What was the Cisco CCNA Security Certification? Purpose, History, & Alternatives

Editor's Note: The Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security) certification was retired and has no direct replacement. The CCNA certification now covers a broader range of fundamental networking topics, including security, but the specific CCNA Security certification is no longer available.

The field of IT security is booming! As an increasing number of organizations and businesses recognize the essential need for security professionals, the demand for team members with expertise in network security is at an all-time high.

The Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security) certification was an excellent starting point for an IT security career. This certification validated the associate-level knowledge and skills needed to secure Cisco networks. However, Cisco retired it when they restructured their exams. 

This article will look at the details of this retired certification and explore which certifications you should pursue in its place. 

What was the Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security)? (Now Retired) 

The CCNA Security certification was designed for entry-level network security professionals. The certification was intended to validate skills in developing a security infrastructure, recognizing threats and vulnerabilities to networks, and mitigating security threats. The CCNA Security certification was made up of two exams:

• Cisco CCENT/ICND1 100-105 Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1

• Cisco CCNA Security 210-260 IINS Implementing Cisco IOS Network Security

Typically, learners pursuing this certification path would have 1-3 years of experience and some familiarity with Cisco products. 

Exam Details

The CCNA Security certification was made up of two distinct exams. The details for each are provided below.

CCENT/ICND1 100-105:

• Time allotted for exam: 1.5 hours (90 minutes)

• Number of questions: 45-55 questions per exam

• Passing score: Cisco does not publish the passing score for its exams

• Question types: Multiple choice/single answer; Multiple choice/multiple answer; Drag and drop; Fill-in-the-blank; Simulation; Testlet; Simlet

• Exam registration: Pearson VUE

• Exam cost: $150

• Exam topics: (free resource): Interconnecting Cisco Networking Devices Part 1 (100-105)

210-260 IINS:

• Time allotted for exam: 1.5 hours (90 minutes)

• Number of questions: 60-70 questions

• Passing score: Cisco does not publish passing scores for its exams.

• Question types: Multiple choice/single answer; Multiple choice/multiple answer; Drag and drop; Fill-in-the-blank; Simulation; Testlet; Simlet

• Exam registration: Pearson VUE

• Exam cost: $250

• Exam topics: Implementing Cisco Network Security Exam (210-260) (free resource)

What Certification to Get Instead of the CCNA Security 

Cisco did not provide a direct replacement for the CCNA Security exam. Instead, they revamped their entire exam structure to focus on role-based certifications. If you were considering the CCNA Security, here are a few other certifications to consider: 

• Cisco CCNA: The CCNA certification covers a broad range of foundational networking topics, including network fundamentals, network access, IP connectivity, IP services, security fundamentals, and automation and programmability.  

• Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate: This certification focuses on cybersecurity operations and emphasizes skills in monitoring, detecting, and responding to cybersecurity threats. It covers security concepts, security monitoring, host-based analysis, network intrusion analysis, and security policies and procedures.

• Cisco CCNP Security: The CCNP Security certification is an advanced certification designed for professionals specializing in security solutions. It covers topics such as securing network infrastructure, identity services, securing access and edge solutions, VPN services, and cloud security. It validates advanced skills in implementing and managing security solutions.

• CompTIA Security+: This vendor-neutral certification is ideal for entry-level IT professionals looking to demonstrate their knowledge in cybersecurity. It covers a wide range of topics, including threat management, cryptography, identity management, and network access control.

The Next Step

For those learners wanting to continue down the path of security, the next step after the CCNA is to earn the Cisco CCNP security certification. The CCNP Security certification requires:

• A core exam

• Passing one of seven CCNP Security concentration exams

The CCNA Security certification was often used as a stepping stone for a career in IT. Once you have earned your CCNP Security certification, you may want to consider pursuing additional concentration exams if you wish to broaden your expertise across multiple domains within security. While it's not necessary to take more than one concentration exam, doing so can enhance your qualifications and make you more versatile:

• Securing Networks with Cisco Firepower (300-710 SNCF Exam) 

• Automating and Programming Cisco Security Solutions (300-735 SAUTO Exam) 

• Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine (300-715 SISE Exam)

Beyond Cisco Certifications

Many learners will diversify their certification vitae/resume by pursuing certifications that fall outside the scope of Cisco products. The most popular security certifications pursued by CBT Nuggets learners include:

• CompTIA Security+ SY0-601 (made up of one exam: SY0-601) 

• White Hat Hacking v10 Online Training (21 hours of training) 

• ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional (made up of one exam: ISC2 CISSP)

Security Career Considerations: CCNP Security 

Payscale.com provides a helpful salary guide to help learners determine appropriate pay scales for job opportunities associated with the CCNP Security certification.

Depending on professional experience, an employee with a CCNP Security certification can earn, on average, between $96,00 and $125,445. Common roles for those holding the CCNP Security certification include senior network engineer, network administrator, network security engineer, security engineer, IT manager, and more.

Cisco Recertification

Cisco's associate-level certifications, including the CCNA, are valid for three years from the date of certification. To recertify, learners must re-pass the exam, pass another professional concentration exam, or any Cisco Certified Specialist Exam. 

Concluding Thoughts

Earning a CCNA is one of the first steps to launching a long-term, growth-oriented career in IT security. It is a certification that is a launching pad for your security specialization that can equip you for high-wage and high-satisfaction roles. Your CCNA is only the beginning. So kick start your career by beginning your training for the CCNA today!

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