The EC-Council exam with the code 312-38 is necessary for obtaining the Certified Network Defender (CND) certification. It offers specialists the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge of secure practices in networking together with hardening their skills in computing systems.

Target Audience and Eligibility Criteria

The 312-38 evaluation is ideal for applicants who have basic knowledge of managing and configuring networking concepts. Therefore, it targets the individuals who want to improve their chances to progress in their careers as network or IT administrators, network engineers, network technicians, and data analysts. Besides, this test is for the individuals who want to learn critical network defense competence and keep the network’s security status under control. Therefore, this test can represent huge progress for the candidates who want to move their careers to the next level in cybersecurity. Next, the candidates’ eligibility can be obtained if they attend the official training developed by EC-Council on network security. Therefore, the applicants should check for the linked preparation class at the EC-Council Authorized Training Center (ATC). In case they cannot obtain the necessary training evidence, the examinees should demonstrate that they worked for a minimum of 2 years in the domain dedicated to information security. In this case, they should pay a non-refundable registration tax of $100.

EC-Council 312-38 Exam Details

First things first, the actual 312-38 exam includes 100 questions, and its duration is 4 hours. The questions’ format is multiple-choice, and they are rigorously checked by the vendor’s approval committee. The EC-Council focuses on maintaining high integrity standards. So, its team of experts checks carefully each question using beta testing. In detail, a sample group of candidates is selected to take the beta evaluation, and based on their performance, the committee will choose the questions that will be included in the live test. On top of that, the inquiries are tested to see whether they can be applied to the “real world”. The rating obtained for each question will influence the final “cut score”, which is usually between 60% to 85%.

Topics Tested in 312-38

The exam blueprint is the first document that candidates should assess to understand what they need to learn to succeed. Therefore, in the case of the formal EC-Council 312-38 exam, the candidates should demonstrate that they leveraged their skills in the following domains:

• Management of network attacks and developing defense strategies;
• Keeping the technical and administrative network security standards to the highest level;
• Taking action in network perimeter security domain;
• Managing endpoint security – Windows, Linux, Mobile, and IoT devices;
• Administration of application security and performing data security checks;
• Managing enterprise virtual, cloud, and wireless network security solutions and situations;
• Performing monitoring and analysis on network traffic as well as logs;
• Delivering forensic investigation and coming up with coherent responses to incidents;
• Building business continuity process and creating disaster recovery policy;
• Anticipating risks with a smart risk management strategy;
• Assessing and predicting threats with an effective analysis on the attack surface together with cyber threat intelligence tools.

After going through all the topics included in the exam syllabus, the candidates should start identifying the available training solutions necessary for their exam mastery.

Preparation Materials for EC-Council 312-38 Exam

Examinees can obtain the passing score in the official 312-38 exam from the first try if they focus on improving their competence with the help of the following preparation materials:

• MasterClass Network Defender Program

  This training program targets network administrators who want to improve their skills in cybersecurity. In particular, the attendees will learn how to effectively check the networks’ traffic at both binary and packet levels. Besides, they will have the opportunity to improve their skills in managing the network’s lowest layers. In addition, the program attendees will develop abilities in mastering the Linux, UNIX, and TCP/IP protocols. In general, this MasterClass program helps the candidates prepare for two EC-Council certifications. So, apart from the Certified Network Defender designation, it also includes information for the Ethical Hacking Core Skills, also known as EHCS. For the CND certification, the training program includes the live course dedicated to Certified Network Defender applicants. Also, it offers the exam insurance program and the CND Online Self-Paced Streaming Video Course. Note that the attendees will have access to this video preparation material for one year.

• Certified Network Defender – Instructor-led Training

  This instructor-led preparation class offers hands-on experience for the candidates who want to pass the EC-Council 312-38 exam and develop advanced cybersecurity competence. This training class has been attentively created by the vendor’s trainers according to the specifics of the roles dedicated to network security as well as the description and requirements provided by the Department of Defense for network or system administrator positions. The individuals who choose such a course to prepare for the concerned test will learn how to handle IoT security issues and implement the best practices of the network virtualization domain. In addition, they will receive a detailed introduction to threat intelligence and analysis of attack surfaces. What is more, candidates will be introduced to network virtualization topics and get access to modules dedicated to Operation Technology and Enhanced IoT as well as Cloud Security domain.

• Computer Networking for Beginners: a Complete Guide to Network Systems, Wireless Technology, and Cybersecurity. Master the Science of the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence by Jason Callaway

  This book will help the candidates for the main 312-38 test develop basic knowledge of computer networking and network security. Therefore, even though it is not dedicated specifically to this evaluation, it offers consolidated information on how to master the wireless technology, network systems, and cybersecurity domain. It helps the readers understand how a router works and learn to manage the different types of network systems and their components. Also, they will consolidate their competence in using machine learning techniques in a business scenario. If you're interested, this training material can be purchased from Amazon.com. It is available in Kindle format for $4.90 or paperback for $17.95.

Conclusion

Obtaining the passing score in the EC-Council 312-38 exam is not mission impossible as long as you make training your ally. Fortunately, the vendor developed some interesting mater and instructor-led classes that will help you take your knowledge to the next level. Also, the books available on Amazon will help you build the foundation on network security and build more confidence in your ability to pass this test with flying colors.