Many aspiring IT professionals hesitate to take the Cisco 700-150 ICS exam due to a fog of misinformation. From exaggerated difficulty levels to misleading study strategies, these myths not only create unnecessary stress but also deter potential candidates. It’s crucial to separate fact from fiction to approach the Introduction to Cisco Sales exam with the right mindset.
In this article, we’ll tackle the top 10 myths, clearing the air with solid facts and setting the record straight. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a nervous newcomer, let’s dive into debunking these myths to help you prepare effectively and approach your exam preparation with confidence and clarity. Get ready to uncover the truth about the time required to prepare, the best resources to use, and the real benefits of passing the exam.
Top 10 Myths About the Cisco 700-150 ICS Exam—Busted!
1. The Cisco 700-150 ICS Exam Is Only for Sales Professionals
Many believe that this exam is strictly for sales professionals. While it does focus on Cisco’s sales strategies, the certification is valuable for various roles, including:
- Pre-sales engineers who need to effectively communicate Cisco solutions to potential clients.
- Technical consultants who advise organizations on Cisco’s product offerings.
- Account managers responsible for handling enterprise clients and Cisco partnerships.
Even IT professionals looking to understand Cisco’s sales approach can benefit from this certification, making it more versatile than commonly assumed.
2. You Need Extensive Technical Knowledge to Pass
Unlike Cisco’s technical certifications, such as CCNA or CCNP, the 700-150 ICS exam does not require an in-depth understanding of networking technologies, configurations, or troubleshooting.
Instead, it focuses on:
- Cisco’s approach to selling solutions
- Product portfolios, including collaboration, security, and enterprise networking
- How Cisco’s digital transformation strategy benefits businesses
The exam is designed to test sales-related knowledge rather than complex technical expertise, making it accessible to professionals from non-technical backgrounds.
3. The Exam Covers Only Cisco’s Current Products
A common misunderstanding is that the exam is solely about Cisco’s latest products. In reality, it provides a broader understanding of Cisco’s entire sales methodology, which includes:
- Historical evolution of Cisco’s solutions
- How different Cisco architectures align with business needs
- Strategies to position Cisco’s products in competitive markets
This ensures that candidates gain a comprehensive knowledge of Cisco’s sales framework rather than just learning about individual products.
4. Memorization Is Enough to Pass
Some candidates believe they can pass the exam by simply memorizing Cisco product names and specifications. However, the exam is designed to assess real-world sales knowledge rather than rote learning.
To succeed, candidates must:
- Understand how Cisco’s solutions address customer needs
- Identify business challenges and match them with the right Cisco offerings
- Apply Cisco’s sales approach in different scenarios
Practice tests and hands-on learning are more effective preparation strategies than mere memorization.
5. The Exam Is Extremely Difficult
Many assume that the Cisco 700-150 ICS exam is as challenging as technical certifications like CCNP or CCIE. However, the difficulty level is different because the exam focuses on conceptual sales knowledge rather than complex configurations or troubleshooting.
While preparation is necessary, candidates with a basic understanding of Cisco’s product line and sales strategy can perform well. Reviewing official Cisco resources, practice tests, and real-world case studies significantly improves success rates.
6. The Certification Holds No Value in Technical Roles
Some believe that since this is a sales-focused exam, it offers no benefits for those in technical roles. However, understanding Cisco’s sales strategy is useful for:
- Network engineers who need to justify product recommendations to clients
- Technical architects involved in designing customer solutions
- IT consultants helping businesses select the right Cisco products
This certification bridges the gap between sales and technical teams, improving communication and decision-making in Cisco-related projects.
7. The 700-150 ICS Certification Is Not Recognized by Employers
Another misconception is that this certification is not valuable in the job market. However, the Cisco Sales Expert credential enhances career opportunities, particularly for professionals in:
- IT sales and account management
- Solution consulting
- Customer success roles
Employers value professionals who understand both the technical and business aspects of Cisco solutions, making this certification a strong addition to a resume.
8. You Must Attend an Official Cisco Training Course to Pass
While Cisco offers training materials for the exam, it is not mandatory to attend an official course. Many candidates successfully prepare using:
- Self-study resources from Cisco’s official website
- Practice tests that simulate the actual exam environment
- Study guides and training videos available online
A structured approach with hands-on practice and exam simulations is often more effective than relying solely on instructor-led courses.
9. There Are No Practice Tests Available for the Exam
Some candidates believe that finding relevant study materials is difficult. However, multiple practice tests are available to help applicants prepare effectively.
Websites like nwexam.com provide high-quality Cisco 700-150 practice tests, which:
- Cover all key exam topics
- Offer real exam-like questions
- Help identify strengths and areas needing improvement
Using these resources significantly increases the chances of passing the exam on the first attempt.
10. The Cisco 700-150 Certification Is Not Worth the Investment
Since the exam costs less than many technical certifications, some candidates assume it lacks value. However, the 700-150 ICS certification is a strong credential for professionals looking to:
- Advance in IT sales and consulting
- Enhance their understanding of Cisco’s business solutions
- Improve career prospects in technology-driven sales roles
The return on investment is high, especially for individuals pursuing roles that require knowledge of Cisco’s sales framework.
Essential Tips for Dominating the Cisco 700-150 ICS Exam
Preparing for the Cisco 700-150 Introduction to Cisco Sales (ICS) exam requires a structured approach that combines study materials, practice tests, and a clear understanding of Cisco’s sales methodology. Below is a detailed guide to help candidates prepare effectively.
1. Grasping the Core: A Deep Dive into the Cisco 700-150 Exam Objectives
Before beginning the preparation, it is essential to review the official exam objectives provided by Cisco. This ensures that candidates focus on the right topics and allocate time effectively. The exam primarily covers:
- Cisco’s overall sales strategy
- Key Cisco architectures, including security, networking, and collaboration
- Business benefits of Cisco solutions
- Customer engagement strategies
Reviewing the Cisco 700-150 exam blueprint helps candidates understand what to expect and structure their study plan accordingly.
2. Use Cisco’s Official Study Resources
Cisco provides a variety of study materials for this certification. Candidates should explore:
- Cisco Learning Network resources
- Cisco’s official training and webinars
- Whitepapers and case studies on Cisco solutions
- Cisco’s product documentation and business use cases
These resources provide insights into Cisco’s sales strategy and how its products align with customer needs.
3. Enroll in an Online Training Course
While self-study is an option, enrolling in an online training course can enhance understanding. Several platforms offer training specifically for the Cisco 700-150 ICS exam. A structured course typically includes:
- Video lectures explaining Cisco’s sales framework
- Real-world examples and case studies
- Quizzes to assess knowledge retention
Candidates who prefer guided learning may benefit from instructor-led training programs.
4. Take Cisco 700-150 Practice Tests Regularly
Practice tests are an essential part of exam preparation. They help candidates:
- Familiarize themselves with the exam format
- Identify weak areas that need improvement
- Build confidence by simulating the actual exam experience
Websites such as nwexam.com provide high-quality practice tests for the Cisco 700-150 ICS exam. These tests replicate real exam conditions, helping candidates refine their time management and question-solving strategies.
5. Study Cisco’s Sales Approach and Business Strategy
Since this exam focuses on sales methodologies rather than deep technical knowledge, candidates should understand:
- How Cisco positions its products in the market
- The business impact of Cisco’s networking, security, and collaboration solutions
- Customer challenges and how Cisco solutions address them
Studying real-world customer scenarios and success stories can help in answering scenario-based exam questions effectively.
6. Join Online Communities and Discussion Forums
Engaging in online discussions can provide additional insights and clarify doubts. Candidates can join:
- Cisco Learning Network forums
- LinkedIn groups focused on Cisco certifications
- IT certification discussion platforms
Networking with professionals who have taken the exam can provide valuable tips and recommendations for study materials.
7. Create a Study Plan and Stick to It
Consistency is key to passing the exam. A well-structured study plan should:
- Allocate daily or weekly study hours
- Include time for reviewing official Cisco materials
- Incorporate practice tests at regular intervals
Setting realistic goals ensures steady progress and prevents last-minute cramming.
8. Focus on Real-World Application of Cisco Solutions
Since the exam tests understanding rather than memorization, candidates should focus on how Cisco solutions solve business problems. Reviewing customer case studies and Cisco’s digital transformation initiatives can provide practical insights that may be tested in the exam.
9. Review and Revise Key Concepts Before the Exam
As the exam date approaches, candidates should:
- Revise key concepts from Cisco’s study materials
- Reattempt practice tests to measure improvement
- Focus on weak areas identified during practice sessions
A final review ensures that important topics are fresh in memory before taking the exam.
10. Schedule the Exam When Fully Prepared
Once candidates feel confident in their knowledge and performance in practice tests, they should schedule the exam. Cisco 700-150 ICS is an online, proctored exam, and candidates should ensure they meet the system requirements for a smooth testing experience.
Final Thoughts
The Cisco 700-150 ICS exam is a valuable certification that boosts your career in Cisco sales and pre-sales roles. Don’t let myths hold you back—get the right preparation, practice smartly, and earn your certification with confidence!
Want to ace your exam? Start with 700-150 practice tests today!
