Cisco updates the CCNP Security Certification track

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Cisco updates the CCNP Security Certification track

Added by Mark Jacob April 25, 2014

If you are working on a CCNP-level security certification from Cisco, be aware some big changes are afoot. Cisco has announced that some exams are being retired and some new ones are coming on line. I have compiled a list of the exams that are going away as well as some of the new exams.

Retiring	As of this date	New exam
642-637 Secure	04-21-2014	300-208 Sisas (Secure Access Solutions)
642-618 Firewall	04-21-2014	300-206 Senss (Edge Network Security Solutions)
642-648 VPN	04-21-2014	300-209 Simos (Secure Mobility Solutions)
642-627 IPS	04-21-2014	300-207 Sitcs (Threat Control Systems)

For Cisco’s complete rundown on these adjustments, click here.

Who should be concerned about this information? If your role in the company network is to recommend, configure, and/or maintain Firewalls, VPNs, intrusion prevention/detection systems, or in any way to provide for the security of the routers and switches, this news is for you.

If your goal is to be a CCNP-level security professional, you may wonder what you must do to reach that goal. As always, there are prerequisites to be met, and this track is no different. If you already have obtained your CCNA Security Cert, then you can relax, because you are already qualified for these new security classes.

If it has been a while since you checked on the status of your current certifications, stop everything and log in now at Cisco’s Certification Tracking System. You would be stunned at how many people taking my classes held a valid Cisco certification at some time in their past, but allowed it to lapse. Ooh, the pain. Don’t let that happen to you. You may also wonder what test or tests you must take to extend your certifications. Cisco has a rewarding policy that says if you achieve a higher level certification, any certs you have at a lower level are also automatically renewed and their new expiration is extended to match the expiration of the higher level cert. In this way Cisco is gently encouraging you – and rewarding you – to continually strive to elevate yourself in the Cisco world. For full information straight from the source, check out Cisco Training and Certifications with any recertification questions.

Don’t forget that Cisco Live 2014 is rapidly approaching. It is in San Francisco this year on May 18^th – 22^nd. If you have never attended, work some magic and find a way to get there. Customer Appreciation night is usually the highlight. Last year attendees were treated to a special night with Journey at Universal Studios in Orlando. This year, on Wednesday night (May 21^st) you can be in the home ballpark of the San Francisco Giants listening to the music of Imagine Dragons along with Lenny Kravitz at Cisco Live Customer Appreciation Event.

Oh, and there are lots of informative sessions on every imaginable Cisco topic as well as many third party vendors displaying the latest and greatest of all manner of networking tools and software.

There are several registration packages available at varying price structures, visit the Cisco Live 2014 registration page.