Thinking about doing this track, undecided

I'm a CCNP/CCIP. I was thinking of getting into the CCNP Security track but I'm not entirely sure if it is worth it.

I deal with ASAs and Checkpoint firewalls every now and then, and the track does look quite interesting.

However I just recently bought an apartment and now I just cant see myself spending hundreds of dollars per attempt for 5 exams (including CCNA Security). At the end of the day, I can study the topics and learn about the topics without the piece of paper. Any CCNP is pretty much expected to know security technologies anyway.

Maybe the time and money is better invested in a different cert?

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Comments

nicklauscombs

have you thought about just going for the ccie r&s?

Bl8ckr0uter

If you want to specialize in R/S maybe CCIE is the better path. CCNP:S may make you more marketable though. I think at least doing CCNA:S would be a good investment.

wilsonian

If you do the CCNA:S and work with ASA's alot then it may be worth your time to at least do the Firewall exam. Have a look on Cisco's site but you get specialist certs for some if not all the exams even if you don't complete the full track.

viper75

I'm currently looking to leave my current place of employment. I kid you not, I have been getting bombarded with emails and calls from recruiters and HR departments ever since I updated my resume. And out of all the people I have spoke with, they all ask, "How is your security? Can you work on ASA's IPSec VPN Tunnels, Remote VPNs?" I actually had a phone screening today with a possible future opportunity and they harmed me with Security questions, ASA, VPN, Routing and Switching. They liked the CCNA Security certification and also liked that I'm pursuing the CCNP Security. I have another phone screening with a different company tomorrow afternoon. They saw I have done tons of work with ASA's and VPN. Of course the routing and switching is also important, but a lot of companies are looking for Security Engineers.

So, IMO you should at least get the CCNA Security. Security is HOT right now and I'm sure it's only going to get HOTTER!!!!

So in a nutshell get at least you CCNA Security.

Good Luck!

instant000

jovan88 wrote: »

I'm a CCNP/CCIP. I was thinking of getting into the CCNP Security track but I'm not entirely sure if it is worth it.

I deal with ASAs and Checkpoint firewalls every now and then, and the track does look quite interesting.

However I just recently bought an apartment and now I just cant see myself spending hundreds of dollars per attempt for 5 exams (including CCNA Security). At the end of the day, I can study the topics and learn about the topics without the piece of paper. Any CCNP is pretty much expected to know security technologies anyway.

Maybe the time and money is better invested in a different cert?

It's your time, and your money.

But if I was in your shoes, I'd be studying for the R&S Written right now. Feel free to read Richard Deal books, if it helps you sleep better at night, but don't see any sense in not building upon the excellent foundation that you have already.

This was the story I heard in times past:

CCNA = Solid Foundation
CCNP = Small building on top of the foundation
CCIE = Demolitioning the small building, and putting a skyscraper in its place!

At this point, you need to decide if you're going to sit there and play around with pouring concrete for foundations (CCNA:Security) or if you want to start working on the blueprints for your skyscraper (IE Written).

It's your choice homey!
Introducing Homey D. Clown - YouTube

unclerico

I've got all of my CCNP:S study materials including a couple of ASA's, but man I have to tell you that I was incredibly disappointed to see ASDM and SDM GUI crap in the books. To me, if you are professional level the only thing you should need a GUI for are webvpn customizations and secure desktop configs. I don't know why but I take the exams less serious when I see a GUI involved...maybe I have issues? Anyway, security certs of all kinds are valuable marketing materials, but I have to agree with instant you should aim high and get that IE.

Slowhand

I'm going to go with Bl8ckr0uter on this one and say that, if you're already CCNP and CCIP certified, the CCIE R&S might better time (and money) spent than hopping onto the pro-level security track. However, if you're wanting to test the security-waters, so to speak, maybe checking out the materials for the CCNA: Security might be a good idea before making any kind of real commitment and purchases towards the CCNP Security tests.