(Certified Network Professional) A professional designation and accreditation given to individual IT networking professionals by the Network Professional Association (www.npa.org). Introduced in 1996 and earned by successful completion of a networking exam, the certification was updated and re-released in 2005. Additional requirements include work experience, continuing education and adherence to a code of ethics. For more information, visit www.cnp.org. See certification. See also CMP.