Whether you’re a CCNA certified or security analyst, upskilling in the tech industry becomes increasingly important at a certain point. The recruitment industry is becoming more stringent, therefore, having CCNP Security certification is a game-changer for candidates.

If you want to grow your career into network security, the CCNP Security certification course is the best choice you can make. In this blog we’ll cover, CCNP Security syllabus, various CCNP Security concentration exams and how to choose the right CCNP Security concentration exam for yourself.

Without any further ado, let’s begin.

What is CCNP Security Certification?

Cisco Certified Network Professional – Security, commonly called as CCNP Security certification is a professional-level certification by Cisco. It is a certification for IT professionals who want to specialize in network security.

You need to take two exams in order to get CCNP Security certified:

• Core exam

• Concentration/Specialization exam

Why Take the CCNP Security Concentration Exam?

In order to become CCNP Security certified professional, you need to take two exams:

• A core exam (350-701 SCOR):

You learn to implement and operate Cisco Security Core Technologies.

• One out of the eight CCNP Security certification exams:

 You can choose any one out of the following core certifications available in the market:

1. 300-710 SNCF

2. 300-715 SISE

3. 300-720 SESA

4. 300-725 SWSA

5. 300-730 SVPN

6. 300-735 SAUTO

7. 300-740 SCAZT

8. 300-745 SDSI

We’ll cover each one of these specialization certifications in CCNP Security.

Why Specialization Matters after CCNA or Core CCNP Security Exam?

Covering CCNA and CCNP Security syllabus or certification is just not enough, you need to have specialization exam knowledge to be industry-relevant and withstand the competition. 

The following are the few reasons why specialization matters:

• Diversified security roles

Different security roles focus on different technologies. Some focus on firewalls, identity management, VPNs, while others focus on security automation or email/web security. Therefore, you can go for a specific certification that suits your interests.

• Expert-level knowledge

While the SCOR exam is fine for basic security knowledge, niching down with concentration exam can help you gain skills that are actually required by recruiters in the industry.

• Enhanced career growth

You can open the door to high salaries and rich expertise by taking the concentration exams. For example, if a general security analyst earns up to ₹10 LPA, a Cisco ISE Engineer can earn up to ₹20 LPA or more.

• Future-proof career

Specializing in various CCNP Security concentration certifications can keep your skills more relevant and in-demand amongst many companies following Zero Trust Models and automated response systems.

What is the CCNP Security Syllabus Covered in the Exam?

The following syllabus is covered in the CCNP Security (350-701 SCOR) exam:

1. Security Concepts (25%)

• Security concepts such as common threats against cloud environments

• Learn about Cisco DNA Center APIs

• Interpret basic python scripts to call Cisco Security appliances APIs

• Compare site-to-site and remote access VPN deployment types 

• Learn about functions of cryptography components like encryption, hashing, PKI, SSL, IPSec

2. Network Security (20%)

• Learn various network security solutions providing intrusion prevention and firewall capabilities

• Learn about NetFlow and Flexible NetFlow records

• Verify and configure network infrastructure security methods

• Implement segmentation and access control policies

• Configure AAA for device

• Configure remote access VPN

3. Securing the Cloud (15%)

• Identify security solutions for cloud environments

• Compare security responsibility for various cloud service models

• Learn the concept of DevSecOps

• Configure cloud logging and monitoring techniques

• Learn about application and workload security concepts

4. Content Security (15%)

• Implement traffic redirection

• Describe web proxy identity and authentication

• Configure and verify web and email security deployment methods

• SPAM filtering, antimalware filtering, DLP, blocklisting, and email encryption

• Configure and verify Cisco Umbrella Secure Internet Gateway

• Web application filtering, TLS decryption

• Configure and verify web security controls on Cisco Umbrella

5. Endpoint Protection and Detection (10%)

• Cover difference between Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP) and Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) solutions

• Configure endpoint antimalware protection using Cisco Secure Endpoint

• Learn endpoint-based security

• Value of endpoint device management and inventory systems such as MDM

• Learn importance of Multifactor Authentication (MFA) strategy

6. Secure Network Access, Visibility and Enforcement (15%)

• Learn identity management and secure network access concepts 

• Guest services, profiling, posture assessment and BYOD

• Verify network access control mechanisms like 802.1X, MAB, WebAuth

• Learn network access with CoA

• Benefits of design compliance and application control

• Explain exfiltration techniques

• Benefits of network telemetry

• Learn about the components and features of the following security products:

  • Cisco Secure Network Analytics

  • Cisco Secure Cloud Analytics

  • Cisco pxGrid

  • Cisco Umbrella Investigate

  • Cisco Cognitive Intelligence

  • Cisco Encrypted Traffic Analytics

  • Cisco Secure Client Network Visibility Module (NVM)

Want to download the complete brochure of the CCNP Security course? Check out the course content here.

Why Choose Network Kings CCNP Security Course?

Looking to learn from top-notch engineers working in the tech industry? Look no further than the Network Kings’ CCNP Security course. You can enjoy the following benefits after joining the CCNP Security course at Network Kings:

• World’s Biggest Virtual Labs

You can access and practice hands-on with Cisco virtual labs including Cisco EVE-NG, Cisco Packet Tracer and EVE-NG. You can access these labs 24/7 with zero downtime.

• 6-Months Intensive Program

The program is 6-months long. You can choose either from weekday or weekend batches. 

• Job-oriented Courseware

The CCNP Security course by Network Kings is a 100% job-oriented program. It covers the complete curriculum that makes you land a high-paying job in the industry.

• Exam-Focused CCNP Security Syllabus

The CCNP Security course covers the 350-701 SCOR exam. All the topics are covered 1:1 by industry experts.

• Live Classes & Recordings

You get to learn through live classes by engineers. You can also access these class recordings anytime on the portal.

Bottom Line

The CCNP Security certification is essential for advancing your career in network security, offering core knowledge and specialized skills through concentration exams. Specializing strengthens your expertise, improves job prospects, and ensures your skills stay relevant in a fast-evolving industry. Choosing the right course, like Network Kings’ program, can provide practical experience and comprehensive exam preparation to help you succeed.

FAQs:

1. What is the syllabus covered in CCNP Security?

The various topics covered in CCNP security certification include security concepts such as encryption, PKI, VPN deployment, network security, identify security solutions for cloud environments, DevSecOps, content security, endpoint protection and detection and secure network access concepts.

2. What is the salary of a CCNP Security?

The salary of a CCNP Security engineer ranges between ₹8 LPA to ₹16 LPA per month. Your salary completely depends on your experience, resume and skills.

3. What are some of the highest paid security roles?

Some of the highest paid security positions include Security Operations Engineer, Security Architect, Security Engineer, Security Threat Analyst and Security Consultant.

4. Should I take the concentration exam for CCNP Security?

Although the concentration exam is not mandatory to take, you must take it if you want to become a Cisco certified security professional.