams
  In this new system, core exams for each certification path qualify for professional-level certification at the same time as they qualify as a written exam and then take the CCIE lab exam.
  This has the consequence that, from the passing date of the core exam, you have 3 years to pass a concentration exam and become a CCNP; and / or to present the corresponding laboratory examination and be CCIE.
• Every exam carries a certification
  Each time you pass a professional level certification exam, be it the core exam or a concentration exam, you earn a Specialist certification.
  That is, if the CCNP certification is obtained with the minimum of the core exam and a concentration exam, there are 3 certifications: the corresponding CCNP certification, and two Specialist certifications (those corresponding to the approved core exam and concentration exam).

How to approach my CCNP certification?
If you are starting your CCNP certification there are different ways to approach your preparation, one possible is:

• Visit the official Cisco site for their professional level certifications and check especially: what exams are required and what is the official syllabus for those exams.
• If possible, take an official training at a Cisco Learning Partner.
  The official trainings not only give you the possibility to make contact with a certified instructor and other technicians who share your objective, but also provide you with official manuals (which are not accessible in any other way) and access to practice laboratories.
  All very important elements for your preparation in any of the exams.
• Find a good study guide for the exam you are preparing and follow it promptly from start to finish.
  There are still no guides for all the exams (and it is possible that in some cases there are none), in that case take the official exam syllabus as a base reference and start your study from it.
• Join the appropriate community on the Cisco Learning Network. There you will meet those who are on your same path and the help of those who have already traveled it to ask questions, share ideas and locate information on specific topics or technologies.
  Communities are organized by certification path:
  CCNP Enterprise
  CCNP Security
  CCNP Service Provider
  CCNP Collaboration
  CCNP Data Center
  DevNet Professional

NOTE: Whenever you have questions about the certification path or exams, or the conditions, the first resource you should consult is the official Cisco website.