Introduction to Select Certification
Cisco-Committed to SMB-Focused Partners The SMB Market Opportunity
Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) have become the IT industry’s fastest-growing segment. With this trend comes a heightened demand from customers for knowledgeable network professionals who can successfully design and deploy Cisco® SMB solutions. This is especially true in the SMB market, where customers rely heavily on their partners as trusted advisers.
Cisco Select Certification
Cisco Select Certification is the entry point into the Cisco Channel Partner Program for partners with a primary focus on the SMB market. This certification offers training, tools, and incentives and demonstrates a partner’s competency in selling and deploying Cisco SMB solutions. The Select Certification provides a step between Cisco Registered and Premier Certified Partners. Cisco is rewarding partners who achieve the Select Certification and Small Business Specialization with incentives that are aligned to their investment in this certification. The incentives vary by region.* *Contact your local Cisco representative for more information about the details specific to your region.
Benefits
Cisco Select Certification differentiates SMB-focused partners as having the expertise sought by SMB customers. It also presents new business-building opportunities for SMB-focused partners.
Benefits include:
- The ability to differentiate your company using the Cisco Select Certified Partner logo
- Eligibility to earn Partner Development Funds
- Access to Cisco partner incentives
- Eligibility to sell Cisco Smart Care Service
- Being listed as Small Business Specialized in the Cisco Partner Locator tool
- Access to a virtual partner kit that contains useful sales tools and resources, such as a Certificate of Achievement, the Cisco Select Certified logo, and information about Cisco certification and specializations
- Certified-level access to Cisco.com
- Use of the Cisco Competitive Portal
- Use of the Cisco Quote Builder quick quoting tool
Additional benefits and incentives may be available in your region. Contact your local Cisco team for specifics.
Free Select Certification training
In conjunction with our training partner, we can offer you free Select Certification Bootcamps which are run over a two day period. This comprises of one day of Sales training and one day of Technical training. Both days will have an exam at the end which is also free as part of the package. You can get an idea of the syllabus by clicking on the links below: -
Sales Training 1 x SBF for Account Managers (650-256)
Technical Training 1 x SBF for Engineers (650-395)
Keep your eyes on our events section for the latest Bootcamps by clicking here
Once you have completed the training successfully, you will be able to take advantage of some of the benefits as highlighted above.
Requirements
To achieve Cisco Select Certification, you must:
- Identify a person within your company who will assume an account manager role and one who will assume an engineer role. It is possible for one individual to assume both roles.
- Have these individuals take the recommended account manager and engineering training and pass two exams.
- Provide support service eight hours a day, five days a week.
Like all Cisco channel partner certifications, Select Certification is valid for one year from the time a partner meets all requirements.