It is too little emphasis on security in today's networks, and is reflected in the Cisco certification tracks. Cisco offers the CCIE Security track and the Cisco Certified Security Professional (CCSP) intermediate level qualifications, but there is no real equivalent to the CCNA on the security side. Instead, Cisco offers several different Associate security certificates.

The good news is that you've got a lot of security specialties from which to choose; bad news is that I have many choices! In choosing a specialization, take some time to select the certificate that will be of practical use in the current position or in a "dream job".

One of the most popular security certification is Associate Cisco VPN Specialist certification. The two exam track consists of the Securing Cisco Network Devices (SND, 642-551) exam and Cisco Secure Virtual Private Networks (CSVPN, 642-511) exam. To earn Cisco VPN Specialist exam, you must have a valid CCNA certification.

What is to be expected in these exams? On the SND exam, expected to grill on the basic security features on both switches and routers, as well as VPN 3000 concentrators, PIXes and IDS / IPS sensors. You have to be ready to configure and troubleshoot basic AAA configuration, access list, syslog, AutoSecure and much more. You should also be fixed by using IPSec.

IPSec will also be part of his CSVPN exam. As you might expect, it will also be expected to be rather good with the VPN Concentrator 3000 series, including browser configuration, creation of users and groups in Windows VPN client software and others.

It is a demanding qualification that this is an excellent supplement to your CV and skills set. For the latest information on these and other Cisco certifications, regularly visit the Learning & Events section of Cisco's website. The Cisco certification candidate, it's your duty to keep informed of any additions and changes to the Cisco certification tracks - and this is good for your career!