The Cisco Learning Network

In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, Tanner Swift is joined by CCIE Collaboration Exam Product Manager Kashif Zeeshan, along with Ade Kehinde-Idowu and Charanjeet Singh, also known as CJ, for a focused discussion on preparing for the CCIE Collaboration lab exam.Together, they explore how the CCIE Collaboration exam is evolving, including the addition of AI-focused components, and take a closer look at the design module — where candidates need to think beyond configuration and approach questions from a full solution architecture perspective.Ade shares his personal experience preparing for and passing the updated CCIE Collaboration lab with Webex Calling integration, including practical advice on practice labs, timing, troubleshooting, documentation, and building confidence through repetition.CJ then breaks down a design-focused preparation framework using global dial plan and UCM call routing examples, showing how candidates can connect technical concepts to real customer requirements and business outcomes.The conversation also covers Webex Calling migration, design-module mindset, hands-on preparation, and how AI can support studying — while reinforcing the importance of official documentation, lab practice, and real-world architectural thinking.Subscribe to the Cisco Learning Network Podcast for more conversations about Cisco certifications, emerging technologies, and the future of IT.

In part two of this Cisco Learning Network Podcast conversation on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the future of work, Beth Oommen, Leader of Cisco Networking Academy Global Marketing, speaks with Matt Berndt, Head of Indeed’s Job Search Academy.Matt shares practical advice for early-career technology professionals navigating the job search in an AI-driven market — including how to communicate technical skills clearly, turn experience into evidence, use AI tools thoughtfully, prepare for interviews, and build professional relationships.The conversation also explores the Cisco Networking Academy and Indeed curated job board, the value of learning communities like the Cisco Learning Network, and why staying current with cybersecurity, AI, and career-readiness skills matters as the job market continues to evolve.Subscribe to the Cisco Learning Network Podcast for more conversations about Cisco certifications, emerging technologies, and the future of IT careers.

In part one of this two-part conversation, Cisco Networking Academy Global Marketing Leader Beth Oommen speaks with Giuseppe Cinque, Principal Architect with Cisco Networking Academy, about how artificial intelligence is reshaping cybersecurity work and the skills learners need to prepare for the future.Giuseppe discusses Cisco’s work with the AI Workforce Consortium, how generative AI and agentic AI are being used in cybersecurity, and why AI is more likely to transform jobs than simply replace them. He also explains why early-career cybersecurity professionals should focus on building skills in data, coding, prompt engineering, AI literacy, critical thinking, and responsible AI practices.Whether you’re starting your cybersecurity education, preparing for your first technology role, or trying to understand how AI may change the future of work, this episode offers practical guidance on how to stay curious, keep learning, and build the skills needed to work alongside AI.

The CCNA is evolving to help learners build practical, job-ready networking skills for a world increasingly shaped by AI, automation, security, and cloud-managed architectures.In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift sits down with Mubasher Nawaz, Cisco Certification Portfolio Manager, to discuss the newly refreshed CCNA certification and what learners can expect when the updated exam launches in February 2027.Together, they explore why Cisco is updating the CCNA, how the certification is shifting toward hands-on, scenario-based learning, and why troubleshooting, automation, AI-enabled network operations, and real-world skills are becoming even more important for early-in-career networking professionals.Whether you’re just beginning your networking journey, actively preparing for the current CCNA, or looking ahead to future certification updates, this episode offers helpful context on where the CCNA is headed and how learners can continue preparing with confidence.CCNA Update Blog: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/blogs/a0DQO00000616W92AI/ccna-announcement-blog CCNA Podcast Thread: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/question/0D5QO00002GdwWx0AJ/allnew-cisco-learning-network-podcast-episodes-coming-your-way-

Major updates are coming to Cisco collaboration certifications in 2026, and learners preparing for CCNP Collaboration and CCIE Collaboration will want to pay close attention. In this episode of the Cisco Learning Network Podcast, Cisco Learning Network Community Manager Tanner Swift sits down with Scott Hunt, Product Manager for Learn with Cisco and Training Certifications, to discuss the latest changes to Cisco collaboration certifications, including updates to CLCOR, CLACC, and CLHCT. Together, they break down the shift from a primarily on-prem certification track to a more balanced approach that includes both on-premises and cloud technologies, the introduction of new cloud-focused learning paths, and the addition of a new Webex Contact Center specialist certification. They also discuss what these changes mean for current certification candidates, how hiring managers are viewing these skills, and what learners should focus on as they prepare for the updated exams. Whether you're pursuing CCNP Collaboration, preparing for CCIE Collaboration, or looking to stay current with the future of collaboration technologies, this episode provides the clarity you need to move forward with confidence.