The CCNP certifcation, or Cisco Certified Network Professional, is the middle ground of Cisco technical certifications. While more advanced than the CCNA, it is overshadowed by the CCIE. The CCNP is considered proof of having the ability to work with medium-sized networks (between 100 and 500 end devices) and with technology such as QoS, broadband, VPNs, and security-minded features. To acquire a CCNP, you must pass four tests, and you are required to either re-certify (or upgrade your CCNP to a CCIE) every three years.