Securing Your Network And Your Career With Cisco's CCSP Certification

You don't need me to tell you that security is the #1Networks With PIX and ASA (SNPA) exam, followed
concern in today's networks. With that in mind, yourby the Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention System
career path must include some security certifications,(IPS) exam.
or you will be left behind.In October 2005, the final exam is scheduled to
Cisco's Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP)change from a VPN exam (CSVPN, Cisco Secure
certification demands a candidate be well-rounded andVirtual Private Networks) to Securing Hosts Using
well-versed in Cisco security measures. Besides theCisco Security Agent (HIPS). If you're just getting
difficultly we've all come to expect from a Ciscostarted on the CCSP track, you'll be taking the HIPS
exam, this five-exam path covers every major aspectexam. (Insert your own joke here.)
of network security (from Cisco's viewpoint, anyway!)The CCSP is valid for three years; to recertify, you'll
You must hold a valid CCNA certification to earn yourneed to pass the 642-541 CSI exam or any CCIE
CCSP.written exam. As always, this is subject to change, and
Typically, the first exam CCSP candidates take isyou should bookmark Cisco's Learning page (found off
Securing Networks With Cisco Routers An Switchesthe main Cisco webpage) to make sure you're aware
(SNRS), followed by Securing Cisco Network Devicesof the latest changes to Cisco certification and
(SND). After you've nailed these two exams, whichrecertification requirements.
obviously focus on devices more familiar to CCNAsNot only must you know how to secure your network,
and CCNPs, you'll be faced with three exams that areyou also need to secure your current job and the
more specific to Cisco security devices.possibilities for your future. By pursuing and obtaining
Your PIX knowledge will be tested with the Securingthe CCSP, you will do all three at once.