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Cisco · Cybersecurity

CCNP Security

Understand security controls, identity-aware access and resilient network policy.

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Identify the endpoint

Collect device and identity signals from across the network.

Decide the access

Apply policy, verify posture and enforce the right level of access.

Test the failure

Validate how policy responds to failed authentication and outages.

What you will learn to do

Build the knowledge and practical skills to design, operate and troubleshoot secure, identity-aware networks.

Understand the subject

Connect network security, identity services and policy enforcement.

Apply it to the work

Explain why a device received access, and investigate an unexpected decision.

Build practical evidence

Use a home project to explore access decisions and explain your reasoning.

Certification essentials

Requirements, costs and keeping it current.

Check the vendor record and ongoing commitment alongside the career guidance.

Pricing view
Market

Vendor record

Live

Requires the 350-701 SCOR core exam plus a chosen concentration exam. Passing only the core awards a Specialist credential, not the full CCNP Security.

Source: Cisco · Read 19 September 2026

Sourced fields only; this does not mean every exam detail has been verified. Pricing and renewal policies have their own sources and check dates. Confirm the currency, tax and final booking total with the vendor.

Role-fit guidance is TechWaymark editorial interpretation. It is separate from the recorded vendor facts and does not measure hiring outcomes.

Costs and renewal

Exam cost
US$700 total exam fees
Exam format
Exam format not yet verified — check the vendor's exam page
Keeping it current

Renew within 3 years through eligible exams or 80 Continuing Education credits. Budget for the selected exams or training; some eligible learning may be free.

Renewal sources & exceptions

Complete the requirements before expiry; an expired credential requires the full certification exam process again.

Renewal policy checked 2026-09-28. Check the linked provider policy for current fees and eligibility.

US$400 core exam plus US$300 concentration, before tax. The total assumes one attempt at each required exam; training and retakes are separate. Vendor price checked 2026-09-24. Check the vendor record before booking.

Current vendor pricing source ↗
Preparation and practical skills

Recommended prior knowledge

  • CCNA
  • Years of network security exposure

Common misconceptions

  • CCNP Security may meet a named requirement; it does not guarantee shortlisting or replace documented work.

What this cert does NOT guarantee

  • Guaranteed interviews, a salary increase or proof of production experience.
Alternatives and related certifications

Where this fits

  • None required
This cert
CCNP Security
  • Top of this lane

Alternative routes

No single right path. These adjacent options reach similar roles.

  • CCIE Security
    Common follow-on or adjacent credential, see the graph for full lineage.
  • Cloud security pivots
    Common follow-on or adjacent credential, see the graph for full lineage.

Adjacent & overlapping

  • CCIE Security
  • Cloud security pivots
Career outcomes and limitations

Realistic first roles

Cisco security networking

How people actually get here

    Real-world career variations

    Timeline expectations

    1. Months 0–2Foundation reading, concepts, vocabulary.
    2. Months 2–4Hands-on labs, documented home projects.
    3. Months 4–6Practice exams, weak-area drills, exam.
    4. Post-examUse target vacancies to guide applications and projects. There is no guaranteed time to a first role.

    Study resources

    Study options

    Choose the right mix for your goals and experience. Links below go to official and third-party resources.

    Guided study

    Structured resources from established providers can help build knowledge and skills.

    Compare study options →

    Third-party providers. Commercial terms, pricing and availability apply.

    Practice environments

    Explore suitable environments for practical work. Check the tools, features and access you need.

    Compare practice resources →

    External resources. Check current costs and access requirements.

    Resources are selected for relevance. Compare access, syllabus coverage and total cost; a listing does not imply a commercial partnership.

    Compare the resources for CCNP Security
    CourseProvider source

    Cisco U. SCOR (350-701) + concentration

    Video + Labs

    Check the resource provider for current local pricing
    View resource
    BookExternal resource

    Cisco Press. CCNP Security SCOR Official Cert Guide

    Reading

    Check the resource provider for current local pricing
    View resource
    ReferenceProvider source

    CCNP Security exam topics (Cisco)

    Reading

    Free resource; confirm current access terms
    View resource

    Check the current syllabus, access terms and total cost before choosing. Resource inclusion does not guarantee exam success.

    Optional home projects

    Build something you can explain.

    Ideas to explore after choosing a certification, using your own tools and keeping evidence of your work.

    Example project evidence
    Annotated network diagram (example)
    Internet
    Access policy
    StaffRequired services
    ContractorsSpecific services
    GuestsInternet only
    Decision register (example)
    Access decisionReasonProposed check
    Staff — required servicesBusiness role and verified identityVerify identity and device posture
    Contractors — limited accessDefined support needCheck permitted services and denied paths
    Guests — internet onlyNo internal access neededConfirm no access to internal resources

    Design and review network access for a small office

    Plan separate access for staff, contractors, guests and shared devices. Show how identity, device health and business need influence your decisions.

    Design project Your own tools Evidence guidance
    View project guide
    Track this certification

    Editorial route and career guidance. No separate external evidence review is recorded for this assessment.

    Editorial evidence review: pending · UK market. Vendor facts and prices elsewhere on this page have their own sources and check dates.