CCNP Security certification, standing for Cisco Certified Network Professional, is considered a professional-level Cisco certification in each networking domain. It is one level higher than the CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) certification and primarily includes in-depth knowledge and logic of the concepts contained in the CCNA.
Earning the CCNP Security certification demonstrates your skills in security solutions. To achieve the CCNP Security certification, you need to pass two exams: one covering core security technologies and the other a security concentration exam of your choice so that you can tailor the certification to your technical area.
The core exam covers topics that apply to a variety of technologies, including automation and programmability. It aims to implement and operate Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR 350-701), including:
- Network security
- Cloud security
- Content security
- Endpoint protection and detection
- Secure network access
- Visibility and enforcement
The concentration exam covers a focus area of your choice for that technology. Below the list of these exams:
Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower
SNCF 300-710 is designed to test your knowledge of Cisco Firepower® Threat Defense and Firepower® 7000 and 8000 Series virtual appliances, including:
• Policy configurations
• Integrations
• Deployments
• Management and troubleshooting
Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine
SISE 300-715 is designed to test your knowledge of Cisco Identify Services Engine, including:
• Architecture and deployment
• Policy enforcement
• Web Auth and guest services
• Profiler
• BYOD
• Endpoint compliance
• Network access device administration
Securing Email with Cisco Email Security Appliance
SESA 300-720 is designed to test your knowledge of Cisco Email Security Appliance, including:
• Administration
• Spam control and antispam
• Message filters
• Data loss prevention
• LDAP
• Email authentication and encryption
• System quarantines and delivery methods
Securing the Web with Cisco Web Security Appliance
SWSA 300-725 is designed to test your knowledge of Cisco Web Security Appliance, including:
• Proxy services
• Authentication
• Decryption policies
• Differentiated traffic access policies and identification policies
• Acceptable use control settings
• Malware defense
• Data security and data loss prevention
Implementing Secure Solutions with Virtual Private Networks
SVPN 300-730 is designed to test your knowledge of implementing secure remote communications with Virtual Private Network (VPN) solutions, including:
• Secure communications
• Architectures
• Troubleshooting
Automating and Programming Cisco Security Solutions
SAUTO 300-735 is designed to test your knowledge of implementing automated security solutions, including:
• Programming concepts
• RESTful APIs
• Data models
• Protocols
• Firewalls
• Web
• DNS
• Cloud and email security
• ISE
5 Smart Tips to Prepare CCNP Security Exam
1. Get the best sense of your CCNA
The CCNP Security certification is a comprehensive understanding of what you have already learned in the CCNA. CCNA certification lays the foundation for CCNP Security, and you must have a thorough knowledge of the CCNA. The topics of CCNP Security are not new, but a little more in what you have learned in the CCNA.
2. Hands-on Experience
If you have earned the CCNA certification, you would have the required knowledge for the CCNP exam. Cisco recommends having 1 to 3 years of experience before attempting for the CCNP Security exam. Because you can have hands-on experience with all of its Cisco CCNP Security equipment, create a home lab to familiarize yourself with Cisco equipment. The Cisco exam requires an average of 4-5 hours of hands-on sessions per day to master its layout and concepts. The concepts of CCNP Security should be firmly understood, and this is only possible if you practice a lot in the lab until you get it. The more you practice, the better you will learn, and then you will become more confident.
3. Additional Study Resources
Preparing for any Cisco exam with Cisco Press books is a good way. But they are not enough. Participate in online forums and get your questions addressed there. Follow Cisco Blogs to keep yourself updated on advanced things. There will be plenty of study materials on the web to help you prepare for your exam.
As for Cisco certification exams, there are no better means of preparation than taking as many practice tests as possible. Taking CCNP Security practice tests will help you learn how to control stress, manage your time, and give you a sense of how prepared you are.
4. Study One Topic at a Time
Don’t read the book all at once, but study one topic at a time. Read it, understand it, practice on it, gain expertise, and then move on to the next topic. Do all the studying yourself and practice until you get it. One topic at a time will give you confidence and help you prepare well for the CCNP security exam. Don’t stick to just one book. Explore your options and study accordingly. Don’t waste your time gathering information without studying for it. This will be to help you reach everywhere. Pick a topic, do your research, master the whole concept and pick another topic later.
5. Learn from Experts
Finally, learn from Cisco Certified experts. They have the expertise, experience, and skills to help you pass the exam. They will know what to teach you and how to train you. They can help you develop a study plan and get you to understand all the topics step by step. They have the experience you lack; they’ve been down this road before. They have an understanding of what to do and what not to do. Their experience, along with the skills to stay updated, will help you to a great extent. SPOTO training courses are taught by leading experts who can help you pass the exam in the shortest time.
Conclusion
It is believed that with a bit of determination and hard work, you can achieve the CCNP Security certification. This certification equips you with valuable practical skills which will be very useful in the future. Remember, CCNP Security certification can help you build your dream career in the networking field. SPOTO will provide the most reliable and accurate exam dumps and courses trained by leading experts to help you pass the exam on your first attempt! Finally, wishing you success in the exam!!!
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