Achieving CCNP Security certification proves your skills with security solutions. To earn CCNP Security certification, you pass two exams: one that covers core security technologies and one concentration exam of your choice, so you can customize your certification to your technical area of focus.
Candidates must pass the required exams to earn the certification. Having an active Specialist certification does not fulfill the exam requirements for Professional- and Expert-level certifications.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for CCNP Security, but you should have a good understanding of the exam topics before taking the exam.
CCNP candidates often also have three to five years of experience implementing security solutions.
Exams and recommended training
To earn CCNP Security, you pass two exams: a core exam and a concentration exam of your choice.
- The core exam focuses on your knowledge of security infrastructure. The core exam is also the qualifying exam for CCIE Security certification. Passing this exam helps toward earning both of these certifications.
- Concentration exams focus on emerging and industry-specific topics. You can prepare for concentration exams by taking their corresponding Cisco training courses.
Required exam |
Recommended training |
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Core exam: |
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350-701 SCOR |
Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) |
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Concentration exams (choose one): |
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300-710 SNCF |
Fundamentals of Cisco Firewall Threat Defense and Intrusion Prevention (SFWIPF) |
Advanced Techniques for Cisco Firewall Threat Defense and Intrusion Prevention (SFWIPA) |
300-715 SISE |
Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine (SISE) |
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300-720 SESA |
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300-725 SWSA |
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300-730 SVPN |
Implementing Secure Solutions with Virtual Private Networks (SVPN) |
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300-735 SAUTO |
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300-740 SCAZT |
Designing and Implementing Secure Cloud Access for Users and Endpoints (SCAZT) |
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300-745 SDSI |
Recertification
CCNP Security certification is valid for three years.