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# Why Virtualization is No Longer Optional for Service Provider Engineers

**[Cisco](https://daily.dev/sources/cisco)** · 7 min read · 0 upvotes · 0 comments

## Summary

Cisco is offering free access to its SPCNI (Designing and Implementing Cisco Service Provider Cloud Network Infrastructure) Learning Path from October 26 through December 10, 2026. The path includes 13 courses, 14 labs, 8 assessments, and 35 hours 20 minutes of content, worth 40 Continuing Education credits. It covers cloud fundamentals, VNF infrastructure, programmability and orchestration tools like NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC and NSO, cloud interconnection with EVPN-VXLAN and Segment Routing, high-availability and security practices, and monitoring with ThousandEyes and Crosswork Network Controller. Completing it also prepares learners for the 300-540 SPCNI v1.0 exam, satisfying the CCNP Service Provider concentration requirement.

## Full article

daily.dev links to this article rather than hosting it. Read it at the original source: <https://blogs.cisco.com/learning/why-virtualization-is-no-longer-optional-for-service-provider-engineers>

## Questions this post answers

### What does the Cisco SPCNI 300-540 exam cover and what certification does it satisfy?

The 300-540 SPCNI v1.0 exam covers designing and implementing Cisco service provider cloud network infrastructure, including VNF infrastructure, programmability and orchestration (NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC, NSO), cloud interconnection with EVPN-VXLAN and Segment Routing, high-availability design, and security. Passing it satisfies the concentration exam requirement for the CCNP Service Provider certification.

_Engineers mapping out their CCNP Service Provider path can track certification prep resources on daily.dev._

### Is there a free way to get Continuing Education credits for Cisco certifications in service provider cloud networking?

Yes, the SPCNI Learning Path (Designing and Implementing Cisco Service Provider Cloud Network Infrastructure) offers 40 Continuing Education credits through free access running from October 26 through December 10, 2026. It includes 13 courses, 14 labs, 8 assessments, and 35 hours 20 minutes of content, enough to recertify an associate or specialist certification.

_Those tracking recertification deadlines can follow Cisco training offers like this on daily.dev._

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---

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