IT Certification and Career Paths

Cisco VPN Security Specialist

VPN Security Specialist

Learn more about the VPN Security Specialist certification.

The Cisco VPN Security Specialist certification recognizes security professionals with the skills and knowledge to configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and support various VPN solutions, using Cisco IOS Software and the robust Cisco ASA adaptive security appliance. Cisco VPN solutions are widely deployed in many networks today. Many enterprises and service providers deploy these numerous VPN solutions at any given time for their various customers and organizations—from simple point-to-point tunneling to multilayer dynamic high-availability VPNs.

Prerequisites

Valid Cisco CCNA Security or any Cisco CCIE certification can act as a prerequisite.

Exams & Recommended Training

Required Exam(s) Recommended Training
642-637 SECURE Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches (SECURE)
642-648 VPN Deploying Cisco ASA VPN Solutions (VPN)

The best way to prepare for the certification is to take the Cisco-approved training:

Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches (SECURE)

The Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches (SECURE) 1.0 course is aimed at providing network security engineers with the knowledge and skills needed to secure Cisco IOS Software router- and switch-based networks, and provide security services based on Cisco IOS Software.
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Deploying Cisco ASA VPN Solutions (VPN)

The Deploying Cisco ASA VPN Solutions (VPN) 2.0 course is aimed at at choosing, configuring, and troubleshooting the majority of Cisco ASA adaptive security appliance remote access and site-to-site VPN features to reduce risk to IT infrastructure and its applications.
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Self-Study Materials

Learning Partner Content

  • Partners: Log in for Partner Education Connection (PEC) curricula.
  • Learning Partner Lounges - Find materials provided by Cisco Authorized Learning Partners.

To earn this Cisco certification, you must pass the following exam(s):

642-637 SECURE

The Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches (SECURE v1.0) exam is associated with the CCSP and CCNP Security certifications. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills needed to secure Cisco IOS Software router and switch-based networks, and provide security services based on Cisco IOS Software. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches course.

642-648 VPN

Deploying Cisco ASA VPN Solutions (VPN) exam is associated with the CCSP, CCNP Security, Cisco ASA Specialist and Cisco IPS Specialist certifications. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge and skills needed to deploy Cisco ASA-based VPN solutions. Successful candidates will be able to reduce risk to the IT infrastructure and applications using Cisco ASA VPN features, and provide detailed operations support for the Cisco ASA. Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Deploying Cisco ASA VPN Solutions (VPN) course.

Cisco Specialist certifications are valid for two years. To recertify, pass ONE of the following before the certification expiration date:

  • Pass a 642-XXX Security professional-level written exam, or
  • Pass the current CCIE written exam, or
  • Pass the current CCDE written exam, or current CCDE Practical Exam
  • Pass the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) interview AND the CCAr board review

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