Cisco Redesigned CCNP Security, Retiring Exams & More News

Cisco was the first certification vendor to announce changes and updates to its IT certifications map. This includes the CCNP Security certification changes as well as the Cisco Cybersecurity Specialist certification launch. The changes support the current trend of increasing security certifications in response to fast-changing network security trends.
Cisco aims to address the skills gap in network security, given the challenges of cloud-based mobility, in 2014 by offering development opportunities for network security analysts, network security engineers, and product specialists. These are the changes that were announced:
Launch of the redesigned CCNP Security Certification Program
The new Cisco Cybersecurity Specialist certification has been launched
Announcement about the retirement of Cisco Security Specialist certifications
Updated product training courses
This post will examine the redesign of CCNP Security certification programs, which includes the retirement of a few exams.
Redesign of the CCNP Security Certification Program
The CCNP Security certification has been redesigned to reflect the skills and responsibilities of network security engineers today, who increasingly require a holistic understanding of a complete security posture.
The new labs and training courses that will be offered as part of the redesign certification will use a common topology. They have been designed to complement each other, allowing engineers the opportunity to develop their skills and work in harmony with their careers.
These exams and the corresponding training courses can be registered worldwide.
300-206 Implementing Cisco Edge Network Security Solutions SENSS (Cisco Edge Network Security Solutions)
The 300-206 (SENSS),exam tests your knowledge of configuring security on Cisco network perimeter devices like a Cisco Switch, Cisco Router and Cisco ASA Firewall. This exam focuses upon the technologies used for network perimeter security, such as Network Address Translation (NAT), ASA Policy and Application Inspect and Zone-Based Firewall on Cisco routers. These topics are available as exam topics.
300-207 Implementing Cisco Threat Control Solutions. (SITCS).
The 300-207 (SITCS), exam tests a network security expert on advanced firewall architecture and configuration using Cisco’s Next Generation Firewall. This is done by utilizing access and identity policies. This exam covers integration with Intrusion Prevention System and context-aware firewall parts, as well Web (Cloud) Security solutions. Here are the topics.
300-208 Implementing Cisco Secure Access Solutions, (SISAS).
The 300-208 (SISAS), exam measures whether a network security expert knows the components and architecture for secure access using 802.1X and TrustSec. This exam covers the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), architecture, solution, and components as well as endpoint control and network threat mitigation solutions. It also covers the basic concepts of BYOD using ISE’s posture and profiling services. Here are the exam topics.
300-209 Implementing Cisco Secure Mobility Solutions, (SIMOS).
The 300-209 (SIMOS exam) tests a network security expert on the various Virtual Private Network (VPN), solutions that Cisco offers on its Cisco ASA firewall and Cisco IOS platforms. This exam tests the knowledge required to implement secure remote communications using VPN technology, such as site-to-site VPN (DMVPN and FlexVPN) and remote access SSL VPN. Check out the exam topics here.
Those who are in the process to attain their CCNP Security certification can choose to complete their remaining exams before April 21, 2014. Or, they can migrate to the new exams with credit.