The Internet of Things is one of the biggest buzzwords in any discussion on what the future of our increasingly connected world has in store. Indeed, such is the enthusiasm around IoT, it sometimes seems as if almost everyone has become an expert on the subject overnight.

Well, if you’re one of those who thinks they know all the ins and outs of IoT, now’s your chance to prove it – thanks to Cisco Systems Inc., which has just created a new Industrial Networking Specialist certification.

Cisco says its new certificate is aimed at “information technology and operational technology professionals in the manufacturing, process control, and oil and gas industries who install, maintain, and troubleshoot industrial network systems.”

Cisco’s certification program has long been viewed as one of the best in the industry, and has helped to create an army of engineers who’re able to build networks “the Cisco way.” One of its most well known certifications is the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certificate, which is a must-have for anyone hoping to land its coveted Certified Internetworking Engineer (CCIE) badge.

In order to land the new IoT certificate, candidates will need to a “Managing Industrial Networks with Cisco Networking Technologies” course, although there doesn’t seem to be such a course on Cisco’s Global Learning Locator at the moment. We’re optimistically assuming that will change in due course.

But at least Cisco gives a description of the exam candidates will need to take if they’re to pass the course. It says candidates will be tested on their “knowledge of the OSI layers of IP networks, as well as networking devices like routers and switches, and cabling approaches; specific industrial devices such as drives, PLCs, sensors, and substation equipment; relevant industrial standards and models such as TIA, the Purdue model, and environmental standards; and various safety protocols important in an industrial zone.”

As to why Cisco is doing this, it’s all about raising standards for the rising IoT segment. One of the most problematic aspects of IoT is that the networks just aren’t the same, as each connected device has its own specific protocols and whatnot. This demands a different approach to setting up essential infrastructure for device interconnection.

As a founding member of the Allseen Alliance, Cisco is hoping that some degree of standardization will help to deliver huge efficiency gains in a world where convergence is rapidly being fostered by the IoT.

photo credit: PressReleaseFinder via photopin cc