Is CCNP Security Worth It?

Cisco’s CCNP Security certification has been around for quite a while now. It is a solid cert that lets you expand your security knowledge and can genuinely steer your career in a new direction. The demand for qualified cybersecurity professionals continues to climb, and it isn’t likely to let up anytime soon, making this certification valuable for many IT professionals. 

Cisco hasn’t been standing idle either. February 2026 brings big changes to their current certification lineup, with exam retirements and some rebranding. There is a lot to cover, but by the end, you will know if the CCNP is worth it for you and how it fits in with your current study plans.

What is CCNP Security?

Cisco understands that networking is just as much about security as it is about interconnectivity. This has led to increased focus on security training that covers best practices at scale. Automation also plays a big role in modern networked systems, and the recent updates reflect that shift.

To earn the CCNP Security certification, you need to pass the core exam: SCOR 350-701 (Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies). It covers a wide range of security infrastructure topics, including:

• Network security

• Cloud security

• Content security

• Endpoint protection and detection

• Secure network access

• Visibility

• Enforcements

Something worth noting about the core exam is that once you pass it, you'll be eligible to take the CCIE Security lab exam. The SCOR is a two-for-one investment in your career because it opens up more learning opportunities as you work toward your CCNP Security certification.

After passing the core exam, you will choose a concentration exam to complete your certification. This is where you will notice the biggest changes if you have been watching Cisco’s cert lineup.

What Changed in 2026?

Cisco officially retired the SAUTO (300-735) concentration exam on February 2, 2026. 

After the cutoff, the available exams are:

If you already have your CCNP Security, don’t panic. Cisco has confirmed that active certifications will automatically change to the updated framework. You will get new digital certificates without losing your hard-won achievements. Here are some additional details from Cisco about the 2026 changes.

The SDSI Exam

The SDSI (300-745) moves away from incremental implementation and leans more towards architectural design. The reason is that as environments become more complex, the design will rely more heavily on architectural knowledge than on finer implementation details.

The SDSI exam is 90 minutes long, has 55 to 65 questions, and costs around $300 USD. It validates your ability to design intelligent, scalable security systems from the ground up. Here’s a breakdown of what the exam covers:

Secure Infrastructure (30%) 

You’ll need to choose the right security measures for threats targeting endpoints, user identities, and email. It also covers modifying security architecture for hybrid workers, IoT, SaaS, and multi-cloud environments. VPN design and security management, as well as control planes and firewall architecture, also fall within this domain.

Applications (25%)

This section covers security for cloud-based applications, microservices, and containers. It focuses on microsegmentation and covers emerging threats from AI, machine learning, and quantum computing. 

Risk, Events, and Requirements (30%)

This section of the exam covers the skills that you’ll need to think like a security architect and respond to real-world threats. You’ll work with SOC incident response tools and frameworks such as NIST SP 800-37, learn how to modify designs to mitigate risks, and adapt the architecture after a security incident.

AI, Automation, and DevSecOps (15%)

Here you will specify AI’s role in securing network infrastructure, using SOAR platforms, and integrating security into CI/CD pipelines and DevOps workflows.

Salary Expectations for CCNP Security Holders

One of the biggest reasons people pursue the CCNP is the potential earnings boost after certification. Cybersecurity skills remain in high demand, and the compensation data supports that. 

According to ZipRecruiter, the average US salary for CCNP Security is around $152,773 per year. Most salaries range from $143,000 to $158,500 annually, and top earners can earn $205,000 or more in roles in cloud security or enterprise architecture. 

Location, experience, and the depth of other certifications like the CCIE play a role in pushing salaries even higher. 

Job Opportunities with CCNP Security

The CCNP Security opens doors for specialized roles in Cisco’s security ecosystem, like:

• Network Security Engineer: Design and implement secure networks using Cisco’s security stack

• Security Analyst: Monitor threats and work within the SOC to identify and respond to incidents

• Firewall Administrator: Manage Cisco Secure Firewalls and other Cisco products

• Security Architect: Plan and build security architecture from the ground up

• Cybersecurity Consultant: Advise organizations on compliance and risk management

These roles need to be filled in sectors like finance, healthcare, and government departments, where the DoD 8140 (formerly DoD 8570) accepts certs like this. As AI finds its way into businesses, you can expect more demand for security professionals who know how to protect corporate infrastructure against emerging AI threats.

Is CCNP Security Worth it in 2026?

The CCNP Security certification is still absolutely worth it if you are looking to advance in your cybersecurity career. The exam updates have made the certification even more future-proof by including AI threats and cloud-centered security concepts. Career advancement, CCIE eligibility, and high salaries sweeten the deal even more. 

The drawback is that the CCNP Security certification is challenging, and you should already have three to five years of experience with security solutions and networking. You will also need to recertify every three years through exams or with CE credits. If you are in networking and considering a pivot to security, the CCNP Security certification is the move. 

Want to learn more about becoming a network security engineer? Consider this CCNP Security online training.