Studying for CCNP Security Took Most People Over 3 Months
by Ross Heintzkill | Published on January 17, 2025
The CCNP Security certification is, frankly, a must-have for network security specialists. But how long does it take to prepare for the 350-701 SCOR exam? We reached out to certified professionals via Twitter, LinkedIn, and email to get a clear picture of what you should expect regarding real-world study times. Keep reading to find out how much time you’ll need to dedicate to preparing for the 350-701 SCOR.
What is the CCNP Security?
The CCNP Security certification is a mid-career cybersecurity credential from Cisco. It's ideal for professionals who want to advance their careers in network security. Its core exam, 350-701 SCOR, is meant for people who already work in IT security roles or in networking roles with a focus on security, such as network security engineers, security administrators, and systems engineers.
The CCNP Security covers a wide range of topics, including securing network devices, firewalls, VPNs, and identity management. Employers value this certification because it validates a candidate’s ability to protect an organization's networks from internal and external threats, a crucial capability in today’s cyber-threat landscape.
Earning the CCNP Security requires passing at least two certification exams. You'll always have to take 350-701 SCOR, which is the core exam for the certification. It's a 2-hour test that'll cost $400, but you'll also have to take one of seven concentration exams, which each cost $300-$350.
How Long Does it Take to Study for the CCNP Security?
The CCNP Security core exam is known for its difficulty, and the survey data reflects the complexity of the topics.
45% of respondents took over 5 months to prepare for the 350-701 SCOR CCNP Security core exam.
This speaks to how valuable the certification is for cybersecurity professionals – it looks great on a resume at any point in your career.
Nearly 90% of respondents needed more than 6 weeks to study, while half managed to prepare in under 5 months. On average, most students can expect to spend around 2 months preparing for the 350-701 SCOR. However, with focused preparation and strong study habits, it’s possible to complete your studies in less than 5 months.
Don’t be discouraged at the longer study times: just follow the CCNP Security roadmap to success – and take your time. Those who succeeded often needed months of preparation, and leveraging hands-on labs, practice exams, and structured learning materials can help you stay on track.
What's on the CCNP Security Test?
The CCNP Security core exam is 350-701 SCOR, a 120-minute exam that covers skills related to operating technologies for network, cloud security, endpoint protection, and secure network access and visibility. Even experienced security administrators can benefit from an online Cisco course.
The test has six sections:
Security Concepts
Network Security
Securing the Cloud
Content Security
Endpoint Protection and Detection
Secure Network Access, Visibility, and Enforcement
The exam begins with common threats, vulnerabilities, and cryptographic techniques, covering topics like malware, DDoS attacks, and encryption tools. You'll need to understand and implement various types of VPNs, know how to defend against phishing, and use APIs in Cisco’s DNA Center.
Network security is another major area, testing your knowledge of intrusion prevention, firewall deployment models, segmentation, and policies to control network traffic. Be sure you know how to secure device access and management of Cisco devices. Additionally, you'll want experience with configuring and troubleshooting VPNs for remote and site-to-site connections.
This broad set of skills ensures that CCNP Security professionals can effectively manage and secure complex network environments, combining proactive threat mitigation with strong access controls and efficient network monitoring.
Why Should I Spend 5 Months Earning the CCNP Security?
For network security professionals, the CCNP Security is a serious asset – the kind that can put a cap on your entire career. You could land a job as a cybersecurity analyst or even make good money as a network security engineer. CCNP Security is a good cert if you’re already handling Cisco network security but want to deepen your expertise in securing complex networks.
How to Prepare for the CCNP Security in Under 5 Months
Getting CCNP Security certified can take a while – over 5 months for most people – but the right tools can help you fast-track that journey. Online courses, virtual labs, and practice exams are game-changers for getting certified sooner.
Use Online Training Resources
Finding reliable, organized, and free 350-701 SCOR training isn’t really feasible – most free resources are scattered and incomplete. An investment in CBT Nuggets’ CCNP Security Core course is a time-saver, giving you all the structured, in-depth content in one place. This course lets you stay focused on what you need to know, streamlining your study process and helping you prep efficiently.
Use Virtual Labs
Virtual labs are a great way to practice network security in a safe environment. CBT Nuggets’ virtual labs allow you to practice securing, managing, and troubleshooting networks without physical equipment. This gives you hands-on experience with the skills that make a difference in the CCNP Security exam—and on the job.
Test Yourself Using Practice Exams
The CCNP Security exam tests a range of skills, and CBT Nuggets’ practice exams show you exactly where to focus. Practice tests allow you to identify areas for improvement while building your confidence with exam-style questions. By the time test day rolls around, you’ll know what to expect, helping you save time and feel prepared to confidently tackle the exam.
Learn From Experts
Learning complex security concepts on your own is a challenge, but CBT Nuggets’ expert-led course makes it approachable. The instructors cover everything from foundational concepts to exam-specific tips, giving you practical, easy-to-understand insights.
If securing advanced networks is where you’re headed, the CCNP Security cert is a valuable step. While preparing for it can be a commitment of over 5 months for many people, the CBT Nuggets CCNP Security course is a faster, more efficient way to study.
With hands-on labs, expert instruction, and comprehensive practice exams, you’ll be fully prepared to succeed. This course gives you the real-world knowledge you need to tackle any security challenge and reach your career goals in record time.