CCT Collaboration: Cisco VoIP & SIP Fundamentals

The Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) Collaboration certification focuses on supporting and troubleshooting Cisco’s unified communication and collaboration solutions. It covers technologies such as VoIP (Voice over IP), SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), and other Cisco collaboration tools. The certification ensures that professionals can diagnose, restore, repair, and replace critical collaboration and telephony network devices at customer sites.

CCT Collaboration is important because businesses rely on efficient and uninterrupted communication systems. VoIP and SIP are widely used for voice and video communication, making it essential for technicians to maintain and troubleshoot these systems effectively. Having this certification demonstrates that a technician has the skills to support Cisco’s collaboration devices and resolve common issues, ensuring minimal downtime and maintaining seamless business operations.

Advantages

– Enhanced Troubleshooting Skills: Gain the ability to troubleshoot VoIP and SIP-based systems effectively.

– Industry Recognition: Establishes credibility as a qualified technician in Cisco collaboration systems.

– Career Opportunities: Opens up roles in IT support, telecom, and network operations.

– Hands-On Knowledge: Helps understand real-world collaboration system configurations and challenges.

This course provides a theoretical foundation and essential concepts to understand Cisco collaboration technologies, without involving labs or configurations.

The Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) Collaboration certification focuses on skills required for maintaining and supporting Cisco collaboration endpoints and systems. The CCT Collaboration course and exam are designed to provide foundational knowledge to technicians who work with Cisco’s collaboration products and technologies, including Cisco TelePresence and Cisco Unified Communications.

1. Cisco CCT Collaboration Course Overview

The CCT Collaboration course covers various topics to prepare technicians for troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing Cisco collaboration products. The training focuses on practical tasks that technicians perform regularly, such as identifying Cisco collaboration endpoint models, cabling issues, and using Cisco collaboration software.

Key Topics in the Course

– Basic Networking Concepts: Understanding fundamental networking, IP addressing, and common network protocols used in collaboration environments.

– Cisco Collaboration Architecture: Overview of Cisco’s collaboration solutions, including Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM), TelePresence endpoints, and collaboration software.

– Cisco Endpoint Installation and Maintenance: Techniques for installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Cisco collaboration endpoints, such as phones, video endpoints, and peripherals.

– Cisco Command Line Interface (CLI): Basic CLI commands for collaboration equipment and their use in diagnosing common issues.

– Use of Cisco Collaboration Tools: Hands-on practice with tools like the Cisco TelePresence Touch Panel, software configuration utilities, and diagnostic tools.

– Safety Procedures and Best Practices: Following safety guidelines when handling equipment, including ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) protection.

2. Cisco CCT Collaboration Exam Overview

The CCT Collaboration exam tests the candidate’s knowledge and ability to perform onsite support and maintenance of Cisco collaboration devices and solutions. The exam’s official code is 100-890 CLTECH.

Exam Details

– Exam Code: 100-890 CLTECH

– Duration: 90 minutes

– Question Format: The exam includes multiple-choice and multiple-answer questions.

– Languages Available: English

– Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites, but having basic networking knowledge is helpful.

Exam Topics

The exam covers several critical areas, including:

– Collaboration Endpoints and Systems: Understanding different types of Cisco collaboration products, like Cisco IP phones, video endpoints, and peripherals.

– Cisco Collaboration Hardware Components: Familiarity with device components, cabling, connectors, and identifying various hardware models.

– Troubleshooting Collaboration Issues: Techniques for diagnosing common problems with collaboration equipment, including connectivity issues, power problems, and configuration errors.

– Cisco Collaboration Tools and Utilities: Using diagnostic tools such as the Cisco Unified Communications Manager web interface and troubleshooting utilities.

3. Study Resources for CCT Collaboration

Several resources are available to help candidates prepare for the CCT Collaboration exam:

– Cisco Learning Network: Offers a community-driven platform with forums, study groups, and training materials.

– Official Cisco Courseware: The courseware includes Cisco’s recommended training, which covers the essential topics and provides hands-on experience.

– Cisco Press Books: Cisco publishes exam preparation books and e-learning materials through Cisco Press.

– Practice Exams: Practice tests and simulation exams help gauge readiness and identify knowledge gaps.

4. Job Roles Suitable for CCT Collaboration Certification

Earning a CCT Collaboration certification can benefit various roles, including:

– Field Engineers: Professionals responsible for onsite installation and maintenance.

– Technical Support Technicians: Those providing remote support for Cisco collaboration devices.

– Network Technicians: Entry-level network professionals working on Cisco collaboration technologies.

– IT Support Staff: Individuals in IT support roles dealing with telephony and collaboration systems.

5. Certification Renewal

The CCT Collaboration certification is valid for three years, after which it must be renewed. Renewal can be done by retaking the exam or earning higher-level Cisco certifications.

The CCT Collaboration certification serves as a stepping stone toward more advanced Cisco certifications, such as CCNA Collaboration or even the CCNP Collaboration. It is ideal for technicians seeking to validate their ability to work with Cisco’s collaboration products.