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Step 1
Obtain your CCNA certification. CCNA is a Cisco Network IT or Cisco Certified Networking Associate. Once you have trained and taken the certification test, it is valid for three years.
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Step 2
Find a training method. You can acquire study books and study on your own. You can also find schools that offer training. Schools that partner with Cisco are listed at their website.
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Step 3
Prepare for your exams. Many people spend from four months to one year preparing for these exams. If you have decided to take the self-study path, find a place to get hands-on training. Finding a mentor who has already taken the certification tests may be helpful.
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Step 4
Study more than you think you need to study. The study guides are very valuable. For the IOS Security Specialist the exam topics are, but not limited to security threats, routers, AAA routers, implementing secure network management, firewall features, using CLI to for security features and a variety of other topics.
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Step 5
Locate a testing facility near you. Pearson Vue partners with Cisco and offers locations worldwide. Find one that is convenient for you.
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Step 6
Register to take your exams. You will take two exams to become certified as an IOS Security Specialist: 642-552 SND Securing Cisco Network Devices and 642-503 SNRS Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches. You will need to pay the fee for the exam at the time of registration.
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Step 7
Take the exam. Arrive at the exam prepared. Both exams are 75 minutes long. You will only take one exam at a time.
