As a Cisco partner, you’re committed to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. Our Cisco Black Belt Academy is designed to support your professional growth, and understanding the backend process of your certification journey can help you navigate it more smoothly.
Understanding the Black Belt Certification Process
Stage 1: Getting Started
Your journey begins effortlessly with Stage 1, which is entirely automated. You can dive into the learning materials and quizzes without needing external validation. Upon successfully completing these components, you’ll earn your Stage 1 certification, marking your initial achievement in the Black Belt program.
Stages 2 and 3: Advanced Learning
Moving forward, Stages 2 and 3 present more advanced challenges. These stages are designed to test your practical application of the technology and require substantial evidence of your hands-on experience. This evidence can include Deal IDs, SO numbers, DCloud access, Capture the Flag (CTF) participation, or other relevant proofs.
The Validation Process
Once you’ve completed all learning items and previous stages, it’s time to submit your proof of performance. Here’s what happens behind the scenes once you submit your application:
- Submission Review: Your submission enters our validation queue. Given the volume of submissions from thousands of partners and individuals, this step ensures each submission receives the detailed attention it deserves.
- Dedicated Validation Engineer: A dedicated validation engineer is assigned to your submission. This expert thoroughly reviews your proof of performance, ensuring it meets the criteria for Stage 2 or Stage 3 certification.
- Capture The Flag (CTF): The engineer evaluates your CTF performance by checking your answers and verifying your score to ensure it meets our standards.
- Deal ID/SO Number: The engineer verifies that your Deal ID or SO number aligns with the submission guidelines, ensuring it includes all necessary details and satisfies the conditions for certification.
- Detailed Examination: The engineer meticulously examines every component of your submission. This process involves cross-checking the evidence provided and ensuring it aligns with the requirements of the respective certification stage.
- Approval and Certification: Once validated, your submission is approved, and you will receive a confirmation email. Additionally, your certificate will be visible on your profile, celebrating your achievement and hard-earned expertise.
Why can it take up to 5 days to validate your submission?
The 5-day timeframe is in place to accommodate the high volume of submissions we process and to ensure thorough validation. With thousands of partners and numerous submissions, this buffer allows our team to provide the detailed and accurate validation each submission deserves.
Support and Assistance
If you encounter any issues related to certification or content, our support team is ready to assist you. You can reach them via this link for any questions or concerns you may have.
The Value of Your Black Belt Certification
The Black Belt training program is more than just a certification; it’s a testament to your dedication, expertise, and readiness to excel in the technology sector. The knowledge and skills gained through this program will empower you to stand out in a competitive field and drive your professional growth.
Begin your Black Belt training journey today and take a significant step towards becoming a leader in the technology industry.
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