CCNA Security
Available February 24, 2020: Updates to the CCNA certification and training program
On February 24, 2020, Cisco will release a new, consolidated CCNA exam. If you have started working toward CCNA Security certification, keep going. If you earn CCNA Security before February 24, then on February 24, you will keep your CCNA Security and you will receive the new CCNA certification plus a training badge.
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CCNA Security certification
Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security) validates associate-level knowledge and skills required to secure Cisco networks.
Overview
Why certify?
With a CCNA Security certification, a network professional demonstrates the skills required to develop a security infrastructure, recognize threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and mitigate security threats. The CCNA Security curriculum emphasizes core security technologies, the installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality and availability of data and devices, and competency in the technologies that Cisco uses in its security structure.
Prerequisites
Any valid Cisco CCENT, CCNA Routing and Switching, or any CCIE certification can act as a prerequisite.
Migration to the new program
The new CCNA certification replaces the current CCNA certifications for:
If you have started working toward any current CCNA or CCDA certification, keep going. You have until February 23, 2020 to complete your current CCNA/CCDA.
- If you complete any current CCNA/CCDA certification before February 24, you’ll receive the new CCNA certification and a training badge in the corresponding technology area.
- If you already have Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) certification and would like to earn CCNA, you have until February 23 to complete your CCNA certification in the current program. As of February 24, you will need to take the new exam to complete CCNA certification.
Exams and recommended training
Last date to test: February 23, 2020
| Required exam | Recommended training |
|---|---|
| 210-260 IINS | Implementing Cisco Network Security (IINS) |
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For a complete list of available network security training, visit the Security training page.
Exam information
To earn the Cisco CCNA Security certification, you must pass the following exam:
210-260 IINS
Last date to test: February 23, 2020
This exam tests the candidate's knowledge of secure network infrastructure, understanding core security concepts, managing secure access, VPN encryption, firewalls, intrusion prevention, web and email content security, and endpoint security. This exam validates skills for installation, troubleshooting, and monitoring of a secure network to maintain integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and devices.
Prepare and practice
Classroom training
The best way to prepare for this certification is to take the Cisco-approved training:
Implementing Cisco Network Security (IINS)
The course focuses on security principles and technologies, using Cisco security products to provide hands-on examples. Using instructor-led discussions, extensive hands-on lab exercises, and supplemental materials, this course allows learners to understand common security concepts, and deploy basic security techniques utilizing a variety of popular security appliances within a "real-life" network infrastructure.
Recertification
On February 24, 2020, the recertification policy for this exam will be changing.
To recertify, pass ONE of the following before the certification expiration date:
- Pass any current Associate-level exam except for ICND1 exam or
- Pass any current 642-XXX Professional-level or any 300-XXX Professional-level exam, or
- Pass any current 642-XXX Cisco Specialist exam (excluding Sales Specialist exams or MeetingPlace Specialist exams, Implementing Cisco TelePresence Installations (ITI) exams, Cisco Leading Virtual Classroom Instruction exams, or any 650 online exams), or
- Pass any current CCIE Written Exam, or
- Pass the current CCDE Written Exam OR current CCDE Practical Exam, or
- Pass the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) interview AND the CCAr board review to extend lower certifications
When using a higher level of certification to extend other certifications, the expiration date of other certifications will extend to the expiration date of the higher certification (i.e.: If you have one year left on your CCNA Security certification and you earn a CCIE certification (which has a two-year certification life) then both your CCIE certification and your CCNA Security certification will expire two years from the date you achieved the CCIE certification).
Recognition
DoD 8570 recognition
The United States Department of Defense has certified the Cisco CCNA Security, Cisco CCNP Security, and Cisco Cybersecurity Specialist (SCYBER) Certifications as DoD 8570.01-M compliant.
Resources
Data sheets
- Security certification comparison chart (PDF - 57 KB)
- Cisco Security certifications overview (PDF - 957 KB)
Case studies
Frequently asked questions
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