CCNP Security Certification: Complete 2026 Guide to Exams, Cost, and Career Path
If you want to move from networking into enterprise security engineering, the CCNP Security Certification gives you a structured way to validate Cisco security skills. This guide explains the exam path, requirements, costs, concentration choices, and preparation strategy for IT professionals.
The CCNP Security Certification is a Cisco professional-level credential earned by passing the 350-701 SCOR core exam and one concentration exam. The core exam costs US400,whileaconcentrationexamcostsUS300 before applicable taxes. Candidates can choose from firewall, identity, cloud access, or security infrastructure concentrations. Cisco lists no formal prerequisites, but strong networking, security, and hands-on Cisco experience are recommended. The credential is valid for three years and can be renewed through exams or Continuing Education credits afterward.
What Is the CCNP Security Certification?
A ccnp security certificate validates the ability to implement and operate security technologies across enterprise networks, cloud environments, endpoints, identity systems, and security infrastructure.
The certification is broader than learning one firewall product. SCOR covers network security, cloud security, content security, endpoint protection and detection, secure network access, visibility, and enforcement. The concentration exam lets you demonstrate a focused skill set.
Cisco’s structure combines a common security foundation with a specialist pathway. Passing the core exam awards the Cisco Certified Specialist – Security Core certification. Passing a concentration exam also awards a related specialist certification. Completing both requirements earns the CCNP Security credential.
CCNP Security Certification Path
The certification path has two required stages:
Pass 350-701 SCOR, Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies.
Pass one approved CCNP Security concentration exam.
You do not need to pass every concentration exam. Select the option that matches your work and target role. A firewall administrator may select SNCF, while a cloud security professional may find SSCA more relevant.
CCNP Security Exam Code and Current Options
350-701 SCOR core exam
The CCNP Security core exam code is 350-701 SCOR, Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies.
Cisco currently lists these details:
Exam duration: 120 minutes.
Price: US$400 before applicable taxes.
Languages: English and Japanese.
Prerequisites: None.
Validity: Three years.
SCOR is not limited to command memorization. You should be able to interpret a requirement, select an appropriate control, understand dependencies, and troubleshoot the result. Passing it also earns the Cisco Certified Specialist – Security Core certification.
300-710 SNCF: Securing Networks with Cisco Firewalls
SNCF focuses on Cisco Secure Firewall and Secure Firewall Management Center. It covers policy configuration, integrations, deployment, management, and troubleshooting.
Duration: 90 minutes.
Price: US$300 before applicable taxes.
Languages: English and Japanese.
Choose SNCF for firewall policies, traffic inspection, management center workflows, and access troubleshooting.
300-715 SISE: Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine
SISE focuses on Cisco Identity Services Engine and identity-based network access. Its subjects include architecture, deployment, policy enforcement, WebAuth and guest services, profiling, BYOD, endpoint compliance, and network device administration.
Duration: 90 minutes.
Price: US$300 before applicable taxes.
Languages: English and Japanese.
This concentration suits professionals working with authentication, authorization, network access control, and identity-driven segmentation.
300-740 SSCA: Designing and Implementing Secure Cloud Access for Users and Endpoints
SSCA covers cloud security architecture, user and device security, network and cloud security, application and data security, visibility, assurance, and threat response.
Duration: 90 minutes.
Price: US$300 before applicable taxes.
Language: English.
SSCA suits candidates moving into cloud security, secure access design, and endpoint risk.
300-745 SDSI: Designing Cisco Security Infrastructure
SDSI focuses on security architecture and infrastructure design, including secure infrastructure, applications, risk, events, requirements, artificial intelligence, automation, and DevSecOps.
Duration: 90 minutes.
Price: US$300 before applicable taxes.
Languages: English and Japanese.
Select SDSI for architecture decisions, automation, secure development, and infrastructure requirements. These are Cisco’s current CCNP Security concentration options.
CCNP Security Certification Requirements
Cisco lists no formal prerequisites for the SCOR core exam or the concentration exams. You do not need to hold CCNA first, and Cisco does not require a university degree or a specific job title.
However, the exams are not beginner-level. You should ideally have:
Working knowledge of IPv4, IPv6, routing, switching, VPNs, and network troubleshooting.
Familiarity with least privilege, segmentation, authentication, encryption, monitoring, and incident response.
Exposure to Cisco security platforms, configuration logic, and operational workflows.
Access to labs, simulations, or a safe environment for testing security decisions.
Candidates with only theoretical knowledge may struggle with scenario-based questions, which require you to explain why a control is suitable and how to validate or troubleshoot it.
CCNP Security Certification Cost
The minimum published exam cost is US700beforetaxes:US400 for SCOR plus US$300 for one concentration exam. Cisco’s general exam pricing page identifies these as standard professional-level prices, although the final amount may vary by country, currency, tax, and scheduling channel.
Training, labs, study resources, practice exams, and retakes can increase the total. Compare the instructor, lab quality, update policy, and support before enrolling.
How to Choose the Best CCNP Security Concentration Exam
There is no single best concentration for every candidate. Use your target role as the decision filter:
Choose SNCF for firewall engineering and Cisco Secure Firewall operations.
Choose SISE for identity services, access control, profiling, and network admission.
Choose SSCA for cloud security, endpoint access, and secure access architecture.
Choose SDSI for security architecture, automation, DevSecOps, and infrastructure design.
If two options seem relevant, compare the official exam topics with your current projects. The option that matches your daily work usually provides more meaningful practice.
What Effective CCNP Security Training Should Include
Good CCNP Security training should connect the exam blueprint to configuration and troubleshooting decisions. Whether you choose classroom learning, self-study, or CCNP Security online training, look for:
A current syllabus mapped to SCOR and concentration objectives.
Explanations of architecture, security policy, and operational trade-offs.
Hands-on labs involving secure access, firewall policy, identity, cloud access, or infrastructure design.
Original practice questions with answer reviews and progress checks.
A CCNP Security bootcamp can help when you already have a foundation and need concentrated revision. It is not a replacement for missing fundamentals. The best ccnp security training fits your skill level, study time, and chosen concentration.
A Practical Study Plan
Use a diagnostic test or exam-topic checklist, then follow a staged plan:
Weeks 1–2: Review network security, routing, switching, VPNs, identity, encryption, and troubleshooting.
Weeks 3–5: Study SCOR and create notes around technologies, use cases, dependencies, and failure points.
Weeks 6–7: Perform hands-on labs and practise interpreting logs, policies, access decisions, and security events.
Weeks 8–9: Study the selected concentration and map each objective to a lab or workplace example.
Final week: Complete timed practice, review weak domains, and confirm exam logistics.
Keep a mistake log that records the tested concept, why your answer failed, and the evidence supporting the correct answer.
Is the CCNP Security Certification Worth It?
It can be valuable if your work involves Cisco security infrastructure or if you want a structured route into network security engineering. It can support roles such as security network engineer, firewall engineer, security analyst, consultant, identity access engineer, and cloud security engineer.
The credential is not a substitute for project experience. Combine it with documented labs, architecture diagrams, change plans, and troubleshooting examples to demonstrate real capability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn CCNP Security with one exam?
No. You need 350-701 SCOR and one approved concentration exam. Passing only one exam can earn a Cisco Specialist certification, but it does not complete the CCNP Security requirements.
Do I need CCNA first?
No formal CCNA prerequisite is listed. CCNA-level networking knowledge is still a sensible foundation because the professional exams assume that you understand network behavior and troubleshooting.
How long is the certification valid?
CCNP Security is valid for three years. Cisco allows certification holders to maintain their status through qualifying exams or Continuing Education credits.
Should I take the core or concentration exam first?
Many candidates take SCOR first and then select a concentration based on their strongest work experience. The exams are separate, so choose the order that fits your preparation and scheduling needs.
Are exam dumps a good preparation method?
No. Dumps do not build configuration, design, or troubleshooting ability and may contain inaccurate or unauthorized content. Use official exam topics, legitimate learning resources, hands-on practice, and original practice questions instead.
Start by selecting the concentration that matches your next career move, then build your preparation around 350-701 SCOR, official exam topics, and verifiable hands-on practice. When you are ready to compare training options and create a focused study path, review the CCNP Security Certification program and choose your next study milestone.
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