How to Become a Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP Certification)

Become a Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP Certification)

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By Patti Winters
eHow Community Member

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Cisco network certifications are some of the most sought after IT (Information Technology) certifications. There are four levels of Cisco certifications (Entry, Associate, Professional, and Expert) to enhance your professional credentials. Specialist certifications are also offered to verify focused knowledge in many topics.

According to Cisco, "Cisco Certified Security Professional Certification (CCSP) validates advanced knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks. With a CCSP, a network professional demonstrates the skills required to secure and manage network infrastructures to protect productivity, mitigate threats, and reduce costs. The CCSP curriculum emphasizes Cisco Router IOS (ISR) and Catalyst Switch security features, Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA), secure VPN connectivity, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Cisco Security Agent (CSA), Security Enterprise and Device Management, Network Admission Control (NAC) as well as techniques to optimize these technologies in a single, integrated network security solution. In addition, CCSP leverages the new CCNA Security certification as a prerequisite."

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

PREREQUISITES - A valid CCNA Security or CCNA + SND until 11/17/2011 (*SND will EOL 11/17/2008) are required for the prerequisites for the CCSP certification exam.
Step 2

TRAINING - Cisco recommends six courses for assistance in passing this certification exam; Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches (SNRS) OR Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches, Securing Networks with ASA Foundation (SNAF), Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS), Implementing Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System (MARS), Implementing Cisco NAC Appliance (CANAC), and Networks with ASA Advanced. These courses are available through many learning partners in physical classroom and virtual classroom classes.
Step 3

ADDITIONAL TRAINING AND REVIEW - Additional training and practice questions are available at the Additional Resources Links #1 through #12 [below].
Step 4

CERTIFICATION EXAMS - Once you are ready to take your exams you can register through the Additional Resources Link #13 [below]. You will need to take 642-504 SNRS - Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches Exam (90 minutes, with 60 questions), 642-524 SNAF - Securing Networks with ASA Foundation (90 minutes, with 60 questions), 642-533 IPS - Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention Systems (90 minutes, with 55 - 65 questions), AND one of the following electives: 642-591 CANAC
Implementing Cisco NAC Appliance Exam (75 minutes, with 60 questions), 642-545 MARS - Implementing Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis, and Response System Exam (75 minutes, with 60 questions), OR 642-515 SNAA
Securing Networks with ASA Advanced (90 minutes, with 60 questions). You will be asked to take a total of 3 required exams and 1 elective exam.
Step 5

RECERTIFICATION - CCSP certifications are valid for three years. To recertify, pass any 642-XXX exam that is part of the professional level curriculum after 01/01/06, or pass a current CCIE or CCDE written exam. * Retired exams that have been passed may be used towards exam requirements for three years.