Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP®) validates advanced knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks. With a CCSP certification, a network professional demonstrates the skills required to secure and manage network infrastructures to protect productivity, mitigate threats, and reduce costs. The CCSP curriculum emphasizes Cisco Router IOS (ISR) and Catalyst Switch security features, Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA), secure VPN connectivity, Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), Cisco Security Agent (CSA), Security Enterprise and Device Management, Network Admission Control (NAC) as well as techniques to optimize these technologies in a single, integrated network security solution. In addition, CCSP leverages the new CCNA Security certification as a prerequisite.

Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professional Recognition

CNSS 4013 Recognition
Information Assurance Supplemental Resources

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CCSP Learning Map

Cisco Certified Security Professional Prerequisite
CCNA Security OR CCNA + SND* OR any CCIE Certification can act as a pre-requisite.
*Last day for using this pre-requisite is November 17, 2011.
Important Information Regarding CCSP Certification Exam Paths

The Cisco exams, Securing Network Devices (SND), and the elective exam Securing Hosts Using Cisco Security Agent (HIPS) are now retired effective November 17, 2008. Securing Networks with PIX and ASA (SNPA), reached end of life on 1/18/2009. Candidates testing for their CCSP certification, who have passed the SND, HIPS or SNPA exams may use them towards their certification for three years from the day on which they passed the test.

In addition, the exams, Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches (642-503 SNRS) and Implementing Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System (642-544 MARS) reached end of life on 1/18/2009 and have been refreshed. Candidates testing for their CCSP certification who have passed the 642-503 SNRS or 642-544 MARS exams may use them towards their certification for three years from the day on which they passed the test.

Candidates wishing to start studying for the MARS exam and / or the SNRS exam to meet their CCSP certification requirements should test using the new 642-504 SNRS exam and / or the new 642-545 MARS exam(s).

For more information on exam options to achieve your CCSP certification, access the CCSP certification tool.

Cisco Certified Security Professional Exams & Recommended Training
Required Exam(s)
Recommended Training
642-504 SNRS Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches (SNRS)
642-524 SNAF Securing Networks with ASA Foundation (SNAF)
642-533 IPS Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention System (IPS)
Elective Exam(s) Elective Training
642-591 CANAC
OR
642-545 MARS
OR
642-515 SNAA
Implementing Cisco NAC Appliance (CANAC)
OR
Implementing Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System (MARS)
OR
Securing Networks with ASA Advanced (SNAA)

Cisco Certified Security Professional Recertification
Cisco professional level certifications (CCDA, CCNP, CCDP, CCSP, CCVP, and CCIP) are valid for three years. To recertify, pass any 642 exam that is part of the professional level curriculum or any CCIE/CCDE written exam before the certification expiration date.

Achieving or recertifying any of the certifications above automatically extends your active Associate and Professional level certification(s) up to the point of expiration of the last certification achieved. For more information, access the Cisco About Recertification page.