This is a conversation I've had with a few colleagues, general consensus is the current certification format isn't all that great for NA/NP tracks etc. Also due to brain dumps, exams are now starting to have very obscure questions and things that may not actually be used in the real world.
To date all major vendors now have their kit in a virtual form, you can spin up a virtual SRX, Cisco etc in a matter of minutes. Throw in some automation into the mix and voila you've just setup a basic network in under an hour. So this got us talking how vendors could use virtual labs to actually test our skills, pretty much the same way as CCIE lab exam but at NA/NP level. I know there are simulations in some exams, but you're limited to the capabilities of the simulator.
To me it makes much more sense, you'd need to do some serious studying to know how to setup BGP, OSPF etc memorising answers won't really work in this sort of situation.
From my experience in a previous role, I know McAfee's professional services certification follow a similar approach. You present to them a project you worked on for a customer and they'll assess if you gain a certification or not. This type of certification method would also be good, but I'm guessing it'll cost a lot more and time.
Do fellow networkers think that the certification format is due for an overhaul?
edit: word
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