Are you interested in CCNA Security certification but unsure of the official and recommended resources to prepare for the exam? As the end of this certification's lifetime approaches, Cisco is expected to release updates. This article provides details about the CCNA Security certification exam and offers some tips and recommendations for exam preparation.
The CCNA Security certification exam, numbered 210-260 IINS, is intended for individuals interested in becoming proficient in implementing Cisco network security. This exam is associated with the course, I&S: Implementing Cisco Network Security.
Before scheduling the exam, ensure that you register for the correct one, as there is a deadline of February 23, 2020, after which the CCNA Security exam will no longer be available. However, if you pass the exam and earn this certification before the deadline, you will be granted the new CCNA certification automatically when it comes out. This certification will also be attached to your Cisco profile, indicating that you earned it before its expiration.
The CCNA Security exam is a standalone exam, which means you only need to take one course and exam to earn this certification. The exam consists of around 60-70 questions of three types: classic multiple-choice, pick one out of four, and pick three out of eight. There are also drag-and-drop questions and simulations. The passing score is currently around 86%, but Cisco reserves the right to adjust it depending on the length of time the certification has been out and the number of people who pass it.
One crucial tip to keep in mind while preparing for the exam is that there are some simulations where they will test you on the ASA interface, and they are looking for you to configure some of the same options that are covered in the course. These options include creating access lists, firewall stateful inspection, and more. In the simulator, which is a graphical interface and not a full ASA, there is a known issue where clicking on something doesn't always register as being clicked or doesn't save the state as being clicked. Therefore, when taking the exam, be sure to apply tools, apply filters, and check boxes carefully.
In addition to the tips for the exam, there are also preparatory classes that can be taken to build up to lay some groundwork for IMS. These two courses cover the basic switching routing security fundamentals, which can be helpful for those looking to get certified before the cutover. However, it is important to note that if the exam is only a couple of months away, one may already have that material and background. The exam cost is $300 per attempt, as indicated in the Pearson VUE price list for the United States.
The exam covers a variety of topics related to network security. One important area is security concepts, which includes the general idea of security, definitions, defense and death, layered security, and out-of-band management. Other areas covered include secure access, VPNs, caching, cryptography, and key sharing mechanisms like diffie-hellman. The exam also covers secure routing and switching, which involves locking down management protocols such as routing protocols and spanning tree protocol. Additionally, the exam gets into firewall technology, such as zone-based and interface-based firewalls, and intrusion prevention systems. Finally, content at endpoints is discussed, such as web security appliances for monitoring web traffic and email security appliances for inbound and outbound traffic.
During the exam, it is important to be mindful of a few key tips. It is important to carefully read and follow all instructions, and to make sure that any graphical tools used during the exam have registered the desired actions. Students and candidates should double-check their work and make sure that any changes they have made have taken effect. Failure to do so could result in a large number of points being deducted from the exam score. Additionally, it is important to be aware of potential issues with the feedback feature in the exam and to report any problems to Cisco.
As we continue our exploration of the CCNA Security certification, it's time to dive into some recommended resources for studying and passing the exam. While we've already discussed the exam topics and the structure of the course, it's important to have additional resources to ensure that you have a well-rounded understanding of the material.
One of the most critical resources is the student guide that you receive when attending the IMS course. If you have access to the digital copy of the IANA student guide, it's highly recommended that you read through it thoroughly. It's the book that the exam was designed for, and it's essential that you understand all of the material in it to pass the test.
In addition to the student guide, the official cert guide from Cisco Press is another helpful resource. However, it's important to note that some reviews of the cert guide are mixed, with some readers finding it extremely helpful and others feeling that it lacks crucial information. If you decide to use the cert guide, make sure that you're also supplementing it with other resources and hunting for information on any exam topics that aren't covered.
One of the best places to find additional information is in the exam updates provided by Cisco. These updates cover topics like next-generation firewalls, IPS devices, and infrastructure, all of which may not be included in the cert guide or student guide. Be sure to read through these updates and any appendices or white papers that are relevant to the exam.
Finally, the Cisco Learning Network provides a wealth of study materials, including practice exams and study groups. Be sure to take advantage of these resources to help you prepare for the test.
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The last part of the CCNA Security 210-260 exam preparation is to practice with sample questions. This will help you test your knowledge and prepare you for the exam format. The cert guide and the student guide both provide practice questions. The cert guide has two practice exams while the student guide has challenge questions for each module review. It is recommended to go through the full practice exams in the cert guide and test yourself against the material. The student guide questions are also sufficient for testing your understanding of the content of the book.
It is important to note that Cisco exams usually have a by-the-book approach to the questions, which is different from real-world scenarios. Therefore, it is recommended to practice with the exam format and understand the phrasing of the questions.
To summarize, in order to prepare for the CCNA Security 210-260 exam, it is important to understand the exam topics provided by Cisco and use the recommended study materials. These materials include the cert guide, student guide, extra appendix, and additional links provided by Cisco. It is also important to practice with sample questions to test your knowledge and familiarize yourself with the exam format.
