Cisco Security Certifications for Not Yet Techies

Cisco security certifications test and validate your knowledge, skills and experience using network security technologies, especially using Cisco hardware. Cisco security certifications can advance your computer careers if you want to work in the growing field of network security.

There are four new Cisco security certifications.

The first Cisco security certifications is the Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP). This "certifies expertise in designing and implementing Cisco secure networks. That includes designing end to end network security solutions using the Cisco SAFE blueprint, using Cisco devices and technologies to implement a defense strategy, and managing network security."

You must first hold Cisco's CCNA certification, then pass five additional exams:

1. Managing Cisco Network Security (MCNS)
2. Cisco Secure PIX Firewall Advanced (CSPFA)
3. Cisco Secure VPN (CSVPN)
4. Either Cisco Secure Intrusion Detection System (CSIDS) or Intrusion Detection System with Policy Manager (IDSPM)
5. Cisco SAFE implementation (CSI)

For all three Specialist Cisco security certifications, you must pass the Managing Cisco Network Security (MCNS) exam. For each Specialist certification, you must also pass one additional exam:

• Cisco Firewall Specialist - Cisco Secure PIX Firewall Advanced (CSPFA)
• Cisco VPN Specialist - Cisco Secure VPN (CSVPN)
• Cisco IDS Specialist - Cisco Secure Intrusion Detection System (CSIDS)

The Security Specialist certification will be phased out.

These are the Cisco security certifications basics.

Next: Cisco Specialist certifications