Knowing little about CCSP, my question is about equipment

Knowing virtually nothing about CCSP, I was wanting to find out some basics about it; does one need specialized routers/switches to pursue this cert? I imagine there has to be some things to upgrade, but can one pursue this fairly well with what one has obtained to pursue his CCNA with, for example? I had been considering CCVP, but there's so much new equipment and such that I would almost have to build a new lab.

Also, have those with a CCSP found that most jobs requiring this cert also require a government security clearance?

Thanks for the help.