CCIE Security
This version of the CCIE Security certification has been retired as of April 27, 2020 and has been replaced by the new CCIE Security certification.
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CCIE Security certification
CCIE Security certification is for individuals who have skills to implement and maintain extensive Network Security Solutions using industry best practices.
Overview
The Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security (CCIE Security) program recognizes security experts who have the knowledge and skills to architect, engineer, implement, troubleshoot, and support the full suite of Cisco security technologies and solutions using the latest industry best practices to secure systems and environments against modern security risks, threats, vulnerabilities, and requirements.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for CCIE certification. Prior professional certifications or training courses are not required. As a CCIE Security candidate, you must first pass the written qualification exam and then the corresponding hands-on lab exam. You are expected to have an in-depth understanding of the exam topics and strongly encouraged to have three to five years of job experience before attempting certification.
Step one: CCIE Security written exam
Retired: February 24, 2020
You must pass the two-hour, written qualification exam covering network security concepts and some equipment commands before you are eligible to schedule the lab exam.
Step two: CCIE Security lab exam
Retired: April 26, 2020
The eight-hour lab exam tests your ability to get a secure network running in a timed test situation. You must make an initial attempt of the CCIE lab exam within 18-months of passing the CCIE written exam. Candidates who do not pass must reattempt the lab exam within 12 months of their last scored attempt in order for their written exam to remain valid. If you do not pass the lab exam within three years of passing the written exam, you must retake the written exam before being allowed to attempt the lab exam again.
Take exam
400-251 CCIE Security written exam
Retired: February 24, 2020
The written exam is a two-hour test with 90–110 questions that validate experts who have the knowledge and skills needed to architect, design, engineer implement, operate, and troubleshoot complex security technologies and solutions. Candidates must understand network security requirements, how different components and systems interoperate, and translate these security requirements into device configurations. The exam is closed book and no outside reference materials are allowed.
CCIE Security lab exam v5.0
Retired: April 26, 2020
The eight-hour hands-on exam requires a candidate to plan, design, implement, operate, and troubleshoot complex security scenarios for a given specification. Knowledge of troubleshooting is an important skill and candidates are expected to diagnose and solve issues as part of the CCIE Security Lab Exam.
Continuing Education
Continuing Education Program
Cisco announces a flexible and alternative method of recertification for expert-level certification holders. In addition to the existing option of passing relevant exams, candidates can choose to recertify by earning credits through the Continuing Education Program.
Resources
Data sheets
- Cisco Security Certifications Overview (PDF - 638 KB)
- (Video - 5:42 min)