The CISCO Certified Design Professional (CCDP) Program is the suitable program for IT professionals who seek to obtain knowledge and skills required to design and implement complex networks. Students are able to gain sophisticated knowledge of the CISCO Network Design through this certificate program. After completion of the program, participants can sit for the CCDP Examination. CCDP certification is considered a mid-level professional certification for network designers.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, three (3) years of experience with CISCO equipment and LAN, WAN, and wireless networking as well as valid CISCO Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and CISCO Certified Design Associate (CCDA) certifications. Network professionals possessing CCDP certification are expected to provide intelligent network design concepts and principles. They are able to discuss, design, and create advanced addressing and routing, security, data center, network management, and IP multicast.

The program is offered by Kaplan University through Kaplan Continuing Education (KCE). Accreditation is provided by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. KCE programs are not for credit and are therefore not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid.

Graduates are presented with several career options with positions such as computer support specialist, help desk technician, field technician, systems technician, network administrator, network technician, technical service technician, or technical support specialist. CCNA certification expires after three (3) years thus making it necessary for associates to pass additional exams for re-certification. Re-certification entails continuing education. Demand for IT professionals continues to increase because of the growing dependence of businesses on network technologies.