The Cisco 350-701 exam is a crucial step towards becoming adept in Cisco security solutions. This is the first requirement for earning a noteworthy set of certifications that can greatly support your career. More so, the test itself readies you for the more challenging pursuits as a security professional. So, if you want to accomplish this challenge on a high note, take your time to understand all its relevant information and uncover its remarkable benefits.

The Best Candidates for the Exam

350-701 exam is open to all the aspiring professionals. However, note that the associated certifications ask candidates to have at least 3 to 5 years of background in dealing with security solutions for CCNP and 5 to 7 years of the same experience for CCIE. The good news is, there are no technical prerequisites for the applicants as long as your working experience fits the above points and you have a solid knowledge of the topics covered.

The Certifications Unlocked after Exam Completion

Unlike typical exams, Cisco 350-701 is credited towards a couple of certificates. First on the list is the CCNP Security, where it functions as the core evaluation. The second one is the CCIE Security, 350-701 becomes a qualifying exam. However, both mentioned options will require you to pass one more assessment. And if you only pursue this test with no additional ones, then you will be awarded the Cisco Certified Specialist - Security Core validation.

Exam Pattern and Topics Covered

Cisco 350-701 is an exam that runs for 2 hours, with two available languages - English and Japanese. And for the test fee, it amounts to $400, plus tax. You have the option to take the exam either online or at a testing center.

In general, Cisco 350-701 deliberates on topics relevant to security infrastructure. These primarily focus on the implementation and operation of core security technologies, particularly the network, cloud, and content aspects. In addition, it emphasizes areas such as endpoint protection as well as secure network access.

Exam Domains

To completely comprehend the topics, let’s take a closer look into each relevant subject. These will be categorized into 6 major domains to easily help you digest the core areas.

• Security concepts ― 25%

  Going into the Cisco security path is a challenging feat, hence the need to armor yourself with the basics. And these start with the key concepts and terms that involve the security aspect of a network. Get to know about the common threats that exist against on-premises environments and even cloud setups. These include viruses, malware, trojans, phishing, cross-site scripting, data breaches, and compromised identifications, among others. Continue with your learning and identify popular security vulnerabilities like SQL injection, software bugs, buffer overflow, and path traversal. It’s also important that you spend time studying the cryptography components, VPN deployment types, security intelligence, and endpoints. Make sure you comprehend the importance of APIs and Python scripts too.

• Network security ― 20%

  Explore the ins and outs of network security by distinguishing the solutions that deliver intrusion prevention and firewall functions. Then, try to learn the deployment methods as well as the Netflow and Flexible Netflow components and capabilities. Configuring and verifying network infrastructure methods such as routers, switches, and wireless is another pivotal section. These particularly extend to the Layer 2 methods and device hardening. As you carry on with the topics, you will discover more about the implementation of access control policies, segmentation, malware protection, management options, and the like. This area also opens up the configuration of AAA for network access and device, along with the configuration of secure network management and VPN features. For the latter, this gives emphasis on site-to-site VPN, remote access VPN, and debugs commands.

• Cloud security ― 15%

  Securing the cloud is a crucial task that you should practice. Here, you get to identify vital security solutions that are essential for cloud environments, including public, private, community, and hybrid. Subsequently, it’s a must that you can easily compare the security responsibility between the customer and the provider. Some of the pertinent features involved in this area are patch management, security assessment, and cloud-delivered security solutions. Another set of topics that need your attention are DevSecOps, data security, policy management, cloud logging, workload security, and such.

• Content security ― 15%

  Gain knowledge of the key process on how to implement traffic redirection, use web proxy identity, and complete a web/email security deployment. In addition, you need to cover the local and cloud-based email as well as understand the important security features like SPAM filtering, blacklisting, antimalware, and email encryption, among others. Probing into the internet gateway and web security is another pivotal task. Lastly, go over the components, functions, and other related features of the Cisco Umbrella.

• Secure network access ― 15%

  Identity management, together with secure network access, takes up a portion of the exam. Therefore, it’s imperative to master its concepts, particularly guest services, posture assessment, profiling, and BYOD. Continue polishing your skillset and uncover the network access device, CoA network access, device compliance, application control, exfiltration techniques, and network telemetry. This section also gives thorough emphasis on key Cisco security solutions and products such as Stealthwatch, pxGrid, Umbrella Investigate, AnyConnect NVM, Cognitive Threat Analytics, and Encrypted Traffic Analytics.

• Endpoint detection and protection ― 10%

  The last domain concentrates on EPP and EDR solutions. Acquire insights into antimalware, antivirus, dynamic file analysis, outbreak control, and the like. You must also dive into the relevance of endpoint device management, endpoint posture assessment solutions, endpoint patching strategy, and MFA strategy.

Career Opportunities

Passing the Cisco 350-701 exam says a lot about your professional character and career goals. It signifies that your knowledge and skills are at par with the industry demands. And as a result, you become more in demand in your chosen job role. On top of that, your financial worth increases as well as your job opportunities. According to PayScale, those who have the CCNP Security, one of the certifications related to Cisco 350-701, get an average of $95k, according to PayScale.

Further Certification Path

As mentioned earlier, Cisco 350-701 is associated with various Cisco certifications. However, this only serves as a core exam, which means you need to accomplish the concentration test or the lab evaluation to secure the accreditation. So, if you complete the CCNP Security program, you may opt to continue with the CCIE Security to solidify your technical skillset.