4/4/2005 -- Last week Cisco announced a new option for its line of Cisco Qualified Specialist credentials: Cisco IP Contact Center Express Specialist.

The title is designed to evaluate "competence in the planning, installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and application of Cisco IP Contact Center Express Edition," the company said.

To earn the new Specialist certification, candidates must hold a current Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) title, then pass one exam: IP Contact Center Express Implementation (642-161 IPCCX). Objectives for the exam can be found here.

The IPCC exam is currently live and available at Pearson Vue and Prometric testing centers worldwide for $125 (U.S.). Like all Cisco Qualified Specialist credentials, this one must be renewed every two years.

Cisco currently offers more than 20 Qualified Specialist certifications; a complete list can be found here.

For more information on the new IPCC title, go here. -Becky Nagel