Best for: Firewall Administrators and Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts.
The CCNP Security course outline is intimidating, but it is also the most practical certification for modern networking. A CCNA shows you can route packets; a CCNP Security shows you can stop malicious packets.
By mastering the 350-701 SCOR (policy, cloud, and infrastructure) and a concentration like 300-710 SNCF (NGFW management), you prove you can architect a Zero-Trust solution, harden cloud perimeters, and stop ransomware at the gateway.
Next Steps: Download the official Cisco exam blueprints (v1.1 as of 2025), subscribe to a lab platform (Cisco DevNet Sandbox or EVE-NG Community), and start with configuring a simple IPsec tunnel. The outline is your map; the lab is your engine.
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security certification is a professional-level credential designed to validate the skills required for security-focused roles in complex enterprise environments. To achieve this certification, a candidate must pass two exams: a mandatory core exam and one concentration exam of their choice. This structure allows professionals to tailor their learning to specific technical interests or job requirements.
The foundation of the certification is the Core Exam (SCOR 350-701), which focuses on implementing and operating Cisco security core technologies. The syllabus for this exam is comprehensive, covering six primary domains. It begins with network security, addressing fundamental concepts like defense-in-depth and the implementation of secure protocols. This is followed by cloud security, which emphasizes protecting cloud-based infrastructures and applications. The core curriculum also includes content security for email and web traffic, as well as endpoint protection and detection. Significant portions of the course are dedicated to secure network access—using tools like the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)—and network visibility and enforcement.
Following the core requirement, candidates must select one concentration exam. These specialized modules allow for deeper expertise in specific areas of the security landscape. Options typically include: Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower (SNCF)
Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine (SISE) Securing Email with Cisco Email Security Appliance (SESA) Securing the Web with Cisco Web Security Appliance (SWSA)
Implementing Secure Solutions with Virtual Private Networks (SVPN) Automating and Programming Cisco Security Solutions (SAUTO)
Each of these concentration areas provides practical, hands-on knowledge. For example, the VPN module focuses on site-to-site and remote access solutions, while the automation track introduces Python programming and APIs to streamline security operations.
The CCNP Security course outline is strategically designed to bridge the gap between foundational knowledge and expert-level implementation. By combining a broad core understanding with a specialized elective, Cisco ensures that certified professionals are equipped to handle modern threats, manage complex security architectures, and support the evolving needs of digital enterprises. This dual-exam approach not only validates technical proficiency but also prepares candidates for the CCIE Security lab, should they choose to pursue the expert-level tier.
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security certification is a professional-level credential designed to validate your skills in securing complex network infrastructures. To earn this certification, you must pass two exams: the mandatory Core Exam (SCOR 350-701) and one Concentration Exam of your choice. 1. Mandatory Core Exam: SCOR 350-701
The Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) exam covers the foundational knowledge required for any security professional.
Security Concepts (25%): Common threats in on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments; security vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
Network Security (20%): Comparing IPS and firewall solutions; implementing network foundation protection (NFP) and securing routing protocols.
Securing the Cloud (15%): Security solutions for cloud environments and shared responsibility models.
Content Security (15%): Implementing web proxy redirection, authentication, and Cisco Umbrella.
Endpoint Protection and Detection (10%): Comparing EPP and EDR solutions; managing malware and outbreaks. ccnp security course outline
Secure Network Access, Visibility, and Enforcement (15%): Identity management concepts (BYOD, profiling, posture) and Cisco ISE basics. 2. Concentration Exam Options
You must choose one of the following to complete your CCNP Security certification: Exclusive Cisco CCNP Security Syllabus - Updated 2026
Module 1: Adaptive Security Appliance (v9.14) ASA Overview and History. ASA deployment. Bootstrapping and basic ASA configuration. Network Kings
Cisco CCNP Security Gets a Major Upgrade: What You Need to Know
To earn the CCNP Security certification, candidates must pass two exams: the core exam (SCOR 350-701) and one security concentration exam of their choice. The curriculum focuses on securing enterprise networks through firewalls, VPNs, identity management, and automation. 1. Core Exam: 350-701 SCOR
The Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) exam serves as the foundation, covering six critical domains:
Security Concepts (25%): Threat intelligence, common attacks (phishing, social engineering), cryptography, and cloud service models (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS).
Network Security (20%): Configuring firewalls (NGFW), site-to-site and remote access VPNs, and NetFlow-based threat detection.
Securing the Cloud (15%): Application and data security in hybrid/cloud environments and implementing DevSecOps principles.
Content Security (15%): Configuring email security features and web security via Cisco Umbrella and proxy redirection.
Endpoint Protection and Detection (10%): Antimalware (AMP), endpoint management, and multi-factor authentication.
Secure Network Access, Visibility, and Enforcement (15%): Implementing 802.1X, AAA protocols (RADIUS/TACACS+), and network segmentation. 2. Concentration Exams (Choose One)
Candidates specialize by passing one of the following exams, each focusing on a specific technology or solution: Exam Code Key Topics Covered 300-710 SNCF Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower
Deployment of Cisco Firepower NGFW and NGIPS, policy management, and troubleshooting. 300-715 SISE Implementing and Configuring Cisco ISE
Identity Services Engine (ISE) configuration, 802.1X, BYOD, and guest access. 300-720 SESA Securing Email with Cisco ESA
Protection against SPAM, phishing, and malware using Email Security Appliances. 300-725 SWSA Securing the Web with Cisco WSA
Web filtering, transparent user identification, and proxy configuration. 300-730 SVPN Implementing Secure Solutions with VPNs As workloads shift to AWS, Azure, and GCP,
Site-to-site (DMVPN, FlexVPN) and remote access VPN solutions. 300-735 SAUTO Automation for Cisco Security
Programming security tasks using Python and Ansible via APIs. Quick Facts for Candidates
Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites for taking the exams, though 3–5 years of security experience is recommended.
Training Resources: Official study materials are available through Cisco Press.
Certification Validity: The CCNP Security certification is valid for three years. CCNP Security certification - Cisco
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security certification validates your skills with enterprise security solutions. To earn the full certification, you must pass two exams: a core exam and one security concentration exam of your choice. 🛡️ Core Exam: SCOR 350-701
Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR)
exam is the mandatory foundation. It covers the essential technologies every security professional needs to master. Security Concepts
: Risk management, common vulnerabilities, and cryptography. Network Security
: Protecting the data plane, management plane, and control plane. Securing the Cloud
: Identifying security responsibilities in SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS models. Content Security : Implementing web and email security appliances (ESA/WSA). Endpoint Protection : Deploying Cisco AMP and antivirus solutions. Network Access & Enforcement : Managing identities via Cisco ISE and 802.1X. 🎯 Concentration Exams (Choose One)
You can customize your CCNP based on your specific job role or interest area. 🔌 Securing Networks with Firewalls (SNCF) Focuses on Cisco Firepower (Next-Generation Firewall).
Covers policy management, NAT, and advanced threat detection. 🌐 Implementing Secure Solutions with VPNs (SVPN) Focuses on Site-to-Site and Remote Access VPNs. , FlexVPN, and AnyConnect. 🏢 Securing Networks with Cisco ISE (SISE) Deep dive into Identity Services Engine Covers profiling, posture, guest access, and BYOD policies. ☁️ Securing the Cloud (SCAZT) Focuses on Cisco Umbrella , Cloudlock, and Stealthwatch Cloud.
Emphasizes Zero Trust architecture and cloud-native security. 🤖 Security Automation and Programmability (SAUTO)
Focuses on using APIs and Python to automate security tasks. Covers Cisco Firepower, ISE, and Umbrella automation. 🎓 Prerequisites & Experience No formal prerequisites : You do not need the CCNA to take the CCNP. Recommended Experience : Three to five years implementing security solutions. Knowledge Level
: You should understand IP networking and basic security concepts. 💼 Career Opportunities Earning this certification prepares you for roles such as: Network Security Engineer Systems Engineer Information Security Analyst Security Architect if you tell me: concentration exam interests you most? hours per week can you dedicate to studying? Do you have access to lab equipment or simulation software (like CML or GNS3)? Let me know your current experience level so I can suggest the best resources to start!
This domain focuses on securing the infrastructure itself. Device and Infrastructure Security (6 hours)
Knowing the outline is half the battle. Execution is the other half.
Step 1: The Official Certification Guide (OCG) Buy the CCNP Security Core SCOR 350-701 Official Cert Guide by Omar Santos. Read it once for breadth, then a second time for depth.
Step 2: Video Training Platforms like CBT Nuggets, INE, or Pluralsight provide structured labs. Watch a video, then immediately replicate the lab.
Step 3: White Papers Cisco exams are notorious for asking about specific error codes (e.g., ISE authentication failures). You cannot find these in books; you must read Cisco’s configuration guides online.
Step 4: Practice Exams Use Boson or AlphaPrep. Do not memorize the answers—read every explanation for why the wrong answers are wrong.
The Lab Strategy: The 350-701 SCOR exam includes simulation items (drag-and-drop, fill-in-the-blank, and full simlets). Practice the following five labs until they are muscle memory:
As workloads shift to AWS, Azure, and GCP, the security stack must follow.
Device and Infrastructure Security (6 hours)
Cisco ASA/Firewall Fundamentals (6 hours)
Cisco Firepower/NGFW (6 hours)
VPN Technologies (6 hours)
Identity and Access Control (ISE) (5 hours)
Secure Routing and Segmentation (4 hours)
Advanced Threat Protection & Endpoint Security (4 hours)
Logging, Monitoring, and Incident Response (3 hours)
Troubleshooting and Exam Prep Lab (7–10 hours)
The SCOR exam is the heart of the CCNP Security. It covers the foundational technologies you must master before specializing. Passing this exam also fulfills the written requirement for the CCIE Security.
The outline for SCOR is divided into six major domains.
The CCNP Security course outline is a comprehensive roadmap designed to transform a knowledgeable networker into a security specialist. By balancing a robust core curriculum with the flexibility of specialized concentration exams, Cisco ensures that certified professionals are versatile yet expertly skilled in specific domains. Whether your focus is on Firepower firewalls, Identity Services, or Security Automation, this certification provides the validation needed to advance in the cybersecurity industry.