"CCAr Certification: The Path to Becoming a Cisco Certified Architect"

Becoming a Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) is the highest level of certification within the Cisco certification framework. It is designed for experienced IT professionals who possess expert-level skills in enterprise architecture and extensive knowledge of Cisco technologies and solutions. The CCAr certification validates the candidate's ability to transform business objectives into technical strategies and architectures, making them well-suited to address complex business challenges.

The path to becoming a Cisco Certified Architect is rigorous and demanding. Here are the main steps and requirements:

Prerequisites: Before embarking on the CCAr journey, candidates must meet the following prerequisites:

a. Valid Cisco CCDE (Cisco Certified Design Expert) certification: The CCDE certification ensures that candidates have expert-level knowledge and skills in network infrastructure design and are capable of architecting large-scale enterprise networks.

b. Ten or more years of industry experience: Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of professional experience working in IT, with at least five years in a senior architect or leadership position.

CCAr Board Exam Application: Once the prerequisites are met, candidates can apply to participate in the CCAr board exam. The application process typically involves submitting a written proposal for a real-world project where the candidate acted as the lead architect. This proposal should demonstrate their architectural expertise, ability to address business requirements, and technical acumen in designing Cisco-based solutions.

CCAr Board Review: After the application is approved, the candidate proceeds to the CCAr board review. During this stage, the candidate presents and defends their project proposal in front of a panel of Cisco Certified Architects. The board review is an in-depth assessment of the candidate's architectural skills, decision-making process, and ability to justify their design choices.

Design Scenario: As part of the board review, candidates are given a design scenario that presents a complex business problem. They must demonstrate their ability to analyze the situation, devise an architectural solution using Cisco technologies, and justify their choices to the review board.

CCAr Certification Award: If the candidate successfully demonstrates their expertise and receives a passing score during the board review, they will be awarded the prestigious Cisco Certified Architect certification.

It is important to note that the CCAr certification process is challenging and intended for experienced professionals with a proven track record in network architecture and design. Additionally, due to its advanced nature, the CCAr certification is not as widely pursued as other Cisco certifications. However, for those who reach this level, it can be a significant career achievement, showcasing their expertise in architecting complex and secure enterprise solutions using Cisco technologies.