Course Unavailable: The Cisco CCNA Security certification has officially retired. This course is no longer available as it does not lead to an active certification.
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Historical Context: What was the CCNA Security certification designed for?
The Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Security certification was developed to equip IT professionals with foundational knowledge and skills in network security, particularly within Cisco environments. This credential was designed for junior network security administrators, security technicians, and network engineers tasked with securing, monitoring, and maintaining Cisco network devices and infrastructure. It covered essential topics such as firewalls, VPNs, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and secure access control—all critical components of secure network design and management.
Key Features of CCNA Security:
Security Fundamentals: Understanding of basic security concepts, threats, and mitigation strategies.
Network Security Technologies: Implementation and configuration of security technologies such as firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion prevention systems.
Security Best Practices: Application of security policies and procedures to ensure enterprise network security.
What was the retirement date for the CCNA Security certification?
The CCNA Security certification was officially retired by Cisco on 24 February 2020. This change was part of a broader effort to consolidate and modernise Cisco’s certification program to keep it aligned with current IT trends and industry needs.
Why was the CCNA Security certification retired?
Cisco retired the CCNA Security certification to streamline its certification offerings and ensure that associates gain a broad foundation in networking, including security, automation, and programmability. By moving away from specialist associate-level tracks like CCNA Security, Cisco aimed to provide a more versatile and relevant skill set for entry-level networking roles, paving the way for further specialisation at the professional level.
Why is pursuing CCNA and CCNP Security the right choice today?
The general CCNA now covers foundational networking skills, including security fundamentals, automation, and programmability. This provides a solid base for careers in IT and networking by validating broad networking knowledge.
The CCNP Security offers advanced skills in enterprise security solutions, including security architecture, threat defense, VPNs, and security management. It is ideal for those seeking roles such as senior network security administrators or security engineers, offering deeper specialisation and career progression opportunities.
Pursuing these certifications aligns with current industry demands for IT professionals with both foundational networking and advanced security skills, making them highly relevant for both generalist and specialist security roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What replaced CCNA Security certification?
There is no direct replacement for the CCNA Security. Foundational security concepts are now covered within the unified CCNA certification, while advanced security expertise is offered through the CCNP Security.
Q: Is my CCNA Security certification still valid?
A: If you achieved the CCNA Security before its retirement, it remains valid for three years from the certification date. Once expired, you will need to pursue an active Cisco certification (such as CCNA or CCNP Security) to maintain certified status.
Q: Can I still put a retired certification on my resume?
A: Absolutely. You should include retired certifications on your resume—they reflect your past knowledge and achievements. It’s advisable to mention that the certification is retired and provide its expiry date for clarity.
Ready to Enhance Your Skills? If you need guidance on navigating Cisco’s current certification pathways or want help plotting your best career path, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Logitrain for expert advice.
