Nokia Updates Service Routing Certification Program

Nokia Oyj announced significant updates to its Service Routing Certification (SRC) program, set to be implemented from late 2026 into early 2027. The changes aim to align the program with the industry's shift towards Segment Routing and EVPN technologies in service provider and enterprise networks.

The updates primarily affect the Routing Specialist I (NRS I) and Routing Specialist II (NRS II) certifications. For NRS I, legacy protocols like OSPF will be replaced by IS-IS, and introductions to Segment Routing and EVPN will be incorporated. A new SR Linux track will also be added, offering a choice between SR OS and SR Linux for certification.

The NRS II certification will undergo the most substantial overhaul, with Segment Routing and EVPN replacing older tunneling technologies and traditional services. The number of required exams will be reduced from four written exams and one lab exam to two written exams and a new lab exam.

Requirements for the Certified Routing Architect (SRA) certification will also be streamlined, decreasing the number of mandatory written exams from eight to five. Nokia states these updates are intended to ensure the certification program remains relevant and prepares professionals for future networking demands.

Existing NRS I and NRS II exam versions will be retired in early February 2027, with new versions launching in March 2027. SRA certification updates are effective immediately. The company anticipates that the updated certifications will meet the growing demand for expertise in Segment Routing and EVPN.