Which one should I take? 640-553 or 640-554?

dannyhinhk

Just noticed that the last day to take 640-553 is September.

I am wondering if i am interested in getting the CCNA Security, which exam should I take?
Option1. Prepare and Take the 640-553 before September
Option2. Prepare the new one: 640-554

In addition, If I decide to take 640-553, will it becomes invalid in my Cisco status after September?

Thanks.

SteveO86

Nope if you pass the 640-553 you will have the CCNA: Security designation -Valid for 3 years

If you feel you can pass the 553 before the expiration date then study away and give it a shot!

spd3432

I'm studying for the 553. Current plan is to take it sometime next month. I have a lot of training materials available through work but none of the CCNA:S stuff available to me covers the 554. I don't have access to a firewall or any of the newer routers I can play with using CCP (it runs on what I have but not all options are availalbe). The only hardware investment I had to make for the 553 was a memory upgrade in my 2620XMs and 1721s.

dannyhinhk

But are there any big difference in studying 640-553 & 640-554?
Eg. any new technology is only available in 554 only, but not 553?

Thanks

spd3432

I believe there are a couple of comparison threads already. Biggest changes are CCP instead of SDM and adding ASA firewalls.

SteveO86

Yep CCP and ASA are the biggest as well as IPv6, I'd check the exam objectives for more information

electronicalias

I did 553 the other day and had noticed the same but since I'd put in all the hours studying the curriculum I thought it was pointless to get the new one when it will give you the same options in the future (that is to continue down the CCNP Sec route later on). Besides it is renewed whenever you pass any other 642, or CCNA specialisation in the future, thus renewing the pre-requisite to the CCNP Sec.

If you are only just starting out however, I'd say go for the 554, I went through some simulators and could answer most questions based on the 553 syllabus - however I haven't had much exposure to CCP.