: Securing environments like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.

This is the exam for all CCNP Security candidates. Passing it also grants the Cisco Certified Specialist – Security Core badge.

While specific exams evolve, the curriculum increasingly emphasizes automation (Python, Ansible) and cloud integration. Candidates are expected to understand APIs and how to automate security policies, moving away from CLI (Command Line Interface) toward Infrastructure as Code (IaC).

The foundational requirement for this path is the exam. This 120-minute test assesses your knowledge of security infrastructure across six major domains: Cisco Certifications Portfolio Updates

Focus on one exam at a time . The CCNP Security is broad, but each exam builds on the core topics. Hands-on practice is non-negotiable – especially for Firepower and ISE configurations.

To earn the CCNP Security certification , you must pass two exams: one and one concentration exam of your choice. 1. The Core Exam: 350-701 SCOR

Focus: Content Security. Often overlooked, email remains the primary vector for cyber attacks. The exam validates the ability to fight spam, phishing, and malware outbreaks. This path is ideal for security operations center (SOC) analysts and administrators responsible for the human layer of security.

Every candidate must pass the . This exam tests your knowledge of foundational security infrastructure, including: Network Security : Protecting the "plumbing" of the network.

The exams are not theoretical. Candidates must have hands-on experience. Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) or emulators like GNS3/EVE-NG are essential for simulating complex scenarios. Reading the official certification guides is insufficient; one must configure Identity Services Engine (ISE) policies, deploy Firepower sensors, and break the environment to learn how to fix it.

Historically, network security was defined by the perimeter: a hardened firewall separating a trusted internal network from an untrusted internet. However, the paradigm has shifted. With the proliferation of remote work, the ubiquity of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications, and the adoption of hybrid cloud environments, the "castle-and-moat" model is obsolete.