Do You Need CCNA to Get CCNA Security?

The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) and Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security) certifications are both part of Cisco’s comprehensive certification program. Each one is designed to validate an individual’s knowledge and skills in networking and security, respectively. As of February 2020, Cisco has restructured its certification path, making changes to prerequisites and the certification process.

Previously, obtaining a CCNA Security certification required candidates to first have a valid CCNA certification, typically in Routing and Switching (now simply known as CCNA). However, with Cisco’s updated certification track, things have changed. Let’s explore these changes in more detail and discuss whether you still need the CCNA to pursue a security certification. CCNA Course in Pune

Cisco Certification Changes (Post-2020)

Before 2020, Cisco certifications followed a strict hierarchical path:

• CCNA Routing and Switching was a foundational certification that was required before advancing to specialized certifications like CCNA Security.
• After CCNA Routing and Switching, individuals would take the CCNA Security exam to validate their security-focused knowledge.

In February 2020, Cisco simplified its certification framework, merging several tracks and introducing a more flexible system.

Key changes in Cisco’s certification path:

1. Consolidation of CCNA Tracks: The separate CCNA certifications, such as CCNA Routing and Switching, CCNA Security, CCNA Wireless, etc., were consolidated into a single, comprehensive CCNA certification. This means that candidates now take just one CCNA exam, which covers a broad range of networking fundamentals, including security, automation, and programmability.
2. No Prerequisites for Professional-Level Certifications: Cisco removed the formal prerequisite requirements for pursuing Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) level certifications, including security. This means candidates no longer need a CCNA certification to advance to the professional level.
3. CCNA Security Transition to CCNP Security: The CCNA Security certification no longer exists as a separate certification. Instead, the focus has shifted to the CCNP Security certification, which offers a more advanced and specialized knowledge base in network security.

Current Path for Network Security Certification

With the updated certification structure, Cisco has made it easier for individuals to enter the security field without needing to go through multiple prerequisite certifications. Here’s how the new structure works:

1. CCNA (General Networking)

The modern CCNA certification covers foundational networking knowledge, including basic security concepts. Topics such as network access, IP connectivity, IP services, automation, and security fundamentals are included. The CCNA exam (200-301) is designed to provide a broad understanding of networking, and while it is no longer specific to security, it does provide an important foundation.

• Why CCNA is Still Relevant: Although the CCNA Security certification no longer exists, obtaining a general CCNA certification is still beneficial for those aiming for a career in security. The CCNA provides essential networking knowledge that is crucial for understanding how networks work, which forms the backbone of any security role. CCNA Classes in Pune

2. CCNP Security (Specialization in Security)

If you are focused on a career in network security, the next step after the CCNA would be pursuing a CCNP Security certification. The CCNP Security certification focuses on advanced security concepts and practices, such as network security with firewalls, VPNs, endpoint protection, and identity services.

• No CCNA Prerequisite for CCNP Security: You do not need to hold a CCNA certification to pursue the CCNP Security. However, having the knowledge that the CCNA certification covers will give you a solid foundation to understand more complex security topics.
• Exams for CCNP Security: To earn a CCNP Security certification, you need to pass two exams:
  • One core exam (350-701 SCOR), which covers topics like network security, cloud security, and endpoint protection.
  • One concentration exam, which allows you to focus on a specific area of security, such as VPNs, firewalls, or identity services.

Importance of CCNA for Network Security

Although the CCNA Security certification no longer exists, and the CCNA is not a prerequisite for the CCNP Security certification, it is still highly recommended to acquire the CCNA if you’re new to networking. Here are some reasons why:

1. Foundation in Networking: Security is built on top of networking. Having a solid grasp of basic networking concepts such as routing, switching, IP addressing, and wireless technologies will make it much easier to understand security practices like firewalls, VPNs, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and more.
2. Career Opportunities: The CCNA certification is often an entry-level requirement for many networking and IT roles. It can provide you with the foundational knowledge needed to start working in a networking or security-related job, making it easier to advance to more specialized roles after gaining practical experience.
3. Building a Career Path: The CCNA certification can be a stepping stone to many career paths in networking and IT. Whether you decide to specialize in security, wireless, collaboration, or automation, the CCNA gives you the basic knowledge that is useful in any of these domains.

Conclusion: Do You Need CCNA to Get into Security?

With Cisco’s certification changes in 2020, you do not need a CCNA to pursue advanced security certifications like CCNP Security. However, the CCNA still plays a crucial role in building foundational networking knowledge, which is essential for understanding the more advanced security topics covered in the CCNP Security. CCNA Training in Pune

For newcomers to the field, it is recommended to first acquire the CCNA certification as it provides a strong base in networking fundamentals. Once this foundation is established, advancing to specialized security certifications, such as CCNP Security, becomes much more manageable.

If you are an experienced IT professional with a strong understanding of networking, you can bypass the CCNA and move directly into security specialization by pursuing the CCNP Security certification. However, if you’re new to the networking or security field, starting with the CCNA will set you up for success in the long run.