Guest

SMB

Return on Investment

The following is a comparison of time and out-of-pocket expenses* required to achieve an SMB Specialization using either Partner Education Connection (PEC) or Instructor-Led Training (ILT), where available. As a Cisco Partner you benefit by using the PEC, generally saving significant investment in travel expenses, training fees, and out-of-office time.

Note: When you renew your specialization you may only incur exam costs. See below for details.

Some Cisco specializations and certifications represent a significant investment of time and resources. By comparison, the SMB Specialization requires a very nominal investment. We highly recommend that you determine the business case prior to committing to a particular specialization or certification to help ensure that there is adequate opportunity in your geography and market.

* Times and costs are estimates for the purpose of comparison. Your organization's investment may vary depending on the career certifications individuals may have.

Total Estimated Learning Hours and Investment
  Estimated Hours Investment
Instructor-led Training (ILT) Training
32
$1,100
Exam
4
$80
Total Investment
36
$1,180
e-Learning Training
29
$0
Exam
4
$80
Total Investment
33
$80

* EN course from SMB University is available at no charge. This cost reflects only the AM ILT Courses

Break-Even Point

Based on the investment estimate above, the following is the revenue level at which you would start to gain a return on your investment. The chart illustrates gross revenue from the resale of hardware at an average of 5 percent margin or services revenue at an average of 20 percent margin.

  Hardware @ 5% Services @ 20%
PEC
$5,000
$1,250
ILT
$35,000
$8,750

Training and Exam Investment by Role

When you renew your specialization you may only incur exam costs.

Account Manager
Classes are available on PEC and ILT
ILT
PEC
Estimated hours of courses and exams
17
13
Out-of-pocket training cost
$0
$0
Out-of-pocket exam cost
$125
$125

Engineer
Classes are available on PEC and ILT
ILT
PEC
Estimated hours of courses and exams
17
13
Out-of-pocket training cost
$1,500
$0
Out-of-pocket exam cost
$125
$125