Just Passed SNAA. Now what?

I just passed the Cisco SNAA exam and have earned the ASA Specialist certification. In addition, I'm half way to my CCSP. There was so little new material on the syllabus that Cisco could've just added 6 or so questions to the SNAF exam to cover it. But then they wouldn't have gotten my $150, so I guess that explains that.

I was thinking of taking the rest of the summer off from studying, but the exam topics are what I primarily do at work at present so it seems a waste not to take advantage of the fact that I can basically do my "lab work" at work. I also find the material interesting and, let's face it, fun. What to do?

I was able to find a cheap copy of the out of print IPS exam guide and it just arrived the other day. Even though it was published in 2005, the material is still useful for study. Ideally I'd like to have something a little newer. Unfortunatly, Cisco isn't publishing any new books for CCSP because "the technology changes too fast". What they really mean is "we want you to pay $3000+ for training through one of our learning partners".

For SNRS it looks like I'll be able to re-use my CCNA:Security book for some of the domains at least. Any suggestions for other material?

Find more posts tagged with

Comments

broc

Cisco Command Configuration Guides is what I used mostly for the CCSP. The IPS book is good even if a little bit old but not much have changed. I also did the ASA first then moved on to IPS and the SNRS last. I found the SNRS fairly easy and you shouldn't have much trouble if you do this kind of work all day long.

Almost forgot to say congrats on the pass. I agree, the SNAA isn't much harder than the SNAF, I would actually say that the SNAF was harder!

mikearama

Hey, congrats on the pass. Nicely done.

Personally, I went SNRS first, then SNAF, and am getting ready now for the SNAA.

You might consider stalling on the IPS exam. Rumour is circulating that Cisco is in the process of revamping the SP... who knows, the IPS exam may disappear.

mikej412

Congratulations!!

Don't forget that the Cisco Documentation is also a good source for study materiel

Demiurge

mikearama wrote: »

You might consider stalling on the IPS exam. Rumour is circulating that Cisco is in the process of revamping the SP... who knows, the IPS exam may disappear.

I've got several IPS sensors at work so studying for IPS will actually be advantageous to me. I also want to try to finish CCSP by the end of the year.

Demiurge

mikej412 wrote: »

Congratulations!!

Don't forget that the Cisco Documentation is also a good source for study materiel

Thanks.

You're absolutely right. I always hit the docs and whitepapers when studying. There's usually more detail in there than in study guides, its just not as easy to understand if you're not real familiar with the material.

coffeeking

Good Luck mate! don't take a brake, keep going and finish it off. I have started on IPS myself and hope to take the exam soon, but i took a brake for few days because of work and it has been weeks since I got back to it.

peanutnoggin

CONGRATS on your pass... good luck on your next exam!!!