Ccnp Security Course Outline ((full)) -

This paper outlines the core competencies and specialized modules within the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security certification. To earn this professional-level credential, candidates must pass two exams: a core exam covering foundational security technologies and one security concentration exam of their choice.

1. Core Exam: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR 350-701)

The core exam focuses on your knowledge of security infrastructure. It is a prerequisite for the CCNP Security and the CCIE Security certifications.

Security Concepts: Fundamental principles including common threats against on-premises and cloud environments, security components (NGFW, ESA, WSA, ISE), and the Cisco SAFE architectural framework.

Network Security: Implementing and troubleshooting secure network solutions such as Site-to-Site VPNs, Remote Access VPNs, and Layer 2 security features (DHCP snooping, Dynamic ARP Inspection).

Securing the Cloud: Identifying security solutions for cloud environments (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS) and implementing Cisco Umbrella and Cisco Cloudlock for visibility and threat protection.

Content Security: Configuring and managing Cisco Email Security Appliance (ESA) and Web Security Appliance (WSA) to protect against malware and data loss.

Endpoint Protection and Detection: Deploying Cisco Secure Endpoint (formerly AMP) and implementing Out-of-Band (OOB) management.

Secure Network Access, Visibility, and Enforcement: Utilizing Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for AAA (Authentication, Authorization, and Accounting) and NetFlow for network telemetry. 2. Concentration Exams (Choose One) ccnp security course outline

Candidates must select one specialized exam to complete their CCNP Security certification:

SNCF (300-710): Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower. Focuses on Cisco Firepower Next-Generation Firewalls and Firepower Management Center (FMC).

SISE (300-715): Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine. Deep dive into ISE architecture, profiling, and BYOD security policies.

SESA (300-720): Securing Email with Cisco Email Security Appliance. Specialized training on ESA features like spam filters, encryption, and virus protection.

SWSA (300-725): Securing the Web with Cisco Web Security Appliance. Focused on WSA configuration, proxy services, and data security.

SVPN (300-730): Implementing Secure Solutions with Virtual Private Networks. Advanced VPN technologies including DMVPN, FlexVPN, and AnyConnect.

SAUTO (300-735): Automating and Programming Cisco Security Solutions. Covers NetDevOps workflows, Python scripting, and using APIs with Cisco security products. 3. Target Audience & Prerequisites

Experience: It is recommended that candidates have three to five years of experience implementing security solutions. This paper outlines the core competencies and specialized

Roles: This course is ideal for Network Security Engineers, Systems Engineers, and Network Managers.

Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites for taking the exams, though a solid understanding of CCNA-level networking is highly encouraged.

The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security certification is a professional-level credential designed to validate the skills required for security-focused roles in complex enterprise environments. To achieve this certification, a candidate must pass two exams: a mandatory core exam and one concentration exam of their choice. This structure allows professionals to tailor their learning to specific technical interests or job requirements.

The foundation of the certification is the Core Exam (SCOR 350-701), which focuses on implementing and operating Cisco security core technologies. The syllabus for this exam is comprehensive, covering six primary domains. It begins with network security, addressing fundamental concepts like defense-in-depth and the implementation of secure protocols. This is followed by cloud security, which emphasizes protecting cloud-based infrastructures and applications. The core curriculum also includes content security for email and web traffic, as well as endpoint protection and detection. Significant portions of the course are dedicated to secure network access—using tools like the Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE)—and network visibility and enforcement.

Following the core requirement, candidates must select one concentration exam. These specialized modules allow for deeper expertise in specific areas of the security landscape. Options typically include: Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower (SNCF)

Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine (SISE) Securing Email with Cisco Email Security Appliance (SESA) Securing the Web with Cisco Web Security Appliance (SWSA)

Implementing Secure Solutions with Virtual Private Networks (SVPN) Automating and Programming Cisco Security Solutions (SAUTO)

Each of these concentration areas provides practical, hands-on knowledge. For example, the VPN module focuses on site-to-site and remote access solutions, while the automation track introduces Python programming and APIs to streamline security operations. Cloud Lock (for AWS/Azure)

The CCNP Security course outline is strategically designed to bridge the gap between foundational knowledge and expert-level implementation. By combining a broad core understanding with a specialized elective, Cisco ensures that certified professionals are equipped to handle modern threats, manage complex security architectures, and support the evolving needs of digital enterprises. This dual-exam approach not only validates technical proficiency but also prepares candidates for the CCIE Security lab, should they choose to pursue the expert-level tier.

2. Target Audience & Prerequisites

Target Audience: Network security engineers, security administrators, network architects, and IT professionals responsible for securing Cisco routing, switching, and wireless infrastructures.
Recommended Prerequisites:
- CCNA certification (or equivalent knowledge of networking fundamentals).
- Familiarity with basic security concepts (firewalls, VPNs, access control).
- 3–5 years of experience in networking and security operations.

Module 6: Security Automation & Orchestration

REST API Security (Authentication, Rate Limiting)
Python Scripting for Security (Automating Firewall/ISE changes)
Cisco DNA Center Security APIs
Threat Intelligence & Incident Response Workflows

Module 4: Endpoint Protection & Detection

Antivirus/Anti-Malware (AMP for Endpoints)
Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
Cisco Secure Endpoint (formerly AMP)
File & Network Trajectory Analysis

Part 5: Why This Outline Matters for Your Career

The CCNP Security outline is a mirror of the modern SOC (Security Operations Center).

If you handle firewalls: The SNCF (Firepower) track teaches you how to stop threats inline.
If you handle access control: The SISE (ISE) track makes you the gatekeeper of the network.
If you handle remote workers: The SVPN track ensures encrypted connectivity without performance loss.

Salary Expectation: In the US, a CCNP Security holder earns between $110,000 and $150,000, depending on geography and the concentration exam chosen.

Recertification: Your CCNP Security is valid for three years. You can recertify by earning Continuing Education (CE) credits, passing a higher exam (CCIE), or passing a core or concentration exam again.

Part 4: How to Use This Course Outline for Study

Do not study linearly like a novel. Use this hierarchical approach:

Week 1-4 (Core) : Focus on Domains 2 (Network Security) and 4 (Secure Connectivity) . Master 802.1X on a switch and build a Site-to-Site VPN.
Week 5-7 (Core) : Cover Domain 6 (Endpoint & Cloud). Learn how Umbrella filters DNS.
Week 8-12 (Concentration) : Live inside Firepower. Configure FMC, build a dozen Access Control Policies, and test blocking ransomware file extensions.
Final 2 Weeks: Practice the infamous "Challenge Labs" – where you are given a broken network (e.g., VPN not coming up due to mismatched IKE lifetime) and must fix it in 15 minutes.

Course Outline for SCOR (350-701)

The SCOR curriculum is divided into six major domains. The percentages indicate the weighting of questions on the exam.

Module D: Next-Gen Intrusion Prevention System (NGIPS)

Snort 3 vs. Snort 2: The modern engine (multi-threaded, better performance).
Intrusion Rules: Custom rules using Shared Object Rules or standard text rules.
Variables: Properly setting HOME_NET and EXTERNAL_NET to reduce false positives.
FTP & Telnet Decoders: Normalizing traffic to prevent evasion attacks.

Domain 6: Endpoint Protection & Cloud Security (20%)

Securing what connects to the network.

AMP (Advanced Malware Protection): File trajectory analysis, retrospection, and Endpoint Isolation.
Orbital (Endpoint Visibility): Querying endpoints for vulnerabilities.
Cloud Security: Cisco Umbrella (DNS-layer security), Cloud Lock (for AWS/Azure), and Email Security (ESA) – filtering for BEC (Business Email Compromise).
Orchestration & Automation: Basics of REST APIs and Python scripts for pushing ACLs to firewalls.