Nokia NRS II Composite (IS-IS)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Nokia NRS II Composite (IS-IS) is an independent-study target for network engineers who already work with IP/MPLS routing and want to demonstrate depth in Intermediate System to Intermediate System as implemented on Nokia SR OS. Candidates typically hold the Nokia NRS I level or equivalent hands-on experience, and use this exam to validate that they can design, configure and troubleshoot IS-IS in service-provider and large enterprise networks. The scope spans protocol fundamentals, NSAP/NET addressing and area design, adjacency formation and the neighbor state machine, link-state database flooding and synchronization, SPF and route selection, level and area boundaries with inter-area routing, narrow versus wide metrics and traffic-engineering extensions, IPv6 and multi-topology operation, and SR OS configuration, verification and troubleshooting commands. Preparation should be lab-led: build multi-area topologies in a simulator or lab chassis, deliberately break adjacencies, watch LSP flooding and SPF behavior, and practice reading SR OS show and debug output. Pair that with the current Nokia certification guide and SR OS IS-IS documentation. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Nokia; confirm current exam structure on Nokia's official certification site before booking.
What you'll study
About Nokia NRS II Composite (IS-IS) preparation
What is the exam format?
The profile for this credential lists multiple-choice questions. Nokia's certification program publishes the authoritative format, including item types and whether any simulations appear, on its official certification pages; confirm there before you schedule.
How many questions and how long is it?
Those figures are set by Nokia and change between revisions, so no number is quoted here. Check the official certification page for the current question count and time limit when you book.
What score do I need to pass, and what does it cost?
Passing scores and fees are published by Nokia for each exam version and region. Consult the official certification site for the current passing score and price rather than relying on older study material.
How difficult is it?
Engineers with daily SR OS routing exposure usually find it manageable; candidates without lab time struggle. The hardest areas are usually LSP flooding and synchronization details, narrow-versus-wide metric interactions, and interpreting SR OS troubleshooting output under time pressure.
If I fail, can I retake it?
Retake rules, waiting periods and any fees are set by Nokia. Review the official certification policy for the current retake terms, and use the score report to identify which domains to restudy before rebooking.
How long is the certification valid?
Validity and recertification requirements are defined by Nokia and may depend on the track or level. Confirm the current validity period and recertification path on the official certification site.
What study order works best?
Start with fundamentals, addressing and adjacency formation, then move to the link-state database and SPF. Add levels and inter-area routing, then metrics and traffic engineering, then IPv6 and multi-topology, finishing with SR OS configuration and troubleshooting drills.
What are the most common failure modes?
Weak adjacency troubleshooting, confusing L1 and L2 database behavior, misunderstanding metric styles when wide metrics are enabled, and unfamiliarity with SR OS verification commands. Practicing fault injection in a lab addresses all four more effectively than rereading notes.
Do I need Nokia equipment to prepare?
Not necessarily. A lab with SR OS images in a simulator covers most protocol behavior. Real chassis time helps with hardware-specific commands and scaled scenarios, but adjacency, flooding and SPF exercises are achievable in a virtual lab.
Is this page affiliated with Nokia?
No. This is independent study material written for candidates preparing for the exam. It is not endorsed by or affiliated with Nokia, and official certification materials should always be treated as the authoritative source.