Certification RoadMap

SCP Certifications Network Security is essential to every business and organization. Data theft, loss of productivity and decreased profits are unfortunately commonplace due to security breaches. IT Security Pros must be specifically trained to think proactively. The Security Certified Program's SCNS, SCNP and SCNA certifications provide a solid knowledge of both defensive network security systems and the newer trusted needs of security. Over the years, certification has become the foundation for verification of an employee's skill. The demand for IT professionals with skills in the fast changing world of network security have been hard to find. When those people are found, there has been no solid method of verification of those skills. The Security Certified Program has changed that. Today's complex electronic world requires IT pros with security skills above the standard. The Security Certified Program ensures that employers know that those candidates holding SCP certifications have undergone extensive training, and have passed the difficult and detailed examinations.

Security Certified Network Specialist Certification (SCNS)

The Security Certified Network Specialist (SCNS) is the newest certification in the Security Certified Program (SCP). This certification is the starting point with the SCP, a required pre-requisite for going further towards the SCNP and SCNA certifications.

The SCNS focuses on the critical defensive technologies that are the foundation of securing network perimeters, such as firewalls, intrusion detection, and router security. This certification tests the candidate’s ability to work with, and implement, real world security technology.

To become SCNS certified, candidates must successfully pass one exam. This exam is named: Tactical Perimeter Defense. The exam uses number: SC0-451.
The domain breakdown for the SCNS exam can be found here:

Tactical Perimeter Defense (SCP-SCNS)

Examination Domain	Percentage of Exam
1.0 – Network Defense Fundamentals	5%
2.0 - Hardening Routers and Access Control Lists	10%
3.0 – Implementing IPSec and Virtual Private Networks	10%
4.0 – Advanced TCP/IP	15%
5.0 – Securing Wireless Networks	15%
6.0 - Designing and Configuring Intrusion Detection Systems	20%
7.0 - Designing and Configuring Firewall Systems	25%
Total	100%

Prerequisite for this certification is Security+ or equivalent experience. For further information on the Security+ program, visit the CompTIA website.

Security Certified Network Professional Certification (SCNP)

The Security Certified Network Professional (SCNP) certification follows up where the SCNS ends.

The SCNP focuses on important infrastructure elements in the network, including the security of Windows and Linux systems. This certification tests the candidate’s ability to secure essential components of the network.

To become SCNP certified, candidates must hold an SCNS credential in good standing, and successfully pass one exam. This exam is named: Strategic Infrastructure Security. The exam uses number: SC0-471.

The domain breakdown for the SCNP exam can be found here:

Strategic Infrastructure Security (SCP-SCNP)

Examination Domain	Percentage of Exam
1.0 – Analyzing Packet Structures	5%
2.0 - Creating Security Policies	5%
3.0 – Performing Risk Analysis	5%
4.0 – Ethical Hacking Techniques	10%
5.0 – Internet and WWW Security	15%
6.0 - Cryptography	20%
7.0 - Hardening Linux Computers	20%
8.0 - Hardening Windows Server 2003	20%
Total	100%