CCNA Voice exams

[ciscoskeemz]

Hello,

I am considering giving a shot at learning the CCNA Voice material to see if it peaks my interest. I know there is either the CVoice exam or IIUC exam. To my understanding the IIUC is geared towards commericial unified express solutions, and the other is for larger enterprises. I'm just wondering, since I'm not currently in a networking positions, which one should I take? My hope is that if this interests me, I will be able to use it in the workforce. INE has a course on both that they are releasing next week, and I know Jeremy has voice products with CBTNuggets.

Any advice would be helpful.


Thanks,
- Mike

[Miizarebel]

Hey,

Since your not working in a networking positon it would be a great idea to start "small" and then work your way up the ladder. Try to focus on the concepts of the material and not just rushing to study for the exam. I am currenlty studying for the BCMSN certification, i took a peek at the voice world and i was amazed at how interesting it is.

As a side notes here's what i'm currenlty using for the voice lab.

1 2611XM 128/32
1 2651XM 256/48
1 2620XM
1 3550 POE switch to supply power to the phones
2 Cisco 7940 IP phones

I'm missing a few things, but for now i have the ability to configure call manager from scratch, configure the IP phones, the phones are ringing--> what a wonderful feeling when your just getting started. I bought the CCNA Voice book, it's an amazing read i must say. Another side note, if you are already familar with VLAN, VTP, configuring Cisco Dhcp you will be able to dive right into the VOIP lab... Which i hope you do soon.

I work in IT (not a networking position) but it's always good to prepare for when the opportunity presents itself....

Good luck as you decide/prepare for the world of voice....

[ciscoskeemz]

Miizarebel,

thanks for the input. Definately would not be rushing. I have no voice experience, so I believe it will be a challenge. The certification is great but if I don't fully understand it, it's pointless. I'm just wondering what the benefits of doing the IIUC exam since I can earn CCNA Voice by passing CVoice, which is required for CCVP if some where down the road I chose to go that route. Since I am self funding, the less exams the better, but I do not want to jip myself....so if you're saying skipping IIUC would cause me jip myself, I will do both.

Is the IIUC the only exam where Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express 4.1 and Cisco Unity Express are covered??

Also, when you say "you will be able to dive right into the VOIP lab" , what voip lab are you referring to?
Sorry, it was an extremely long IT day for me between early morning meetings and a needy user base...the brain isn't functioning right, right now
If anyone else has any comments, I appreciate them as well.

[Travis]

I say go CVOICE. You can always learn the topics in IIUC without taking the test - but if you want bang for your buck, CVOICE is the way to go.
Most of the SMB stuff you'll work with, is scaled down versions of the big kit, with the exception of the UC520 - which is a very unique box. But, to get to know that you need one, and at $12k they aren't cheap

[ciscoskeemz]

Thanks Travis! Is there any recommended reading for the CVoice 6.0 exam?

[CCBOOTCAMP]

I concur with Travis, CVOICE is the way to go.


Brad Ellis

[ciscoskeemz]

Thank you Brad! Looks like I will go CVoice if I decide to pursue
Is ....Cisco Voice over IP Authorized Self-Study guide 3rd edition by Kevin Wallace a good read? The best book for this exam?


thx