CCNA Security vs CCNP Security, vs CCIE Security: Difference and Comparison

Cisco Systems Inc. is a company specializing in communications and networking products and services. Cisco issues various certification programs to provide trained professionals to solve consumers’ problems related to its products.

These programs start at the entry-level, advancing a person to associate, a professional, and then finally an expert. In certain programs, the topmost level is the architect level.

Key Takeaways

  1. CCNA Security is an entry-level network security professional certification covering basic security concepts and skills. At the same time, CCNP Security is an intermediate-level certification that covers advanced security technologies and solutions.
  2. CCIE Security is the highest level of certification for security professionals and demonstrates expert-level skills in designing, implementing, and managing security solutions.
  3. CCNA Security requires passing one exam, CCNP Security requires passing four exams, and CCIE Security requires passing both a written exam and a hands-on lab exam.

CCNA Security vs CCNP Security vs CCIE Security

The difference between the three is that CCNA Security is an associate-level certificate, CCNP Security is a professional-level certificate, and CCIE Security is an expert-level certificate. In CCNA Security, the candidates get an overview of the troubleshooting processes and network setups. On the other hand, CCNP security is an advanced certification, while CCIE security imparts expert knowledge in the arena.

CCNA Security vs CCNP Security vs CCIE Security

CCNA Security certification is offered in various domains like Wireless, Industrial, Cloud, Routing & Switching, Data Center, Collaboration, and Security.

Its full form is Cisco Certified Network Associate. It provides all knowledge related to security, like the installation process, network, troubleshooting, etc.

CCNP Security is a higher certification offered by Cisco. Its full form is Cisco Certified Network Professional Security.

Candidates with this certification can easily choose and deploy VPNs, IDS/IPS solutions, and Firewalls. The syllabus of this exam is in line with the requirements of a Network Security Engineer.

CCIE Security is an expert certification offered by Cisco Technologies. Its full form is Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security.

A person with this certification has complete knowledge about all the products provided by Cisco.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonCCNA SecurityCCNP SecurityCCIE Security
Full-FormCisco Certified Network Associate SecurityCisco Certified Network Professional SecurityCisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security
Level of examAssociate-level examProfessional-level exam.Expert-level exam.
Exams needed to be taken to earn this certificate210-260 Implementing Cisco Network Security (IINS)300-209 SIMOS, 300-208 SISAS, 300-206 SITCS, and 300-210 SITCS.400-251 written exam along with a lab exam
ScopeTopics related to securityCovers wireless networking principles and related theoryNext-generation concepts, networks functionality, related security concepts, and device hardening.
Prerequisite certificationsAny CCIE Certification, CCNA Routing & Switching or CCENTAny CCIE Certification, or CCNA SecurityNone required

What is CCNA Security?

This certification acts as proof of an individual’s associate level of knowledge as well as skills in the security of Cisco networks.

An individual who has earned this certification can now develop network infrastructure, find out threats and vulnerabilities and find ways to overcome the same.

To secure this certification, the individual needs to clear the 210-260 IINS exam in addition to holding CCIE certification.

The candidate needs to secure the minimum passing marks in the exam to clear the same. In addition to this, this certificate complies with CNSS 4011.

Due to this, the candidates with this certification can assist both private sector entities and federal agencies as network security professionals.

This is in great demand as it is provided by Cisco, whose networking solutions are widely used in big organizations. Its scope includes installation, troubleshooting, and monitoring of networks, etc.

What is CCNP Security?

Individuals with this certification are highly skilled and have the title of Professional. They can now handle security in a variety of devices, such as switches, routers, and other devices.

They also know how to choose, support, and deploy VPNs, Firewalls, and IPS/IDS solutions for networking needs.

To get this certification, the candidate needs to have CCNA Security Certification from before, along with cleaning the necessary exams.

The scope of these exams includes threat mitigation, concepts of BYOD, testing the knowledge of network perimeter, VPNs, and Remote Communication.

Candidates who have cleared these papers have the knowledge of a Network Security Engineer.

Exams that need to be cleared to earn this certification are 300-209 SIMOS, 300-208 SISAS, 300-206 SITCS, and 300-210 SITCS.

What is CCIE Security?

This certification is an expert level one. Individuals with a passion for security can go for this certification as it promises a lucrative career in security.

The demand for this certification is increasing every day with the advent of new technology. It is the penultimate certification challenge in network security.

No prerequisite certification is required for this. However, Cisco advises candidates to have work experience of at least 3 to 5 years before going for it.

It covers an array of topics ranging from the functionality of networks next-generation concepts, and related security concepts. A written and practical exam needs to be cleared to earn this certification.

Main Differences Between CCNA Security, CCNP Security, and CCIE Security

  1. The full form of CCNA Security is Cisco Certified Network Associate, whereas CCNP Security is Cisco Certified Network Professional Security, and CCIE Security is Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Security.
  2. CCNA Security is an associate-level exam. On the other hand, CCNP Security is the professional level, and CCIE Security is an expert-level certification.
  3. To get CCNA Security certification, the 210-260 IINS exam needs to be cleared, for CCNP Security, 300-210 SITCS, 300-208 SISAS, 300-206 SENSS, and 300-209 SIMOS need to be cleared. For CCIE Security, a written, as well as a practical exam, needs to be cleared.
  4. While prerequisite certifications are needed for CCNA Security and CCNP Security, they are not needed for CCIE Security.
  5. CCNA Security familiarizes the candidate with Topics related to security, CCNP Security covers wireless networking principles and related theory, and CCIE Security covers next-generation concepts, network functionality, related security concepts, and device hardening.
References
  1. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=RyJ8CgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP31&dq=Difference+Between+CCNA+Security,+CCNP+Security,+and+CCIE+Security+(With+Table)&ots=NsTDQaX7t9&sig=xPII59q23sVkaB3kn23ynddo6_8
  2. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=w1_dDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP38&dq=Difference+Between+CCNA+Security,+CCNP+Security,+and+CCIE+Security+(With+Table)&ots=tNknfkiRv-&sig=VCy_xGM8WmkPq61BL0kHmINSTyY

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023

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2 thoughts on “CCNA Security vs CCNP Security, vs CCIE Security: Difference and Comparison”

  1. The certification programs offered by Cisco Systems Inc. are highly effective in providing well-trained professionals to address issues related to the company’s products. The levels of CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE Security are well-structured and offer an excellent pathway for individuals aiming to develop expertise in networking and security.

    Reply
  2. The difference between CCNA Security, CCNP Security, and CCIE Security is quite clear. This article offers a comprehensive understanding of the levels of certification and the exams that need to be cleared for each. It is interesting to note that CCIE Security is considered the penultimate certification challenge in network security.

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