To earn this certification, individuals must pass three exams: 300-101, 300-115, and 300-320. But should you be concerned about facing three exams? Not at all. In this article, we’ll cover all the important details about the Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam, which is the third one required for your CCDP professional-level certification. Let’s begin.
What is the Cisco CCDP certification?
Cisco CCDP is often referred to as Cisco Certified Design Professional. This certification is valuable for individuals who want to have a strong understanding of network design concepts and principles needed to create advanced enterprise architectures and network elements. This course is suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals.
Furthermore, CCDP is the third level certification in the array of Cisco Design and Architecture certification courses. Gaining this certification demonstrates the candidate’s grasp of contemporary Cisco networks and their structure. However, the key areas of focus include:
- Advanced addressing/routing solutions.
- Enterprise data center integration strategies
- Advanced Enterprise Campus Networks.
To secure the Cisco CCDP certification, you must qualify the following exams:
- Firstly, you have the Implementing Cisco IP Routing (300–101 ROUTE) Certification.
- Next up is the Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (300–115 SWITCH) Certification.
- Lastly, we have the Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures (300–320 ARCH) Certification.
Below, is an illustration for the candidate’s convenience:
Advantages of CCDP certification:
Certification brings along additional advantages that candidates will definitely appreciate. No doubt, CCDP certification provides a way to validate and endorse the expertise of professionals in the field. In this section, we’ll cover all the perks of CCDP certification, which will further enhance your qualification for this exam. Let’s dive in:
- The first benefit is that the certification process recognizes both formal and informal learning and experience of candidates.
- Moving forward, this certification showcases candidates as connected, current, and dedicated professionals.
- Furthermore, CCDP certification helps establish a remarkable job profile and provides specialized learning in a specific domain.
- Above all, the most significant advantage of being Cisco certified is that candidates can easily learn and achieve their goals.
Indeed, being innovative is a positive trait, especially since companies are seeking individuals with unique expertise in network design. This makes CCDP 300–320 certification crucial.
Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures (ARCH) exam overview
You’re probably aware that the Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam is the third step in obtaining the CCDP certification. This exam assesses your understanding of the fast-paced advancements in network design and technologies. These technologies encompass various aspects, such as L2 and L3 infrastructures for businesses, WAN technology, data center integration, network security, and network services.
Most importantly, the Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam equips candidates with comprehensive knowledge. Before attempting the ARCH exam, it’s recommended that candidates are well-acquainted with:
- Firstly, Internetworking technologies, Cisco products, and Cisco IOS features
- Secondly, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) level-of-knowledge
- Thirdly, Designing for Cisco Internetwork Solutions (DESGN) level-of-knowledge
- Fourthly, Implementing Cisco IP Switched Networks (SWITCH) level-of-knowledge
- Last but not least, Implementing Cisco IP Routing (ROUTE) level-of-knowledge
Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam details
When it comes to taking an exam, knowing the details is extremely important. That’s why, in this section, we’re offering all the necessary information about the Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam. This way, you can easily find all the information you need in one place.
Exam prerequisite:
To appear Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam, the candidate must have a valid CCDA, CCNA Routing, and Switching, or CCIE certification as a prerequisite
Exam overview:
Here in this section, we’ll provide you with all the details about the exam. The Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam confirms a technician’s skills in specific areas. The Designing Cisco Network Service Architecture V3.0 enables professionals to carry out the following tasks:
- First and foremost, to design an internal routing for enterprise work.
- Secondly, the candidate should know how to design BGP routing for an enterprise network as well.
- Furthermore, the candidate must be able to design an enterprise WAN network.
- In addition to this candidate must be able to design security in services and transition IPv6 in an enterprise network.
- Last but not least, Cisco 300-320 exam requires the candidate to design a multicast network and optimize QoS for user personal experience.
Question Format
The Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam comprises of 60-70 questions. During the exam, the candidate may encounter the following type of questions–
- multiple-choice single answer
- multiple-choice multiple answers
- Simulations
- Fill-in-the-Blank & Testlet
- Simlet
BELOW ARE THE SAMPLE ILLUSTRATION OF QUESTION FORMAT.
REGISTRATION FEE
If you’re in the United States, the cost for taking the Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam is 300 USD. However, this price can differ depending on your country. Remember, the fee doesn’t include any applicable taxes, so it’s a good idea to check with your exam provider for the exact fee with taxes.
SCORING PROCESS
Cisco’s passing score is typically determined through statistical analysis, and it’s subject to change. After the exam, candidates receive scorecards that show their section scores and whether they passed. However, Cisco doesn’t make their passing score public because both the questions and the passing score for the exam can be modified over time.
Cisco 300-320 ARCH: Course Outline
Cisco provides you with outline skills which includes all the modules that need to be covered in the Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam. These modules are designed according to the candidate’s convenience.
MODULE 1: Advanced Addressing and Routing Solutions for Enterprise Networks
The initial and most important module of the course outline holds a 22% significance in the exam. This module is a significant part of the test, so it’s essential to study it thoroughly. This module encompasses various topics connected to designing, organizing, and addressing networks. It also involves forming routing designs for BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, and IS-IS.
MODULE 2: Advanced Enterprise Campus Networks
The second module in the course outline covers 20% of exam questions. Further this includes designing campus layer 2, layer 3 etc. so, make sure you’re fully equipped with the knowledge of this module.
MODULE 3: WANs for Enterprise Networks
Additionally, moving on to the third module, it focuses on designing VPN and WAN connectivity choices. Within this module, there’s a key topic of great importance. However, this module only accounts for 17% of the total exam questions.
MODULE 4: Enterprise Data Center Integration
Following them is the fourth module. This module includes topics related to data center network, network visualization technologies, data center inter connectivity and network integration also. Moreover, this module covers 17% of the exam format, just like the above-mentioned module.
MODULE 5: Security Services
Subsequently, the fifth module has weightage of only 13%. Further this module includes designing IPS and firewall solutions, network access control situation and lastly designing infrastructure protection.
MODULE 6: Network Services
Lastly, we have the sixth module which covers topics about creating QoS strategies to fulfill customer needs and designing multicast services. This module also explains network management techniques and concepts of multicast routing. However, this last module contributes only 11% to the overall exam weightage. This concludes the course outline.
We acknowledge that this list of modules might seem lengthy, but don’t lose motivation. We’ve prepared a step-by-step guide for your preparation. Make sure to check that out. However, before diving into that, let’s grasp the procedure for scheduling the Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam.
How to Schedule the 300-320 ARCH exam?
Cisco provides candidates with the flexibility to schedule their exams according to their own convenience. It’s not too complicated. So, take the time to prepare well based on your work plan, and then choose a suitable schedule.
You need to follow the given steps in the process of scheduling the exam –
- First thing first, log into your account at Pearson VUE.
- Next, select Proctored Exams and enter the exam number, 010-151.
- Lastly, follow the prompts to register.
Is retaking available for 300-320 ARCH exam?
As per Cisco’s retake policy, if a candidate doesn’t pass the exam and wishes to try again, they need to wait for at least 5 business days from the day of their unsuccessful attempt. However, if you’ve passed the exam and want to take it again, you’ll have to wait for at least 180 days with the same exam number.
Preparatory guide to qualify Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam
When getting ready for an exam, a helpful preparation guide is always valuable. Naturally, there’s some pressure to pass the exam. That’s why we’ve created a step-by-step preparation guide to make things a bit easier for you. Let’s go through the preparation steps together.
A field trip to Official Website
It’s important for candidates to realize that the Cisco official website is the most trustworthy source for information about the 300-320 ARCH exam, for very clear reasons. So, your initial and most important action should be to explore the official certification page. You’ll find all the details about the 300-320 ARCH exam right there. Keep this in mind and make sure to visit the website at least once.
Double-check the Exam objectives
The next stage in your preparation guide involves carefully reviewing the exam objectives. Each exam has its own set of requirements, so the objectives differ. This step is highly recommended. To keep up your progress, be sure to go over all the exam objectives. This will help address your questions like which topics are important and what kind of background knowledge is useful. Also, remember that this could be your initial stride towards a well-paying job, so be sure not to skip double-checking the exam objectives.
All Learning Resources
Moving on the third step in the preparatory guide is gathering all learning information for the Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam. Therefore, lucky for you Cisco offers both Self-Study E-Learning as well as Instructor-Led Training. Due to this, candidates can easily understand all the concepts and have a clear understanding of the course outline. So, make sure you take help from here.
Welcome to the Book club
In addition to the learning resources mentioned earlier, candidates can also turn to books for studying and learning. We’re all aware that books are a fantastic way to gain knowledge. So, we recommend exploring books too. However, there’s a wide variety of books about the Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam available in the market. Therefore, be sure to choose books that offer genuine and accurate information.
Here are few of our picks-
Join a study group
Exams can sometimes make things feel this way. Hence, our advice is to consider joining study groups. Undoubtedly, study groups create an ideal space to address your uncertainties. Plus, they keep you motivated. You’ll connect with others who are on the same path, making it relatable. Nonetheless, this step isn’t mandatory for your preparation. Whether or not to join a study group is your choice. Whenever you feel like it during your preparation, you can opt to join a study group.
Practice makes you perfect
The final stage in your preparation guide is self-assessment. This step gives you a precise view of areas that require more attention. It not only shows you where you stand but also offers a chance for improvement. So, our advice is to attempt practice sets only once you’re confident about your preparation. Unquestionably, start practicing now!
Expert tips
These essential tips are like the missing piece in your preparation puzzle. Our experts have walked the same path as you, so we’re offering the tips and tricks they used to succeed in the exam. Hopefully, these will be just as helpful for you. Ready for the recipe for success? Here it is:
- Get Organized: Set up a routine and stick to it, and avoid multitasking.
- Set Goals: Create weekly goals and monitor your progress regularly.
- Choose the Right Place: Opt for a quiet environment that lets you focus.
- Take Breaks: Remember to take breaks during study sessions; you can’t be productive all the time.
- Manage Time: Utilize your time wisely; it’s a bit of a balancing act.
- Stay Calm: Instead of panicking, try meditation.
- Eat Well: Before the exam, have a healthy and light meal.
- Start Early: On exam day, wake up early and read something concise to warm up your mind and body before the test.
But in case you have query related to Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam or practice papers head over to TEST PREP TRAINING. Here we answer all your queries.
Final words
To wrap up, certification programs like the CCDP exam are creating opportunities in both large and small industries. This certification is gaining popularity and becoming highly sought after, which means it opens doors to many possibilities for candidates. Our recommendation is to get ready thoroughly, considering the Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam is the final step in your journey to achieving CCDP certification.
In case you still have any question related to Cisco 300-320 ARCH exam, make sure to comment down below and we’ll be happy to help you. Till then, keep practicing!
ALL THE BEST!
