What is CCNA Security?
CCNA Security is one of the many certifications offered by network solution giant, Cisco. In this article, you’ll learn what CCNA security is, how difficult the exam is as well as other relevant information.
CCNA Security validates knowledge of security infrastructure and threats as well as vulnerabilities to networks and threat mitigation. It requires skills like installation, monitoring, and troubleshooting of network devices to maintain the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of data and devices.
Having a CCNA Security certification opens an opportunity for you to advance in security training which then opens the scope for job roles. Continue reading to know more about CCNA Security.
What is CCNA Security?
CCNA stands for Cisco Certified Network Associate which is an associate-level program that helps you acquire the required skills to design, implement, and also provide security for network devices.
The purpose of CCNA security is to train applicants on how to keep data and the flow of information in a system secured while also maintaining the integrity of devices and secrecy.
The syllabus of the course complies with national guidelines for cybersecurity.
You will be awarded a CCNA Security Certification when you pass the exam. This credential tells employers that you are qualified and competent to handle different network security tasks.
Cisco network system is popular and widely adopted across industries. And there is a high chance you’ll encounter Cisco’s network devices wherever you find yourself working.
So being CCNA security certified means you are an qualified in providing security to the Cisco network. Also, you’ll be able to work with all major and minor network devices and be able to install, monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot them.
Is CCNA Security hard?
CCNA Security is offered exclusively by Cisco. People that have taken the course have expressed their surprise at the depth of knowledge required to pass the course.
CCNA Security is best described as fair but difficult. You have to study well for the exam. Your study should be based on the objectives of the course.
You should also take practical/hands-on experience seriously as it’s the best way to pass the exam. CCNA Security is also approved for both DOD Level I and Level II IAT baselines.
It also typically carries more weight with private employers than both the SSCP and Security+ certs, and the certification can be a better “door opener” than either the Security+ or SSCP.
CCNA Security VS College Degree
In terms of time, material covered, and effort, CCNA Security will roughly count as two single-semester college-level courses or 6 to 8 semester hours of credit at most.
There are many people in the IT field, especial the Network Technology world who have been able to climb up the ladder without a college degree. But a degree can help.
On the other hand, an associate’s degree (lasts 2 years) will typically require about 36-45 hours of credit while a Bachelor’s degree will typically require somewhere around 110-130 hours. From the amount of time and effort, you can easily determine which one employers value the most.
You should know that CCNA Security is a basic and start-up Cisco cert and it’s not enough to get hired. Employees will hardly hire you based on the strength of a dual or single-exam certification like the CCNA Security.
You will also need gumption and prove your skillset from what you’ve learned. If you can show initiative of CCNA Security side projects to a recruiter, this will make you stand out more in the I.T. industry.
Now, there’s a positive correlation between a college degree(s) and lifetime achievement and earnings as per the Bureau of Labour Statistics.
This means a degree is your best bet and you should totally go for it if you have the time, effort, and money involved. The CCNA certification has to be renewed every three years, unlike your college degree.
But you see, a CCNA Certification is very useful. And the ideal situation will be for you to get into a degree plan and still pursue certifications as you work your way to a BA or an AA in some IT discipline.
Thankfully, there are many college programs nowadays that allow you to earn certifications on your way to your degree and this allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
What’s in the exam?
The CCNA Security exam is a 90-minute, 60-70 question CCNA Security (210-260) exam. The exam is primarily composed of multiple-choice questions.
Your knowledge of the following aspects of network security is tested – your knowledge of secure network infrastructure, VPN encryptions, firewalls, understanding core security concepts, web, and email content security, managing secure access, intrusion prevention, and endpoint security.
You’ll need to understand the fundamentals of routing, networks, and security management which in turn means you must understand network infrastructures, router databases, modern risks, hacking techniques, and threat mitigation.
It’s important you also have a solid understanding of network scaling, maintenance, and connectivity.
Below is an overview of the CCNA certification examination:
Exam Name: Implementing Cisco Network Security
CCNA Security Exam Code: 210-260 IINS
Get Detailed CCNA 210-260 Syllabus
CCNA IINS Certification Cost: $300 USD
210-260 Exam Questions: 60
Do you need CCNA to get CCNA Security?
The recommended prerequisites of CCNA Security are Cisco CCENT, CCNA Routing, and Switching, or any CCIE certification.
CCENT means Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician and it is a course that validates the skills needed for entry-level network support jobs. Here, you have the opportunity to acquire skills to install, operate as well as troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network.
CCNA Routing and Switching is a course that provides applicants with a solid foundation in technology and ensures they remain relevant with skills sets that are needed for the adoption of future technologies.
CCIE Certifications validate your end-to-end IT skills starting from planning and design to operating and optimizing.
There are many CCIE courses which include CCIE Enterprise Wireless, CCIE Security, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure, CCIE Data Center, CCIE Collaboration, CCDE, and CCIE Service Provider.
Be Prepared for a Cisco Security Role
Without responsive and modern training, it’ll be very difficult to anticipate and deal with network security threats.
You’ll need Cisco security certification and training programs to join the next generation of security experts.
Cisco has added the CyberOps certification to its portfolio to complement existing security certifications with the aim of securing digital assets.
