Specialized Partner

To achieve an Advanced Security Specialization, partners must fulfill each defined job role: Account Manager, Systems Engineer, and Field Engineer.

Role sharing allows a single individual to fulfill similar roles across 2 or more specializations, based upon the specialization and the role. Cisco has reduced the number of unique individuals required across Express, Advanced, and Master Specializations, however, the total number of individuals required to achieve each certification level remains unchanged. A single qualified individual may fill only the AM role in up to a total of 4 specializations. A single qualified individual may fill only the SE role in up to a total of 2 specializations. A single qualified individual may fill only the FE role in up to a total of 2 specializations. Individuals may not cross-populate between the AM, SE and FE roles. SMB, CRM Express and VPN-Firewall specializations are not limited by the above allocation rules.

View the Return on Investment for this specialization.

Refer to the Specialization Role Requirements Comparison Chart to view how exams relate to each Cisco specialization and roles.

Note that effective October 31, 2008 there are no longer separate courses and exams for Lifecycle Services for the AM or SE roles.

The Advanced Security Specialization role requirements are as follows:

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Note: Partners can only hold a single specialization in a given technology. For example:

• A partner cannot hold a VPN/Security Specialization and an Advanced Security Specialization.
• If a partner achieves the Advanced Security Specialization before their current VPN/Security Specialization expires, the older specialization will be rendered invalid.

Note: If a partner does not remain in compliance with the applicable specialization or certification requirements, Cisco reserves the right to revoke the specialization or certification. Partners must notify Cisco of its non-compliance promptly, but in no event more than thirty (30) days after partner first becomes aware of its non-compliance. Upon receipt of such notice, partner may qualify for an extension of time in which to renew its compliance with the applicable specialization or certification requirements. Partner's failure to provide such notice may disqualify partner from receiving such an extension. If no extension is granted or if partner fails to comply with the certification or specialization requirements by the end of the extension period, Cisco reserves the right to revoke the applicable specialization or certification immediately. Additional information regarding non-compliance may be found in the Audit and Policies Document.