This comprehensive course outline for CCNP Security designed to prepare you for the core exam ( 350-701 SCOR ) and provide a foundation for concentration exams
. It balances theoretical knowledge with hands-on labs to ensure you can implement and manage complex security solutions. Module 1: Security Concepts & Fundamentals Common Security Threats:
Understanding advanced persistent threats (APTs), social engineering, and malware types. Security Models:
Implementation of Zero Trust, CIA Triad, and Defense-in-Depth strategies. Cryptography:
Deep dive into PKI, symmetric/asymmetric encryption, hashing algorithms, and digital signatures. Cloud Security:
Securing public, private, and hybrid cloud environments (AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud). Module 2: Network Security (Infrastructure) Secure Routing & Switching:
Implementing Control Plane Policing (CoPP), Storm Control, and DHCP Snooping. Firewall Technologies:
Deployment and management of Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) and Cisco ASA. Intrusion Prevention:
Configuring Snort-based IPS rules and tuning for false positives/negatives. Site-to-Site VPNs: Building secure tunnels using IPsec, DMVPN, and FlexVPN. Module 3: Securing the Cloud & Content Cisco Umbrella: Deploying DNS-layer security and secure internet gateways. Web Security Appliance (WSA):
Configuring proxy services, authentication, and acceptable use policies. Email Security Appliance (ESA):
Implementing SPAM filters, anti-virus, and Outbreak Filters. Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB):
Gaining visibility into "Shadow IT" and SaaS application usage. Module 4: Endpoint Protection & Detection Cisco Secure Endpoint (formerly AMP): ccnp security course outline
Deployment, file trajectory analysis, and retrospective security. Endpoint Compliance:
Utilizing Cisco AnyConnect for posture assessment and secure remote access. Threat Hunting:
Basics of identifying IOCs (Indicators of Compromise) and response orchestration. Module 5: Secure Network Access (ISE) Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE): Architecture, installation, and persona management. Authentication (802.1X):
Configuring wired and wireless authentication with RADIUS and TACACS+. Profiling & Posture:
Identifying device types and ensuring endpoint health before granting access. BYOD & Guest Access: Designing secure workflows for non-corporate devices. Module 6: Visibility & Enforcement Cisco Stealthwatch:
Utilizing NetFlow for network telemetry and anomaly detection. Segmentation: Implementing Cisco TrustSec and SGTs (Scalable Group Tags). Automation:
Using Python and APIs (RESTCONF/NETCONF) to automate security tasks and reporting. Hands-On Lab Scenarios FTD Deployment:
Initialize and configure a Cisco Firepower firewall from scratch. Remote Access VPN:
Setup an AnyConnect VPN with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). ISE Policy Design:
Create a dynamic policy that restricts access based on device health. Threat Analysis:
Use Cisco Secure Endpoint to track and quarantine a simulated malware attack. SISE (ISE) This comprehensive course outline for CCNP Security designed
The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security certification validates your skills with enterprise security solutions. To earn the full certification, you must pass two exams: a core exam and one security concentration exam of your choice. 🛡️ Core Exam: SCOR 350-701
Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR)
exam is the mandatory foundation. It covers the essential technologies every security professional needs to master. Security Concepts
: Risk management, common vulnerabilities, and cryptography. Network Security
: Protecting the data plane, management plane, and control plane. Securing the Cloud
: Identifying security responsibilities in SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS models. Content Security : Implementing web and email security appliances (ESA/WSA). Endpoint Protection : Deploying Cisco AMP and antivirus solutions. Network Access & Enforcement : Managing identities via Cisco ISE and 802.1X. 🎯 Concentration Exams (Choose One)
You can customize your CCNP based on your specific job role or interest area. 🔌 Securing Networks with Firewalls (SNCF) Focuses on Cisco Firepower (Next-Generation Firewall).
Covers policy management, NAT, and advanced threat detection. 🌐 Implementing Secure Solutions with VPNs (SVPN) Focuses on Site-to-Site and Remote Access VPNs. , FlexVPN, and AnyConnect. 🏢 Securing Networks with Cisco ISE (SISE) Deep dive into Identity Services Engine Covers profiling, posture, guest access, and BYOD policies. ☁️ Securing the Cloud (SCAZT) Focuses on Cisco Umbrella , Cloudlock, and Stealthwatch Cloud.
Emphasizes Zero Trust architecture and cloud-native security. 🤖 Security Automation and Programmability (SAUTO)
Focuses on using APIs and Python to automate security tasks. Covers Cisco Firepower, ISE, and Umbrella automation. 🎓 Prerequisites & Experience No formal prerequisites : You do not need the CCNA to take the CCNP. Recommended Experience : Three to five years implementing security solutions. Knowledge Level
: You should understand IP networking and basic security concepts. 💼 Career Opportunities Earning this certification prepares you for roles such as: Network Security Engineer Systems Engineer Information Security Analyst Security Architect if you tell me: concentration exam interests you most? hours per week can you dedicate to studying? Do you have access to lab equipment or simulation software (like CML or GNS3)? Let me know your current experience level so I can suggest the best resources to start! Domain 5: Endpoint Protection and Detection (10%) The
The network edge is now the endpoint.
Protecting users from web-based threats and data loss.
You must pass one of the following in addition to SCOR.
Introduction: Why CCNP Security Matters in 2025
In an era where cyberattacks are not a matter of "if" but "when," the demand for mid-to-senior-level network security engineers has skyrocketed. The Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security certification is the gold standard for professionals who have moved beyond the basics of firewalling and VPNs and into the realm of automated, zero-trust, and cloud-delivered security.
Unlike the older CCNA Security (now retired), the new CCNP Security curriculum is modular. To earn your certification, you must pass two exams: The core exam (350-701 SCOR) and one concentration exam of your choice (e.g., 300-710 SNCF for firewalls, 300-735 for automation, or 300-730 for VPNs).
This article provides a detailed, chapter-by-chapter breakdown of the core exam (SCOR) combined with the most popular concentration exam: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SNCF) .
This is the largest section. It focuses on how to secure the traffic moving across your infrastructure.
Focus: ASA, FTD, FMC
The SCOR exam covers 6 major domains. This is the foundation of your study. Cisco recommends 70% of your study time be spent here.