The CIAG Training program coordinates with Cisco Security Training and the Cisco Networking Academy program to incorporate government workforce security training requirements into the Cisco training syllabi. By including the government requirements into the Cisco training program, we can increase the inherent value of these certifications, making them more interchangeable between the public and private sector. Furthermore, the initiatives of the government are supported through an increase in pre-trained, qualified IT professionals. Cisco is willing to offer its expertise to help the federal government fill the need for more and better skilled IA workers. Few companies can offer the depth and breadth of widely recognized training and certification programs as Cisco can.
Cisco has additionally received award and formal certification from the U.S. NSA and CNSS recognizing that the Cisco CCSP certification meets the 4013A training standard for system administrators in federal departments and agencies. In addition, the CNSS recertified that Cisco's security training courseware meets the 4011 training standard for information security professionals in the federal government.
Committee on National Security Systems
As a result of a joint initiative between the Critical Infrastructure Assurance Group (CIAG) and the Certification and Learning Development group, Cisco Systems Inc. was awarded formal certification from the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS)
and the National Security Agency (NSA) recognizing that Cisco security courseware meets the federal standard for information assurance (IA) professionals, (NSTISSI No. 4011).
The CNSS represents a broad cross-section of federal departments and agencies and sets the training standards for IA professionals in government and industry. The security of critical infrastructures depends largely on the readiness of its workforce, and the CNSS standards specify the minimum knowledge, skills, and abilities required to execute the duties and responsibilities of Information Systems Security professionals. These standards ensure that IA professionals in government and industry are trained to oversee and protect national security information systems.
This certification enhances Cisco's ability to provide end-to-end solutions to our government partners with products, services, and training scaled to meet their needs. Cisco is the only industry vendor to provide training programs and certifications recognized by the CNSS as meeting the 4011 standard. By working with CNSS to show how Cisco curriculum parallels specific elements of the 4011 standard, the CIAG and ILSG teams have provided the government and industry with a global training program capable of delivering a ready workforce to oversee and protect critical infrastructures and the networks they depend on.
CNSS (NSTISSI) 4011 FAQs
- What Cisco security curriculum maps to the CNSS (NSTISSI) No. 4011 standard?
Refer to the following courses and associated exams: Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professional.
- Where can I find more information about this CNSS (NSTISSI) No. 4011 standard?
http://www.cnss.gov/Assets/pdf/nstissi_4011.pdf 
(PDF - 52 KB)
- Are there other vendors or institutions that can certify people under the CNSS (NSTISSI) No. 4011 standard?
Yes. While Cisco Systems, Inc. is currently the only industry vendor to provide training programs and certifications recognized by the CNSS as meeting the 4011 standard, various institutions of higher learning have also been similarly approved. For a list of certified institutions, visit: IA Courseware Evaluation Program Institutions.
- What subjects are tested in each of the exams?
You can review the exam descriptions for any current exam to gain a better understanding of what will be tested. Visit http://www.cisco.com/go/ccsp for more information on exams.
- How can I find the appropriate training to prepare for these exams?
Go to http://www.cisco.com/go/training to search for the courses recommended for each exam. These courses are available in multiple delivery formats including e-learning and instructor-led training through the global network of authorized Cisco Learning Partners.
- How much does an exam cost?
In the United States and Canada, US$125. The price internationally ranges from US$125. to US$150, depending upon the location and currency fluctuation.
- Where do I go to register for these exams?
You can register for and take any Cisco exam through either Pearson VUE (Virtual University Enterprises) or Prometric.
- Pearson VUE (Virtual University Enterprises) In U.S. and Canada visit http://www.vue.com/cisco or call 1-800-829-NETS (6387)-option 2, then 4 To register for an exam. Outside U.S. and Canada, check http://www.vue.com/cisco for more information.
- Prometric. In U.S. and Canada visit http://www.2test.com or call 1-800-829-NETS (6387)-option 2, then 4 to register for an exam. Outside U.S. and Canada, check http://www.2test.com for more information.
- How can I can I make sure I receive the most current information from Cisco regarding training and certification benefits, opportunities and programs?
Visit our web site at http://www.cisco.com/go/training for the most current information. Also, make sure that your current email address is reflected in your certification profile and that you have opted in to receive updates to the program. To review your profile, visit the Certifications Tracking System at www.cisco.com/go/certifications/login.
- Where can I find more information about Cisco's support of the CNSS (NSTISSI) No. 4011 standard?
Go to the following link: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/learning/le3/whats_new/infosec.html.
