AnnouncementAnnouncing Retirement of Security VPN/Firewall Express SpecializationThe Cisco Security VPN/Firewall Express Specialization will retire on 1 February 2009. The last day to submit an application for the specialization will be 1 February 2008. Learn More |
The following is a comparison of time and out-of-pocket expenses* required to achieve a Cisco Security VPN/Firewall Express Specialization using either Partner Education Connection (PEC) or Instructor-Led Training (ILT), where available. As a Cisco partner you benefit by using the PEC, generally saving a significant amount of money you would otherwise invest in travel, training fees, and out-of-office time. Note: When you renew your specialization you may only incur exam costs. See below for details.
Cisco specializations and certifications represent a significant investment of time and resources. We highly recommend that you consult with your Cisco channel account manager (CAM) prior to committing to a particular specialization or certification to help ensure that there are adequate opportunities in your geography and market to warrant earning a specific specialization or certification.
* Times and costs are estimated for comparison purposes only. Your organization's investment may vary depending on the career certifications that individuals may have.
Total estimated learning hours and investment
|
Estimated Hours
|
Invested | |
| Partner Education Connection (PEC) |
48
|
$ 2,685
|
| Instructor-Led Training (ILT) |
120
|
$ 7,085
|
| Out-of-Pocket Exam Cost |
3
|
$ 375
|
| Total Savings with PEC |
72
|
$ 4,800
|
Cisco Exam Prep Guides are available for all course work required in this Specialization at an estimated cost of $65 per book.
Break-Even Point
Based on the investment estimates above, the following chart lists the revenue levels at which you would start to gain a return on your investment (ROI). This chart illustrates gross revenue from the resale of hardware at an average of 5 percent margin, or services revenue at an average of 20 percent margin.
|
Hardware Only @ 5%
|
Services @ 20%
|
|
| PEC |
$ 61,200
|
$ 15,300
|
| ILT |
$ 149,200
|
$ 37,300
|
Training and Exam Investment by Role
When you renew your specialization you may only incur exam costs.
| Account Manager: | |
| Classes are available ONLY available on PEC |
PEC
|
| Estimated hours of classes and exams |
0
|
| Out-of-Pocket Training Cost |
0
|
| Out-of-Pocket Exam Cost |
$ 45
|
| Systems Engineer: | ||
| Classes are available via PEC AND ILT |
PEC
|
ILT
|
| Estimated hours of classes and exams |
51
|
123
|
| Out-of-Pocket Training Cost |
$ 2,685
|
$ 7,085
|
| Out-of-Pocket Exam Cost |
$ 375
|
$ 375
|