Recent Channel Partner Updates
Cisco retires six Advanced Technology Specialisations
To simplify and streamline their specialisations portfolio, Cisco is retiring several specialisations:
- Advanced Core and WAN
- Advanced Unified Access
- Advanced Unified Fabric Technology
- Advanced Internet of Things - Manufacturing
- Advanced Internet of Things – Connected Safety and Security
- Advanced Internet of Things - Industry Expert
NB: Partners in Approved status on December 1, 2017 will retain the respective specialisation until its next naturally occurring anniversary date. All specialisations will be fully removed from partner records no later than December 1, 2018.
Changes to Premier Certification, effective 15th November 2017
The Cisco Premier Certification will have two changes to its requirements:
- Two unique Cisco career certified individuals will be required; one with a Cisco CCNA certification and one with either a Cisco CCNA certification or Cisco CCDA certification. Higher-level career certifications of the same type (network or design) will also be accepted.
- Partners will be allowed to apply with Express Specialisation or higher.
Meeting the new requirements for current Premier Certified Partners
All Premier Certified Partners who have attained the Premier Certification before November 15, 2017, but do not qualify for the new requirements will have a minimum of one year to meet the new requirements. Partners must meet the new specialisation requirements by the time of their Premier anniversary date that falls on or after November 15, 2018.
How will this change affect current specialisation requirements?
At Partner Summit 2017, Cisco announced the retirement of six advanced technology specialisations. Any current Premier Certified Partner holding one of the retiring specialisations will be given a minimum of one year to transition. Partners must have a new specialisation in place by their Premier anniversary date that falls on or after November 15, 2018.
New Premier Certification requirements at a glance
Starting November 15, 2017, new Partners applying for the Premier Certification will be required to have:
- Two unique Cisco career certified individuals: one with a Cisco CCNA certification and one with either a Cisco CCNA certification or Cisco CCDA certification. Higher level career certifications of the same type (network or design) will also be accepted.
- Express Specialisation or Advanced specialisation
- Participation in Partner Customer Satisfaction (CSAT)
- One hybrid IT offering