Cisco · 2026 Edition
A complete preparation guide written by Cisco-certified engineers. Covers the exam format,all 6 blueprint domains, a week-by-week study plan, and proven tips for passing first time.
3–5 months
Prep time
Advanced
Difficulty
90
Exam questions
Variable
Pass mark
Exam code
350-701
Full name
CCNP Security
Vendor
Cisco
Duration
120 minutes
Questions
90 items
Passing score
Variable
Domains covered
6 blueprint domains
Recommended experience
CCNA or equivalent; 3+ years of security operations experience recommended
Typical prep time
3–5 months
CCNP Security validates enterprise security engineering skills across firewalls, VPNs, intrusion prevention, and security architecture. It is the credential that separates security-focused network engineers from general networking roles.
Job roles this opens
Domain percentage weights are not currently available for this exam. The checklist below is still useful for planning your study.
Passing score: Cisco passing scores vary by exam version and are not always publicly listed. Check the official Cisco exam page before booking.
Weeks 1–3
Security Concepts: cryptography, PKI, VPN types, security models
Tip: The 350-701 SCOR is the core exam — you must pass it plus one concentration exam (e.g. SVPN, SISE, SNCF). Confirm your concentration track before you start.
Weeks 4–6
Network Security: perimeter/endpoint security, Cisco ASA, Firepower NGFW
Tip: Know the difference between ASA and Firepower: ASA is stateful firewall logic, Firepower adds IPS, application visibility, URL filtering, and AMP. Many questions describe a scenario and ask which platform fits.
Weeks 7–9
Content and Endpoint Security: email security, web security, AMP, TrustSec
Tip: Cisco Secure Email (ESA), Web Security Appliance (WSA), and AMP for Endpoints each have distinct roles. Know what each blocks and at what point in the kill chain.
Weeks 10–14
Secure Access, Visibility, Concentration Exam prep
Tip: ISE policy sets — authentication, authorisation, and profiling — are the most tested Secure Access topic. Lab these in a virtual environment until the policy evaluation flow is clear.
SCOR (350-701) has 25% Security Concepts — cryptography, PKI, and VPN fundamentals are straightforward points if you study them early.
IKEv1 vs IKEv2: IKEv2 uses fewer exchanges, supports EAP, MOBIKE, and asymmetric authentication. Exam questions often describe a requirement (e.g. mobile VPN clients) and ask which IKE version applies.
Cisco TrustSec uses SGT (Security Group Tags) to enforce policy based on identity rather than IP address. This is the concept most candidates skip and then regret.
Firepower Management Center (FMC) vs Firepower Device Manager (FDM): FMC manages multiple sensors centrally; FDM is local single-device management only.
CCNP Security requires passing the 350-701 SCOR core plus one concentration exam. Both are separate Pearson VUE bookings — budget time and cost for two sittings.
Apply everything in this guide with adaptive practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and domain analytics.
Deep-dive explanations of the key topics tested on 350-701 — with exam key points and common misconceptions.