Implementing Cisco Service Provider VPN Services, commonly known as the Cisco 300-515 exam, certifies the student’s ability to implement a wide range of service provider VPN services. These include IPv6, Layer 2, and Layer 3. This is the only test that you should pass to attain the Cisco Certified Specialist - Service Provider VPN Services Implementation certification. However, if you blend this test with the 350-501 evaluation, you’ll get the CCNP Service Provider designation.

Leading Certification Program: Cisco CCNP Service Provider

The CCNP Service Provider is a professional-level validation that confirms a student’s excellence in managing service provider solutions. As mentioned above, achieving this certificate requires success in two exams, a core test that is, the Cisco 350-501 SPCOR, and another that should be selected from the list of concentration exams that include the aforementioned Cisco 300-515. The other two evaluations that complete this list include the 300-510 and 300-535 tests.

Cisco 300-515 Exam Facts

The 300-515 evaluation has a time limit of 90 minutes and can be written in English. It costs $300 per attempt and can be taken as an online exam or from selected testing locations.

Describing 300-515 Domains

The first step to passing the Cisco 300-515 exam is to build a solid understanding of its content outline. This includes a mastery of the 4 exam objectives that include the following:

• The Architecture of VPN (25%)

  Such a tested topic is built around contrasting the architecture of VPN, resolving underlay like LSP, and defining the service architecture of Layer 2. Also, it covers the skills of describing the operations for the L3VPN data as well as the control plane. The subtopics covered by this domain will necessitate the student to understand a wide range of technologies including the forwarding instance of VRF, core IGP, MP-BGP, VPN label, underlay label, and the target of routers just to mention a few.

• VPNs of Layer 2 (30%)

  This domain requires the examinees to demonstrate their knowledge of troubleshooting L2VPN services, describing the concepts of EVPN, putting into practice operations for Ethernet, administration including maintenance, and implementing EVPN. Going by the tested objectives, the exam-takers should understand the following technologies in detail: E-LAN, E-Tree, E-Line, EVPN Native, EVPN VPWS, and EVPN IRB.

• VPNs of Layer 3 (35%)

  Success in a topic like this confirms that the exam-taker is adept at describing routing requirements, solving issues with Intra-AS L3VPNs, and executing multicast VPN. What’s more, it will address the candidate’s knowledge of implementing extranet or services that are shared, outlining Inter-L3VPNs, and describing the concepts of CSC. In a nutshell, this means the students should be familiar with MP-BGP, the routing protocol of PE-CE, PE-PE, PE-PR, MLDP, route policy, options A, B, AB, and C before sitting for the official exam.

• VPNs of IPv6 (10%)

  To conclude, the actual Cisco 300-515 evaluation will cover the VPNs of IPv6. In particular, such a section is centered on defining the requirements for routing and resolving glitches with the provider edge of IPv6 VPN. On that note, it would help if the candidate were familiar with MP-BGP, PE-CE routing protocol, PE-PE, and PE-CE before they attempt any questions from this knowledge area.

Prospective Job Opportunities

The Cisco 300-515 is known to create clear-cut opportunities for all candidates who strive to pass it. This includes qualifying students for a ton of job roles that are centered on service provider solutions. Thus, read on to see the 3 best options at the moment after clearing this test:

• Network Engineer

  Network engineers are the knowledgeable professionals expected to set up computer networks, maintain the same systems, and provide technical support when called upon. What is more, they handle software and hardware with a job scope covering the installation and maintenance of tasks on routers, cables, and switches, monitoring network activity, configuring network systems, as well as improving network security. The fact these individuals are involved in maintaining network security implies they should understand how to set up firewalls and troubleshoot network issues when they notice them. And as you gain more skills along this path, you can outgrow this role to become a network architect tasked with planning and designing complex network systems. According to PayScale salary information, the average pay for a network engineer in the current employment industry is $75,168 per year.

• Systems Engineer

  A system engineer has an impressive resume, with a job scope that extends beyond systems management and monitoring. In particular, these individuals participate in the installation, configuration, testing, and maintenance of operating systems, system management tools, and application software. What’s more, they strive to ensure the availability of systems and infrastructure and may liaise with different professionals to resolve issues in computer systems. At the very least, systems engineers will be required to help with maintaining backup and security, writing & maintaining custom scripts, providing 3rd and 2nd level support, and taking part in the design of operational and information support systems. With that in mind, they are guaranteed an average salary of $80,445 per year according to PayScale.com.

• Network Operations Engineer

  The job scope of a network operations engineer covers the everyday monitoring of network performance. In more detail, they troubleshoot networks and hardware, analyze faults, and deploy as well as maintain network monitoring and reporting tools. In many organizations, these individuals work closely with engineering and design teams to build an intimate knowledge of networks & systems and resolve advanced issues as far as these technologies are involved. Ideally, a network operations engineer must work with a clear goal in mind - to improve the quality of technical services. To live up to your role as a network operation engineer, you should prove your experience working in an ISP environment, understand the relevant technologies such as IP protocols, firewalling, and IP filtering, and most importantly, get the right certification such as the aforementioned CCNP Service Provider. In the end, you will get compensated with an average annual income of $67,043 according to PayScale.

Certification Path

If you choose to stay within the Cisco training program, the next best certificate to go for after getting the CCNP Service Provider is the CCIE Service Provider certification. This is an expert-level designation that confirms your advanced-level mastery of service provider solutions. To qualify for it, you will have to pass the core exam 350-501 (Implementing and Operating Cisco Service Provider Network Core Technologies) together with an 8-hour long lab exam, known as the CCIE Service Provider v5.0.