How to Become a Cisco ASA Specialist (Adaptive Security Appliance Specialist)

In addition to Cisco's Entry, Associate, Professional and Expert Certificates, Cisco offers Specialist Certifications to verify knowledge and expertise in a more focused specialty. Specialist Certifications are available in the following categories: Advanced Routing & Switching, Data Center, Foundation for Channels Partners, Unified Communications, Security, and Wireless LAN.

According to Cisco, " Cisco security certifications focus on the growing need for knowledgeable network professionals who can implement complete network security solutions. The range of available security certifications enable candidates to validate their expertise in specific focused areas such as securing network access using Cisco IOS Software and Cisco PIX Firewall Technologies or configuring virtual private networks (VPN) across shared public networks. Cisco security certifications focus on the growing need for knowledgeable network professionals who can implement complete security solutions. The ASA Specialist certification identifies individuals who possess in-depth expertise with implementing security technologies using the Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) technologies, especially firewall and VPN functionality. Other topics include ACL, AAA, advanced protocol handling, remote access VPN, secure socket layer VPN, site-to-site VPNs, failover, and security appliance management. Cisco ASA Specialists possess the ability to describe, configure, verify and manage the ASA products and the Adaptive Security Device Manager (ASDM)."

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. PREREQUISITES - The prerequisite for the Cisco ASA Specialist Certification is a valid CCNA Security Certification.

2. RECOMMENDED TRAINING - Cisco recommends two training courses to help prepare you for this certification; Securing Networks with ASA Foundation (SNAF) and Securing Networks with ASA Advanced (SNAA). These courses are available through Cisco's Learning Partners.

3. TAKE REQUIRED EXAM - Cisco requires two exams to attain this certification; 642-524 SNAF - Securing Networks with ASA Foundation (90 minute exam, with 60 questions) and 642-515 SNAA - Securing Networks with ASA Advanced (90 minute exam, with 60 questions). Once you are prepared to take your exam, you can register for it at Additional Resources Link #1 [below].

4. RECERTIFICATION - Cisco Specialist Certifications are valid for two years. To recertify, you will need to take and pass the current version of the required exam(s) or pass a current CCIE or CCDE written exam.

Tips & Warnings

• To ensure your certification is kept valid, please note step 4.

Resources

• Register for your exams

[luv2blog]

on 12/10/2008 Good information for CISCO folks seeking ASA certification.