- Exam Details
- Trouble Spots
- Preparation Tips
- Recommended Study Resources
- Where to Go from Here
Preparation Tips
You should become familiar with the objectives listed in the official SECURE v1.0 exam topic blueprint (login required). The exam blueprint consists of some objectives that are clearly defined and some that are very high-level and general, so you will need to be able to “fill in the blanks.” The Cisco IOS Software Release 15.0M Configuration Guides provide advanced, detailed information that can help you understand how to configure the various technologies that are listed in the exam blueprint. The relevant configuration guides can be found here, under the Security and VPN section. You should make sure you know how to plan, implement, and troubleshoot the security features in the configuration guides on Cisco IOS Software routers and switches.
Even though this exam is the flagship of the exams necessary for achieving the new CCNP Security designation, it is very important that your knowledge of general networking is up to par. After all, this is an exam that tests your knowledge of providing secure environments on Cisco IOS Software devices. You want to be very familiar with the Cisco IOS Software command-line interface (CLI) before attempting this exam.
In summary, you will need to be able to recall a great deal of information for multiple choice and drag-and-drop questions and also know how to configure the various security features found in Cisco IOS Software to successfully pass this exam.