Cisco Certified Security Specialist (CCSP)

The CCSP certification (Cisco Certified Security Specialist) is Cisco's Professional-level security certification. The CCSP program 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 and reduce costs. The CCSP curriculum emphasizes secure VPN management, Cisco Adaptive Security Device Manager (ASDM), PIX firewall, Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA), Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Cisco Security Agent (CSA), and techniques to combine these technologies in a single, integrated network security solution.

The only prerequisite for registering for the CCSP exam is that candidates must hold a valid CCNA certification.

In order to become CCSP certified a candidate must pass a total of 5 exams, 4 of which are mandatory and the other is a choice from 4 different options. Each of the exams will test the candidate's knowledge in specific areas relating to network security. The exams for the CCSP certification include:

• 642-552 SND - Securing Cisco Network Devices (SND) - 75 minutes
• 642-503 SNRS - Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches - 75 minutes, 53 questions
• 642-522 SNPA - Securing Networks with PIX and ASA - 90 minutes, 60-70 questions
• 642-532 IPS - Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention System- 90 minutes, 60-70 questions
• 642-513 HIPS - Securing Hosts Using Cisco Security Agent - 75 minutes, 65-75 questions
• 642-591 CANAC - Implementing Cisco NAC Appliance - 75 minutes, 60 questions, or
• 642-544 MARS - Implementing Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System,
• 642-511 CSVPN Cisco Secure Virtual Private Networks (CSVPN) - 75 minutes, 55-65 questions

All exams can be taken at any Prometric or Thomson VUE testing centre, and the exam question formats follow the typical Cisco mix of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, simulations, simlets etc.  Boost your career today with a new Cisco certification using the quality learning products from TestKing.