Cisco Systems Inc. is a company specializing in communications and networking products and services. For providing trained professionals to solve consumers’ problems related to its products, Cisco issues various certification programs. These programs start at the entry-level, advancing a person to associate, professional, and then finally an expert. In certain programs, the topmost level is the architect level.
CCNA Security vs CCNP Security vs CCIE Security
The main difference between the three is that CCNA Security is an associate-level certificate while CCNP Security is a professional-level certificate and CCIE Security is an expert-level certificate. In CCNA Security, the candidates get an overview of the troubleshooting processes and network setups. On the other hand, CCNP security is an advanced certification while CCIE security imparts expert knowledge in the arena.
CCNA Security certification is offered in various domains like Wireless, Industrial, Cloud, Routing & Switching, Data Center, Collaboration, and Security. Its full form is Cisco Certified Network Associate. It provides all knowledge related to security like the installation process, network, troubleshooting, etc.
CCNP Security is a higher certification offered by Cisco. Its full form is Cisco Certified Network Professional Security. Candidates having this certification can choose and deploy VPNs, IDS/IPS solutions, and Firewalls easily. The syllabus of this exam is in line with the requirements of a Network Security Engineer.
CCIE Security is an expert certification offered by Cisco technologies. Its full form is Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security. A person with this certification has complete knowledge about all the products provided by Cisco.
Comparison Table Between CCNA Security, CCNP Security, and CCIE Security
| Parameters of Comparison | CCNA Security | CCNP Security | CCIE Security |
| Full-Form | Cisco Certified Network Associate Security | Cisco Certified Network Professional Security | Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security |
| Level of exam | Associate-level exam | Professional-level exam. | Expert-level exam. |
| Exams needed to be taken to earn this certificate | 210-260 Implementing Cisco Network Security (IINS) | 300-209 SIMOS, 300-208 SISAS, 300-206 SITCS, and 300-210 SITCS. | 400-251 written exam along with a lab exam |
| Scope | Topics related to security | Covers wireless networking principles and related theory | Next-generation concepts, networks functionality, related security concepts, and device hardening. |
| Prerequisite certifications | Any CCIE Certification, CCNA Routing & Switching or CCENT | Any CCIE Certification, or CCNA Security | None required |
What is CCNA Security?
This certification acts a proof of an individual’s associate level of knowledge as well skills in the security of Cisco networks. An individual who has earned this certification can now develop network infrastructure, find out threats and vulnerabilities and find ways to overcome the same.
For securing this certification, the individual needs to clear the 210-260 IINS exam in addition to holding CCIE certification. The candidate needs to secure the minimum passing marks in the exam to clear the same. In addition to this, this certificate complies with CNSS 4011. Due to this, the candidates with this certification can assist in both private sector entities and federal agencies as network security professionals.
This is in great demand as it is provided by Cisco whose networking solutions are widely used in big organizations. Its scope includes installation, troubleshoot, and monitoring of networks, etc.
What is CCNP Security?
Individuals with this certification are highly skilled and have the title of Professional. They can now handle security in a variety of devices such as switches, routers, and other devices. They also know how to choose, support, and deploy VPNs, Firewalls, and IPS/IDS solutions for networking needs.
To get this certification, the candidate needs to have CCNA Security Certification from before along with cleaning the necessary exams. The scope of these exams includes threat mitigation, concepts of BYOD, testing the knowledge of network perimeter, VPNs, and Remote Communication. Candidates who have cleared these papers have the knowledge of a Network Security Engineer.
Exams that need to be cleared to earn this certification are 300-209 SIMOS, 300-208 SISAS, 300-206 SITCS, and 300-210 SITCS.
What is CCIE Security?
This certification is an expert level one. Individuals having a passion for security can go for this certification as it promises a lucrative career in the field of security. The demand for this certification is increasing every day with the advent of new technology. It is the penultimate certification challenge in network security.
No prerequisite certification is required for this. However, Cisco advises candidates to have work experience of at least 3 to 5 years before going for it. It covers an array of topics ranging from the functionality of networks, next-generation concepts, and related security concepts. To earn this certification, a written and a practical exam need to be cleared.
Main Differences Between CCNA Security, CCNP Security, and CCIE Security
- The full form of CCNA Security is Cisco Certified Network Associate whereas CCNP Security is Cisco Certified Network Professional Security and CCIE Security is Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security.
- CCNA Security is an associate-level exam. On the other hand, CCNP Security is the professional level and CCIE Security is an expert level certification.
- To get CCNA Security certification, the 210-260 IINS exam needs to be cleared, for CCNP Security, 300-210 SITCS, 300-208 SISAS, 300-206 SENSS, and 300-209 SIMOS need to be cleared. For CCIE Security, a written, as well as a practical exam, needs to be cleared.
- While prerequisite certifications are needed for CCNA Security and CCNP Security, they are not needed for CCIE Security.
- CCNA Security familiarizes the candidate with Topics related to security, CCNP Security covers wireless networking principles and related theory and CCIE Security covers next-generation concepts, networks functionality, related security concepts, and device hardening.
Conclusion
CCNA Security, CCNP Security, and CCIE Security are important network security certifications offered by Cisco. These are great for a person wishing to start or expand his career in the field of Network Security.
These are distinct certifications differing from each other in terms of scope, exams that need to be cleared, a title given on completion, and many more. These provide great career options in the field of network security. A candidate needs to decide which certificate will help him the best in his career.
References
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=RyJ8CgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP31&dq=Difference+Between+CCNA+Security,+CCNP+Security,+and+CCIE+Security+(With+Table)&ots=NsTDQaX7t9&sig=xPII59q23sVkaB3kn23ynddo6_8
- https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=w1_dDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP38&dq=Difference+Between+CCNA+Security,+CCNP+Security,+and+CCIE+Security+(With+Table)&ots=tNknfkiRv-&sig=VCy_xGM8WmkPq61BL0kHmINSTyY