Certification Watch Volume 6 #13

Certification News regarding Cisco CCNA, INFOSEC certification, (ISC)2 Associate program, retiring Microsoft exams, MCDBA, IT Project+ beta, and changes to the NetApp certification program.

Published July 1, 2003
By Anne Martinez

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Cisco CCNA Revised to Offer Two Routes to Certification

Cisco Systems recently announced several revisions to the CCNA path. The biggest change is that candidates now have the option of selecting a two exam path that covers the same content areas, but in smaller doses. The two exams are INTRO 640-821 (Introduction to Cisco Networking Technologies) and ICND 640-811 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices).

INTRO 640-821 (which is currently available in beta as 641-821) covers such topics as network types, network media, switching fundamentals, TCP/IP, IP addressing and routing, WAN technologies, operating and configuring IOS devices, and managing network environments. Topics on the ICND 640-811 exam include extending switched networks with VLANS, determining IP routes, managing IP traffic with access lists, establishing point-to-point connections, and establishing frame relay connections. Candidates pursuing the two exam path must pass both exams within three years of each other.

The one exam track is still available, although a revised (and renumbered) exam 640-801 will take the place of the current 640-607 exam. Candidates can continue register for 640-607 through September 30th if they prefer.

Recertification continues to be required every three years for CCNAs. To recertify, pass the current CCNA exam, ICND exam, or any new exam at the professional or specialist level that begins with 642.

Information Systems Security Professional (INFOSEC) Title Bestowed By Cisco

Starting July 1 Cisco certified individuals who hold current CCNA certification and who have also passed four additional security exams (MCNS, CSPFA, CSVPN, and CSIDS, any version) will be considered Information Systems Security (INFOSEC) Professionals and will receive a letter of recognition from Cisco. There are no additional requirements, and the INFOSEC certificate, once issued, never expires.

This is an outgrowth of the announcement last April that Cisco security courseware was awarded certification for meeting training standards set by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS). The standards, which are identified as NSTISSI 4011, can be found online (in PDF).

The 4011 standard is intended for individuals who are responsible for the security oversight or management of critical networks and was designed for use by government agencies and contractors. According to information on the Cisco Web site, Cisco Systems is currently the only industry vendor that provides the training and certifications to meet the 4011 standards, however, there are other institutions of higher education that have also been certified. You can find the current list online.

(ISC)² Launches Associate Program for CISSP, SSCP Candidates

The (ISC)²'s well respected CISSP certification program is a goal of many computer security professionals, however, the four year experience requirement is a barrier to individuals who are fairly new to the specialty. To address this issue, and most likely to further promote its certifications to lower-level professionals, (ISC)² has created an associate program that allows individuals to sit for the CISSP or SSCP exams now, and meet the experience requirements later.

(ISC)² specifically states that this new Associate of (ISC)² designation is not certification (though it seems darn close in the opinion of Certification Watch). Before sitting for either exam, candidates must visit the (ISC)² Web site and complete the information form, agree to the code of ethics, outline current experience, predict when he/she will complete the full required experience, and then submit the exam fee. Currently this is done via the exam schedules page (first find the exam location or date, then click register and you will view the forms). Admission documents allowing the candidate to sit for the exam will be sent in the mail. Once the exam is passed and the full experience obtained, the associate can apply for certification. Associate status is good for up to five years and requires an annual maintenance fee of $35.

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Certification Watch Volume 6 #13

Cisco CCNA Revised to Offer Two Routes to Certification

Information Systems Security Professional (INFOSEC) Title Bestowed By Cisco

(ISC)2 Launches Associate Program for CISSP, SSCP Candidates

(ISC)² Launches Associate Program for CISSP, SSCP Candidates