How To Become A Cisco VPN Specialist

There is a strong emphasis on security in today’s networks, and this is reflected in Cisco’s certification track. Cisco offers CCIE Security Track and Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) intermediate-level certification, but there is no real equivalent to CCNA on the security side. Instead, Cisco offers several different Security Associate certifications.

The good news is that you have plenty of security specializations to choose from; The bad news is you have so many options! In choosing a specialization, take some time to choose a certification that will be of practical use to you in your current position or in your “dream job.”

One of the more popular Security Associate certifications is the Cisco VPN Expert Certification. This two-test track includes the Securing Cisco Network Devices (SND, 642-551) exam and the Cisco Secure Virtual Private Networks (CSVPN, 642-511) exam. To earn the Cisco VPN Specialist exam, you must have a valid CCNA certification.

What should you expect in these exams? In the SND exam, the VPN 3000 is expected to grill on concentrators, pics, and IDS/IPS sensors, along with basic security features on both the switch and router. You’ll need to be prepared to configure and troubleshoot basic AAA configuration, access-lists, syslog, AutoSecure, and more. You also need to be solid with IPSec.

IPSec will also be part of your CSVPN exam. As you would expect, you will be expected to be quite good with the VPN 3000 Concentrator series, which covers browser configuration, user and group creation, Windows VPN software client, and more.

It is an in-demand certification that is an excellent addition to your resume and your skill set. For the latest on this and other Cisco certifications, you should regularly visit the Learning & Events section of Cisco’s website. As a Cisco certification candidate, it is your responsibility to keep abreast of any additions and changes to Cisco’s certification path – and that bodes well for your career!