Introduction to the CCNP Certification
Introduction
Hey there. This is my first blog post for my adventure in getting the CCNP Security certification, so bear with me. This will be a crazy journey that I’m about to embark on but I figured this blog will keep me on task, truly understanding what I”m learning and helping others all along the way. Let’s start off with a little background knowledge.
What is the CCNP?
CCNP stands for Cisco Certified Network Professional and it is Cisco’s professional/mid-level tier in its vast variety of certifications. It has changed quite a bit over the years and in its current state, it consists of a “core” exam and then a “concentration” exam. Coupled together, you achieve the CCNP certification. There are quite a few flavors of the CCNP, with the most popular one being the CCNP Enterprise track, which focuses heavily on routing and switching. Other tracks include Data Center, Security, Service Provider, and Collaboration. My focus will be aimed at the Security track. The core exam is labeled the SCOR (security core) exam and then my concentration will be SISE (Security ISE), which focuses on Cisco’s Network Access Control product Identity Services Engine (ISE). Other concentration exams in the security track consist of SNCF (Cisco Firepower and FTD), SESA (Cisco Email Security Appliance), SWSA (Cisco Web Security Appliance), SVPN (VPN connectivity), SAUTO (Security Automation), and the new one as of Nov 2023 SCAZT (Cloud Security Architecture).
Why?
There is a wide variety of opinions on certifications. Some people think they’re great, others don’t think they’re worth the paper they’re printed on. Personally, I’ve always been a fan of them and have always had one in the back of my head to strive towards. I’ve been in the Cisco world for most of my career and it’s been very good to me. I first passed my CCNA in 2013 (after 3 tries) and then my first CCNP in 2015 - back then it was 3 tests compared to today’s 2. Also, I passed my CCNA Security back in 2017 and then went on a little bit of a break with Cisco, working a few jobs that weren’t very Cisco friendly and all my Cisco certs expired in Dec of 2019. After attending Cisco Live this year (2022), I took the new version f the CCNA “cold”, didn’t study, wasn’t expecting to take anything but ended up doing so and I passed. This is lit a new fire under me to climb the Cisco mountain again and I’ve always had my eye on the CCNP Security certification, so right now it just makes sense to take advantage of this momentum.
Wrapping Up
Seeing that this is my first blog, I hope you’ve made it this far! I’m really motivated and excited to do this certification and track it via this blog, and if you have any tips or suggestions (blog-wise or study-wise) please reach out and say something. I’m always looking to hone my craft and make it more enjoyable for everyone. See ya in the blog!