The CCSP certification (Cisco Certified Security Specialist) is Cisco's Professional-level security certification. Candidates who are CCSP certified are able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of designing and implementing cisco secure networks, as well as having skills in areas such as VPN's, firewalls, intrusion detection systems and security management.
The only prerequisite for registering for the CCSP exam is that candidates must hold a valid CCNA certification.
In order to become CCSP certified a candidate must pass a total of 5 exams, 4 of which are mandatory and the other is a choice from 4 different options. Each of the exams will test the candidate's knowledge in specific areas relating to network security. The exams for the CCSP certification are:
642-552 SND - Securing Cisco Network Devices (SND) - 75 mins
642-503 SNRS - Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches - 75 mins, 53 questions
642-522 SNPA - Securing Networks with PIX and ASA - 90 mins, 60-70 questions
642-532 IPS - Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention System- 90 mins, 60-70 questions
And one from the following:
642-513 HIPS - Securing Hosts Using Cisco Security Agent - 75 mins, 65-75 questions, or
642-591 CANAC - Implementing Cisco NAC Appliance - 75 mins, 60 questions, or
642-544 MARS - Implementing Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System, or
642-511 CSVPNCisco Secure Virtual Private Networks (CSVPN) - 75 mins, 55-65 questions
All exams can be taken at any Prometric or Pearson VUE testing centre, and the exam question formats follow the typical Cisco mix of multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, simulations, simlets etc.
The CCSP certification is valid for 3 years from the date the certification was awarded, after which time recertification is required. Recertification must take place before the expiration date of the existing certificate. Candidates can recertify by passing any Professional-level '642' designated exam or by passing any current written CCIE exam.
Below, and on the following pages, you'll find links to free CCSP self study resources to help you prepare for the CCSP exams. Along with study guides and practice exams, you'll find links to CCSP forums, blogs, and much more. Make sure you use the official exam objectives on the Cisco CCSP home page to guide your studying and remember to check in there regularly for updates and modifications to the exams. There are also a lot of resources listed under the other Cisco certifications as well as the Security certifications section on this site, so make sure to check those pages for more study resources.
