Cisco CCNP Security: Everything You Need to Know About the Certification

If you’re looking for a certification that can boost your IT security career, then Cisco CCNP Security is a great option to consider. It’s a professional-level certification that validates your skills in designing, deploying, and managing Cisco security solutions.

This blog will cover everything you need to know about Cisco, including its prerequisites, exam details, study resources, and benefits. We’ll also discuss how KVCH can help you prepare for the certification and achieve your career goals.

Prerequisites for CCNP Security Certification

Before pursuing CCNP Security certification, you should have a valid CCNA Security or any CCIE certification. CCNA Security is the recommended prerequisite for CCNP Security, as it covers the foundational knowledge and skills required for advanced security concepts.

If you don’t have any Cisco certification yet, you can start with CCNA Security and then move on to CCNP Security. Alternatively, if you already have a CCIE certification, you can take the CCNP Security exam directly without any prerequisites.

CCNP Security Certification Exam Details

CCNP Security certification requires passing four exams: two core exams and two concentration exams. The two core exams are:

1. SCOR 350-701: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies
2. ENCOR 300-710: Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW)

The SCOR exam covers the foundational knowledge and skills required for implementing and operating Cisco security technologies, such as network security, cloud security, and content security. It also covers security automation, programmability, and orchestration.

The ENCOR exam focuses on securing networks with Cisco Firepower NGFW, which is a next-generation firewall that provides advanced threat detection and prevention capabilities. It covers NGFW concepts, configuration, and troubleshooting.

The two concentration exams are chosen from the following options:

1. SVPN 300-730: Implementing Secure Solutions with Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
2. SNCF 300-710: Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower Next-Generation IPS (NGIPS)
3. SESA 300-720: Securing Email with Cisco Email Security Appliance (ESA)
4. SIMOS 300-735: Implementing Secure Solutions with Mobility and Remote Access
5. SCOR 350-701: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (can be taken as a concentration exam if not taken as a core exam)

Each concentration exam covers a specific Cisco security technology or solution, such as VPN, NGIPS, Email Security, Mobility, or Security Core Technologies. You can choose the two exams that align with your career goals and interests.

The duration of each exam is 90-120 minutes, and the passing score is around 800-850 out of 1000. You can take the exams at a Pearson VUE testing center or online with an online proctor.

Study Resources for CCNP Security Certification

To prepare for CCNP Security certification, you should have a solid understanding of networking and security concepts, as well as hands-on experience with Cisco technologies. You can use the following study resources to enhance your knowledge and skills:

1. Cisco Press CCNP Security Official Cert Guide Library: This is a comprehensive study guide that covers all the topics of the CCNP Security certification exams. It includes practice exams, quizzes, and hands-on labs to help you prepare for the exams.

2. Cisco Platinum Learning Library: This is an online learning platform that provides access to a wide range of Cisco courses, including CCNP Security. It includes instructor-led training, self-paced courses, and hands-on labs.

3. Cisco Learning Labs: These are virtual labs that allow you to practice your skills in a safe and controlled environment. You can access various labs related to CCNP Security exams, such as VPN configuration, NGFW configuration, and email security.

4. KVCH CCNP Security Training: KVCH offers comprehensive CCNP Security training that covers all the topics of the certification exams. The training includes hands-on lab exercises, practice exams, and personalized guidance from expert instructors. With KVCH, you can learn at your own pace and get the support you need to pass the CCNP Security exams.

Cisco CCNP Security certification can be a game-changer for IT security professionals who want to advance their careers and demonstrate their expertise in advanced security solutions. This certification is designed for professionals with at least three to five years of experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining Cisco security solutions.

CCNP Security Certification Overview

Cisco Certified Network Professional Security (CCNP Security) is an advanced-level certification that validates your skills in designing, deploying, and maintaining Cisco security solutions. To earn this certification, you need to pass four exams:

1. Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR 350-701): This exam tests your knowledge of core security technologies, such as network security, cloud security, content security, endpoint protection, and secure network access.

2. Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine (SISE 300-715): This exam tests your knowledge of Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) architecture, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.

3. Implementing Secure Solutions with Virtual Private Networks (SVPN 300-730): This exam tests your knowledge of Cisco secure Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions, such as site-to-site VPN, remote access VPN, FlexVPN, and AnyConnect.

4. Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower Next-Generation Firewall (SSNGFW 300-710): This exam tests your knowledge of Cisco Firepower Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) architecture, installation, configuration, and troubleshooting.

Each of these exams costs $400, and you need to pass all four exams within three years to earn CCNP Security certification.

CCNP Security Certification Exam Preparation

Preparing for CCNP Security certification exams requires a combination of study resources, such as:

1. Official Cisco CCNP Security study materials: Cisco offers official study materials, such as books, courses, and practice exams, that cover all the exam topics in detail. These materials are designed to help you understand the exam objectives, concepts, and technologies, and prepare you for the actual exam.

2. Online communities and forums: There are several online communities and forums where you can connect with other CCNP Security certification candidates and experts, ask questions, and get answers. These communities can also provide you with additional study resources and tips for passing the exams.

3. Cisco Learning Labs: These are virtual labs that allow you to practice your skills in a safe and controlled environment. You can access various labs related to CCNP Security exams, such as VPN configuration, NGFW configuration, and email security.

4. KVCH CCNP Security Training: KVCH offers comprehensive CCNP Security training that covers all the topics of the certification exams. The training includes hands-on lab exercises, practice exams, and personalized guidance from expert instructors. With KVCH, you can learn at your own pace and get the support you need to pass the CCNP Security exams.

Benefits of CCNP Security

1. Increased job opportunities: CCNP Security certification validates your advanced security skills, which can make you a desirable candidate for various IT security roles, such as security engineer, network security administrator, or security consultant.

2. Higher salary: CCNP Security certification can also increase your earning potential, as it demonstrates your expertise in advanced security concepts and solutions. According to Payscale, the average salary for CCNP Security certified professionals is around $105,000 annually.

3. Up-to-date security knowledge: CCNP Security certification requires staying up-to-date with the latest security technologies and solutions from Cisco, which can help you stay current in the rapidly evolving security landscape.

4. Professional recognition: CCNP Security certification is a globally recognized credential that can boost your professional credibility and reputation in the IT security industry. It shows that you have achieved a high level of competence and mastery in Cisco security solutions and technologies.

Tips for Passing CCNP Security Certification Exams

1. Understand the exam objectives: Make sure you understand the exam objectives and topics by reading the exam blueprints provided by Cisco. This will help you focus your study efforts on the most relevant areas and avoid wasting time on irrelevant topics.

2. Use multiple study resources: Don’t rely on a single study resource, such as a book or a course. Use multiple resources, such as official Cisco study materials, practice exams, online communities, and virtual labs, to get a comprehensive understanding of the exam topics and concepts.

3. Practice, practice, practice: Practice is key to passing CCNP Security certification exams. Use virtual labs, such as Cisco Learning Labs, to practice your skills in a safe and controlled environment. Take as many practice exams as possible to get familiar with the exam format, timing, and difficulty level.

4. Time management: Time management is crucial in CCNP Security certification exams, as you need to answer a large number of questions within a limited time. Make sure you manage your time well by allocating enough time for each question, and not spending too much time on difficult questions.

5. Get support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help and support from experts, colleagues, or online communities. Join study groups or forums where you can discuss exam topics, share study resources, and get feedback on your progress.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CCNP training at KVCH provides personalized guidance, hands-on experience, and a supportive learning environment for achieving certification.

About KVCH

KVCH is a leading IT training provider that offers a wide range of courses, including CCNP training, to individuals and corporate clients. With over 30 years of experience, KVCH has trained thousands of students and professionals in various IT domains, such as networking, programming, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. KVCH’s training methodology includes instructor-led classes, hands-on labs, real-world projects, and job placement assistance. KVCH is committed to providing high-quality training that meets industry standards and helps learners achieve their career goals.

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