Express Specialization

User Guide
 Overview Express Specialization

The Express Specialization helps you develop cross-architecture expertise that better enables you to support the diverse needs of your
customers while differentiating your business from the competition through segment-specific expertise. As an Express Specialized
Overview partner, you are well-positioned to address customers’ unique needs and build long-term relationships.

Not a Cisco Partner The purpose of this guide is to define how to apply for and renew the Express Specialization as well as where to find resources.

Participation
Cisco Partner
The Express Specialization is a single specialization comprised of multiple optional tracks that uses a flexible application process. Only
one track is required, but multiple tracks may be attained at any time, without impacting the anniversary date. Review the requirements for
Program Application more information about core training and exams necessary for each architecture track.

Program Renewals One Specialization, Six Tracks

Support and Resources Small and Midsize

Enterprise Networks Security Data Center Collaboration Service Provider
Business (SMB)

© 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Channel Partners use only. Not for public distribution.
 Overview Express Specialization

Overview
Important Information
This document is updated periodically by Cisco and posted on
Not a Cisco Partner the Express Specialization web page (access requires a
Cisco.com user ID and password).
Cisco Partner If a translated version of this document exists, always refer
to the English version on the Express Specialization website for
Program Application the most current edition. In the event of a discrepancy
between a translated version of the document and the English
version on the program website, the English version
Program Renewals shall prevail.

Support and Resources Recommended Web Browsers

The hyperlinks in this guide must be accessed with a web
browser. For the best experience, it is recommended that
you use one of the following browsers:
• Mozilla Firefox 3.4 or later
• Google Chrome
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 (requires Microsoft Windows
XP or later)

© 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Channel Partners use only. Not for public distribution.
 Not a Cisco Partner Express Specialization

Qualify Your Relationship with Cisco (new companies with no business relationship with Cisco)
Overview To participate, you must be a Registered Cisco partner. You will need to be granted access to specific tools in order to apply for, manage,
and track your certifications and specializations effectively. You will need to apply for and receive approval for the following:

Not a Cisco Partner

Step 1: Step 2:
Register for a Cisco.com ID and Password Apply to Become a Cisco Registered Partner
Cisco Partner

This step grants you entitlement and access to Cisco websites, This step establishes your company’s business relationship with
Program Application tools, and resources necessary to conduct business. Cisco and your ability to enroll in programs, roles, and offers.

Program Renewals a. Go to www.cisco.com. a. Refer to the Partner Registration tool:

b. Select the “Register” link in the upper right corner of the https://tools.cisco.com/WWChannels/IPA/welcome.do.
screen. b. Complete the required steps as indicated.
Support and Resources c. Complete the required steps as indicated. c. Review Cisco compliance requirements. (U.S. partners must
d. Click the “Register” button to complete registration. supply an IRS W9 form.)
e. An email confirmation will be sent requesting that you verify d. Accept the Terms and Conditions document, then submit the
your email address and to activate your Cisco account. application.
e. You will receive an email from Cisco with your acceptance.
Cisco approves most applications within 30 minutes.

Important: You will automatically be assigned as your company’s Partner

Administrator. This role is responsible for managing your company’s data,
authorizing tool access, renewing partner-level access, assigning a Rebate
Coordinator, and ensuring that your company appears correctly in the
Partner Locator tool. Proceed to the next section for additional
administration steps.

© 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Channel Partners use only. Not for public distribution.
 Cisco Partner Express Specialization

Preferences and Role Administration

Overview Whether you have been a long time Cisco partner or have just become a new partner to Cisco, it’s crucial to manage your preferences
and assign critical roles prior to applying for specializations. The Partner Administrator for your company is automatically assigned as
Cisco’s primary contact and also possesses the level of access that allows that role to:
Not a Cisco Partner
• Manage the account profile
• Associate employees to your company
Cisco Partner
• Assign other important roles (including additional partner administrators for your company)

Program Application
Step 1: Step 2:
Manage Account Profile & Associate Employees Assign Additional Partner Administrators
Program Renewals
Manage the account profile: Set up your communications If you prefer, you can assign another person as your partner
Support and Resources preferences through your Cisco account profile. administrator using Partner Self Service. Refer to the Partner
Interface User Guide, and reference the Access
Management section for directions.
Associate employees to your company: Make sure other
employees are associated with your company and have
access to Cisco websites: Critical Role Management: It is essential to ensure that all
a. They need a Cisco.com user ID and password first. critical roles for your company are maintained and in good
Register here. standing.

b. After the Cisco user ID is registered, each If a person designated as a partner administrator should
employee will need to go to Partner Self Service to leave your company, please ensure that a new designee is
request association. assigned right away to avoid missing important
communications.
c. You will receive an email to approve the
association. Within 48 hours of your approval,
employees will have access to all resources based
© 2019 Cisco on your
and/or company’s
its affiliates. All rightsaccess
reserved.level.
Cisco Channel Partners use only. Not for public distribution.
 Cisco Partner Express Specialization

Access to the Program Management and Application Tool

Overview If you are not one of the designated Partner Administrators for your company, you will need to be granted access to the Program
Management and Application (PMA) tool to apply for, manage, and track your certifications and specializations. If you are not certain who
your company’s Partner Administrator is, refer to the Partner Self Service – User Guide and review the “Access Management” section.
Not a Cisco Partner Training and help for each tool can be found by accessing the links on each tool page. Once you have access to the PMA tool, you can
begin applying for and tracking your certifications and specializations.
Cisco Partner
Program Requirements
The Express Specialization program application requires information be provided at both the Express Specialization Program (Parent) level
Program Application and within the unique technology track (Track) in which you are applying. Both must be completed and submitted to gain full program
approval.
Program Renewals
Review the program requirements for the end-to-end requirements for the overall specialization plus each architecture track to include:
role-sharing guidelines, country groupings, application requirements and process for each track, job role eligibility via past exams, exam
Support and Resources costs and duration, and renewals.

For example: Each track will provide the training requirements, associated costs, and anticipated investment of time. To proceed, access
the PMA tool and follow the steps outlined in the next section.

© 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Channel Partners use only. Not for public distribution.
 Program Application Express Specialization

The Express Specialization program application requires information be provided at both the Express Specialization Program (Parent) level and within the
unique technology track (Track) in which you are applying. Both must be completed and submitted to gain full program approval.
Overview
Initiate Program Application
1. Log into Program Management & Application: www.cisco.com/go/pma.
Not a Cisco Partner
2. Click the “Apply to Programs” tab to begin the application process. Please note that if you already have the Express Specialization, click on the “My
Programs” tab instead of “Apply to Programs”.
Cisco Partner 3. Click the “Help and Training” tab if you need assistance.Program Requirements
4. When prompted, review the list of Specializations and their status, then select the “Apply” link to initiate the application. (The Cisco Express
Specialization will be used as the example for the remainder of this training)
Program Application

Program Renewals

Support and Resources

 Program Application Express Specialization

Apply to Programs: Cisco’s Comments

1. Selecting the “Apply” button opens up the parent application, where you will have access to information, comments, and actions that are required to
Overview complete the application process.
2. The first tab will display “Cisco’s Comments” and relevant information.
3. Once reviewed, scroll to the “Track Selection” section below, skipping the “Continuous Learning” section for now. Continuous Learning applies to
Not a Cisco Partner renewal, not to initial application.

Cisco Partner Program Requirements

Program Application

Program Renewals

Support and Resources Cisco’s Comments Continuous Learning Track Selection My Documents Legal Document
 Program Application Express Specialization

Apply to Programs: Track Selection

1. Allows you to apply for any available track. The following slides use the Networking Express Track as an example.
Overview 2. Click on +Add Track.
3. When prompted, select the track for which you are applying, then click “OK”.

Not a Cisco Partner

Cisco Partner Program Requirements

Program Application

Program Renewals

Support and Resources Cisco’s Comments Continuous Learning Track Selection My Documents Legal Document
 Program Application Express Specialization

Apply to Programs: Job Role Allocation

1. The Express Specialization – Networking Track will now display.
Overview 2. Click the track name to open its application.
3. Select the contacts you wish to assign to a required role from the drop down list provided. In order to assign a role, someone must have completed
the required training and exams noted in the Express Specialization program requirements for the selected track.
Not a Cisco Partner 4. Proceed to “Continuous Learning ” section.
Program Requirements
Note: The Partner PMA administrator may select the Planning Details link to view the eligibility status of multiple candidates for the specific job role.
Cisco Partner If you have contact(s) that are meeting requirements, but are not showing up in the Job Role Allocation drop down list, check the following: (a) It has been
more than 3 days since all of the required exams were passed (b) Contact(s) are correctly associated to your company via Partner Self Service (see
Preferences and Role Administration (c) Contacts are not already assigned to another role (see role sharing rules). If the issue cannot be identified through
Program Application the above, please open a case (see Support and Resources section for instructions).

Program Renewals

Support and Resources

Cisco’s Comments Continuous Learning Track Selection My Documents Legal Document

Click to
remove track

Indicates that requirements

have not been met, eligible
contacts will not display.
 Program Application Express Specialization

Apply to Programs: Continuous Learning

1. Describes the purpose of the Continuous learning points toward renewals and provides links to the training modules. Points are not needed for new
Overview applications, only for renewal applications.
2. Once reviewed, scroll to the “My Documents” section below.

Not a Cisco Partner

Cisco Partner Program Requirements

Program Application

Program Renewals
Cisco’s Comments Continuous Learning Track Selection My Documents Legal Document
Support and Resources
Continuous Learning Library includes the following:

1. Eligible Training: Access the Excel list of eligible training

opportunities which carry points and count towards your
minimum continuous learning point requirements

2. Learning Modules: After completing courseware, learning points

will be automatically added to your company’s learning account

3. Saving Training: Click Add to My Briefcase to save the module

for later. When this option is selected, a pop window enables
you to create a briefcase to store all of your training modules.
You can customize the number and description of briefcases to
categorize all of your learning.
Continuous Learning Library for this application can be accessed here.
 Program Application Express Specialization

Apply to Programs: My Documents

1. Upload any required documents as needed.
Overview 2. Click “Save”.
3. Click “Back to Parent – Express Specialization” to return to the parent application.
Note: There may be additional required documents for the parent application. Please upload these documents as necessary within the parent
Not a Cisco Partner application not the track application.
4. Scroll down to “Legal Document” section.

Cisco Partner Program Requirements

Program Application

Program Renewals
Cisco’s Comments Continuous Learning Track Selection My Documents Legal Document
Support and Resources
 Program Application Express Specialization

Apply to Programs: Legal Document

1. By clicking on the link, you will be able to view “Terms and Conditions.” Note: The Terms and Conditions apply to the Express Specialization as a whole,
Overview including all tracks. It only needs to be accepted once for the specialization, regardless of how many or which tracks are selected for use toward
application.
2. When the check-box is selected choose one of the following options:
Not a Cisco Partner • Cancel the application (all information will be lost)
• Save the application (you can complete at another time)
• Click “Next” to submit the application. The “Submit Program Application” page displays
Cisco Partner • Select the program(s) you wish to submit Program Requirements
• Click “Submit” and you are prompted to confirm your submission; click “OK” to complete
3. The “My Programs” tab will display.
Program Application

Program Renewals

Support and Resources

Cisco’s Comments Continuous Learning Track Selection My Documents Legal Document
 Program Application Express Specialization

Apply to Programs: Application Status

• The status of your Express Specialization application and any selected tracks will be displayed along with suggested actions.
Overview • Upon initial submission, most programs will be immediately moved to an “Approved” status if all requirements have been met. An anniversary date will
populate showing when your next renewal will be due.
• Some programs may have additional validation steps requiring a Cisco Program Manager to review the application before it can be approved. In such
Not a Cisco Partner instances, the status of your application will show as “Submitted” until the Program Manager begins to review it. At that time, the Program Manager
may change it to “In-Review” status. This usually occurs within 3 business days of submission. Once reviewed and all requirements noted as met, the
Program Manager will change the status to “Approved.”
Cisco Partner • You may have to refresh your browser view to show the updated status.
• Upon approval, you will receive a confirmation email and the status will continue to show as “Approved” until 90 days before your next anniversary
renewal date. At that time, it will change to a status of “Re-Cert” and you will be able to access the application again to manage your specialization
Program Application renewal. If all requirements remain showing as met, your renewal may be automatically processed without need of you submitting the application(s),
once again changing the status back to “Approved” for another year and updating your anniversary renewal date.
Program Renewals

Support and Resources

APPROVED
 Program Renewals Express Specialization

The Express Specialization program application requires information be provided at both the Express Specialization Program (Parent) level
and within the unique technology track (Track) in which you are applying. Both must be completed and submitted to gain full program
Overview approval for renewal. The following slides provide detail information on how to complete the application.

Not a Cisco Partner Initiate the Renewal Application Process

1. Log into Program Management and Application: www.cisco.com/go/pma.
2. Click the “My Programs” tab to review your application process.
Cisco Partner Program Requirements
3. Click on “Program Name” or the “Renew” link to open the application.
Note: If you have met all the requirements, your Express Specialization track may be renewed automatically.
Program Application

Program Renewals

Support and Resources

RE-CERT RENEW

IN REVIEW

© 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Channel Partners use only. Not for public distribution.
 Program Renewals Express Specialization

Renew Programs: Continuous Learning

1. Scroll to the “Continuous Learning - Trainings” section.
Overview 2. Review the Legend and Specialization Points showing earned-to-date as compared to those required. In this case the earned points are 0 out of a
required 40.
3. Review your points status to ensure that you have earned 40 continuous learning points. Note that this section contains a link to the Express
Not a Cisco Partner Specialization-specific options which can be found in the Continuous Learning Library on Sales Connect. The Express Specialization Continuous
Learning Library is refreshed monthly. Please allow for at least 72 hours for earned points to display in PMA.
4. After you have confirmed the Continuous Learning requirements are met, scroll to the “Track Selection” section.
Cisco Partner Program Requirements

Program Application

Program Renewals

Support and Resources

Cisco’s Comments Continuous Learning Track Selection My Documents Legal Document

Continuous Learning Library includes the following:

1. Eligible Training: Access the Excel list of eligible training

opportunities which carry points and count towards your
minimum continuous learning point requirements

2. Learning Modules: After completing courseware, learning points

will be automatically added to your company’s learning account

3. Saving Training: Click Add to My Briefcase to save the module

for later. When this option is selected, a pop window enables
you to create a briefcase to store all of your training modules.
You can customize the number and description of briefcases to
Continuous Learning Library for this application can be accessed here. categorize all of your learning.

© 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Channel Partners use only. Not for public distribution.
 Program Renewals Express Specialization

Renew Programs: Job Role Allocation

1. The Express Specialization – Networking Track will now display.
Overview 2. Click the track name to open its application.
3. Select the contacts you wish to assign to a required role from the drop down list provided. In order to assign a role, someone must have completed the
required training and exams noted in the Express Specialization program requirements for the selected track.
Not a Cisco Partner 4. Proceed to “My Documents” section.

Note: The Partner PMA administrator may select the Planning Details link to view the eligibility status of multiple candidates for the specific job role.
Cisco Partner Program
If you have contact(s) that are meeting the Express Specialization programRequirements
requirements, and are not showing up in the Job Role Allocation drop down list,
check the following: (a) It has been more than 3 days since all of the required exams were passed (b) Contact(s) are correctly associated to your company
via Partner Self Service (see Preferences and Role Administration (c) Contacts are not already assigned to another role (see role sharing rules). If the issue
Program Application cannot be identified through the above, please open a case (see Support and Resources section for instructions).

Program Renewals

Support and Resources

Cisco’s Comments Continuous Learning Track Selection My Documents Legal Document

Click to
remove track

Indicates that requirements

have not been met, eligible
contacts will not display.

© 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Channel Partners use only. Not for public distribution.
 Program Renewals Express Specialization

Renew Programs: My Documents

1. Upload any required documents if required for the track.
Overview 2. Click “Save”.
3. Click “Back to Parent – Express Specialization” to return to the parent application. Note: There may be additional required documents for the parent
application. Please upload these documents as necessary within the parent application not the track application.
Not a Cisco Partner 4. Scroll down to “Legal Document” section.
Program Requirements
Cisco Partner

Program Application

Program Renewals
Cisco’s Comments Continuous Learning Track Selection My Documents Legal Document

Support and Resources

© 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Channel Partners use only. Not for public distribution.
 Program Renewals Express Specialization

Renew Programs: Legal Document

1. By clicking on the link, you will be able to view “Terms and Conditions.” Please note: The Terms and Conditions apply to the Express Specialization as
Overview a whole, including all tracks. It only needs to be accepted once for the specialization, regardless of how many or which tracks are selected for use
toward application.
2. When the check-box is selected choose one of the following options:
Not a Cisco Partner • Cancel the application (all information will be lost)
Program Requirements
• Save the application (you can complete at another time)
• Click “Next” to submit the application. The “Submit Program Application” page displays
Cisco Partner • Select the program(s) you wish to submit
• Click “Submit” and you are prompted to confirm your submission; click “OK” to complete
3. The “My Programs” tab will display.
Program Application

Program Renewals

Support and Resources

Cisco’s Comments Continuous Learning Track Selection My Documents Legal Document

© 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Channel Partners use only. Not for public distribution.
 Program Renewals Express Specialization

Renew Programs: Application Status

• The status of your Express Specialization application and any selected tracks will be displayed along with suggested actions.
Overview • Upon initial submission, most programs will be immediately moved to an Approved status if all requirements have been met. An anniversary date will
populate showing when your next renewal will be due.
• Some programs may have additional validation steps requiring a Cisco Program Manager to review the application before it can be approved. In such
Not a Cisco Partner instances, the status of your application will show as Submitted until the Program Manager begins to review it. At that time, the Program Manager may
change it to In-Review status. This usually occurs within 3 business days of submission. Once reviewed and all requirements noted as met, the
Program Manager will change the status to Approved.
Cisco Partner • You may have to refresh your browser view to show the updated status.
• Upon approval, you will receive a confirmation email and the status will continue to show as Approved until 90 days before your next anniversary
renewal date. At that time, it will change to a status of Re-Cert and you will be able to access the application again to manage your specialization
Program Application renewal. If all requirements remain showing as met, your renewal may be automatically processed without need of you submitting the application(s),
once again changing the status back to Approved for another year and updating your anniversary renewal date.
Program Renewals

Support and Resources

APPROVED

© 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Channel Partners use only. Not for public distribution.
 Support and Resources Express Specialization

Overview Important Resources

Table 1 provides guidance for some of the most common support case issues and recommendations for resolving an issue before
Not a Cisco Partner submitting a case. To open a support case go to Customer Service Hub.

Cisco Partner Upon submission of your case, you will receive a response from Cisco within two business days with a status. To check the status of
your case, refer to “My Cases” under the Customer Service Hub.

Program Application

Program Renewals Table 1. Quick Reference Table For Common Support Issues

Issues How to resolve in advance Correct pathway to choose

Support and Resources

Tool support
Visit the “Support” section of the
(Access, partner registration, assign partner
Partner Self Service tool for a Open a Partner Tools case
administrator, associate contacts, assign rebate
complete list of available resources.
coordinator, other tool related support)

Certification and Specialization Application Status

Review Help and Training guides
and assistance
Open a Partner Program Management case
If you have successfully completed a training
Review Continuous Learning FAQ
module, but your points do not display correctly

© 2019 Cisco and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved. Cisco Channel Partners use only. Not for public distribution.