How
To Earn Cisco's VPN Specialist Certification
by: Chris Bryant, CCIE ##12933
There's quite an
emphasis on security in today's networks, and that's
reflected in Cisco's certification tracks. Cisco
offers a CCIE Security track and the Cisco Certified
Security Professional (CCSP) intermediate-level
certification, but there is no real equivalent to
the CCNA on the security side. Instead, Cisco offers
several different Security Associate certifications.
The good news is
that you’ve got a lot of security specializations
from which to choose; the bad news is that you’ve
got a lot of choices! 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 Specialist certification. This two-exam
track consists of a Securing Cisco Network Devices
(SND, 642-551) exam and a Cisco Secure Virtual Private
Networks (CSVPN, 642-511) exam. To earn the Cisco
VPN Specialist exam, you must hold a valid CCNA
certification.
What should you
expect on these exams? On the SND exam, expect to
be grilled on basic security features on both switches
and routers, as well as VPN 3000 concentrators,
PIXes, and IDS/IPS Sensors. You'll need to be ready
to configure and troubleshoot basic AAA configurations,
access-lists, syslog, AutoSecure, and much more.
You should also be solid with IPSec.
IPSec will also
be part of your CSVPN exam. As you'd expect, you'll
also be expected to be quite good with the VPN 3000
Concentrator series, including browser configuration,
creating users and group, the Windows VPN Software
Client, and more.
This is a demanding
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's
your responsibility to stay current of any additions
and changes to Cisco's certification paths - and
it's good for your career!
About The Author
Chris Bryant, CCIE
#12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage, home
of free CCNA and CCNP tutorials, The Ultimate CCNA
Study Package, and Ultimate CCNP Study Packages.
For a FREE copy
of his latest e-books, “How To Pass The CCNA”
and “How To Pass The CCNP”, visit the
website and download your free copies. You can also
get FREE CCNA and CCNP exam questions every day!
Pass the CCNA exam with The Bryant Advantage!
thebryantadvantage.com
chris@thebryantadvantage.com
