Accomplishing the Cisco 350-801 exam leads to your mastery of the key collaboration solutions. This is an embodiment of how well you understand the core technologies that surround Cisco Collaboration. And if you plan to clear this evaluation in the future, you are right on track. Continue reading below and uncover all the significant information about the exam.

Who Is the Target Audience?

There are no technical requisites set for Cisco 350-801. But, in case you want to apply for the professional-level Cisco certificate apart from the specialist-level one, it’s highly advisable that you have a minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in collaboration solutions. Suitable candidates for the test must also have a prior understanding of the major topics. Don’t worry because all these will be elaborated on later.

What Are the Certifications Rewarded?

First of all, Cisco 350-801 is considered as the core evaluation for CCNP Collaboration and the qualification exam for the CCIE Collaboration. In order to fully secure these certifications, you need to clear the other requirements ― a concentration test for CCNP and a lab exam for CCIE. However, if you opt to just complete Cisco 350-801, then you’ll only gain the Cisco Certified Specialist – Collaboration accreditation.

What Are the Main Exam Details?

Let’s get to know more about Cisco 350-801 by unraveling its specifications. The exam runs for up to 2 hours, with questions concentrating on the proper implementation and configuration of Cisco Collaboration features and tools. The format of the questions is not released to the public, hence the need for you to develop your topic mastery. The only available language is English. On the bright side, you can choose your preferred delivery method, either online or at a testing site.

What Topics Are Covered?

Generally, Cisco 350-801 circles around the features and technologies of collaboration infrastructure. It checks on how you implement and operate these according to the standards. Some of the primary topics covered include protocols, infrastructure, design, codes, endpoints, applications, and Call Control, among others.

What Are the Major Test Domains?

To help you completely comprehend the main objectives of the test, the topics are classified into 6 domains. More so, each section comes with a corresponding percentage to provide you an idea on how these will impact the number of questions in the exam. So, without any delay, here’s a detailed outline of the things you need to study for Cisco 350-801.

• Collaboration applications ― 10%

  This domain introduces you to the Cisco Unity Connection functionalities, namely mailbox, MWI, SIP integration, and call handlers. It covers the Cisco Unified IM&P deployment process and protocols, specifically XMPP and high availability. Lastly, it opens up the features of Cisco Jabber on-premises.

• QoS ― 10%

  The Quality of Service (QoS) is a pertinent factor in collaboration solutions. Therefore, it’s a must that you can identify the problems that lead to subpar the quality of video and voice, particularly jitter, latency, bandwidth, and packet loss. You should also have a solid understanding of the key QoS requirements and class models, along with the main functions of DiffServ values in relation to collaboration. Some of the associated terms include CS4, CS3, AF41, AF42, and EF. Location-based CAC bandwidth and LLQ features such as policy map, class map, and service policy are covered too, along with QoS trust boundaries.

• Cisco IOS XE gateway as well as related media resources ― 15%

  In this section, you have to improve your knowledge of identifying the right media resources for a specific scenario, either hardware or software. It’s also relevant that you can effectively configure and fix ISDN PRI/BRI and then manage the MGCP features accordingly. Finally, be sure to train your skills in configuring voice gateway components like DTMFM, profiles, code preference list, dial peers, and voice translation rules.

• Protocol, codes, and endpoints ― 20%

  Take a closer look into the core elements that are essential when troubleshooting a SIP conversation. These specifically underlines subjects such as DTMF, SDP, call set up, and tear down. Afterward, you have to mug up the ways in troubleshooting collaboration endpoints, deploying SIP endpoints, designing codec negotiations, and distinguishing appropriate collaboration codecs.

• Call control ― 25%

  This is the most important domain that focuses on the Cisco Unified Communications Manager platform. To start, you need to study its digital analysis process and then go over areas such as toll fraud prevention and globalized call routing. The latter gives emphasis on route patterns, SIP route patterns, translation patterns, transforms, and standard local route group. Try to cover the Mobile and Remote Access or MRA as well.

• Design and infrastructure ― 20%

  Prepare yourself as you learn the significant design elements that refer to the Cisco Collaboration architecture. These include QoS, security, dial plan, sizing, disaster recovery, high availability, bandwidth, and licensing. It’s also important that you know the core features that support Cisco Collaboration solutions as well as the main objective of Edge devices. And, don’t forget to understand the configuration and troubleshooting process of network components.

What Are the Career Opportunities?

Cisco certified individuals are very desirable among employers because of their credibility and top-notch skillset. And with the completion of Cisco 350-801, you unearth not just a coveted accreditation but also a chain of career opportunities. First in line is the recognition of your Cisco Collaboration knowledge. Because of your adeptness, it leads towards better employment options and higher earning potential. If you pursue the CCNP certificate with your Cisco 350-801, the average annual pay can be as high as $107k, according to ZipRecruiter. And of course, your certification is already a stamp of excellence that demonstrates your verified knowledge and technical abilities. As a result, it’s much easier to market your profile and expand your network reach.

What’s the Next Certification Path?

Since Cisco 350-801 is tagged as a core test, it’s highly advisable that you follow it up with a concentration exam to solidify your specialization. There are several technical areas to choose from, including Implementing Cisco Collaboration Applications (Cisco 300-810), Implementing Cisco Advanced Call Control & Mobility Services (Cisco 300-815), and Implementing Cisco Collaboration Cloud Conferencing (Cisco 300-825), among others. Upon securing your CCNP Collaboration certification, you can carry on with your professional pursuits and opt for the CCIE Collaboration path.