I just passed the Securing Networks with ASA Advanced test. I believe this test was much easier than the ASA Foundations test. If you have a good understanding of MPF and IPSEC/SSL VPNs you should have no problems.

Now on to the CCIE Security Written Exam. I am hoping much of the material will be a review of the technologies covered in the series of CCSP exams.

I passed the 642-524 exam on Saturday. This was the hardest test so far in the CCSP series. I used the the following material to study for this test:

• CCSP SNAF Quick Reference By Andrew Mason
• Cisco ASA, PIX, and FWSM Firewall Handbook, Second Edition By David Hucaby - CCIE No. 4594
• On the job training

I willl now start working on the elective exam 642-515 SNAA Securing Networks with ASA Advanced.

Just took the Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches test. This test should have been called the DMVPN test.  Now on to the Securing Networks with ASA Foundation exam.  I will try to knock this one out in less than two weeks due to my work experience on this platform.

I passed the 642-533 exam today. The hardest part of this test was filtering out the different versions of IPS I work with.  I read a book and have an old appliance running version 5. My ASA IPS module runs version 6.2 and the test is over version 6.0.  This put me at a disadvantage.

Now on to the SNRS 642-504 test.  For this I am reading material on Safari Books Online, which includes the CCSP Self-Study: CCSP SNRS Exam Certification Guide for version 642-502. Yuck, a four year old book for a test 2 versions back.  I am also reading CCSP SNRS Quick Reference and CCSP SNRS Quick Reference Sheets "Shortcuts".  I will also crank up GNS3 and hopefully finds some labs to practice.

I am finishing up my studying for the 642-533 exam. I finished reading the Cisco Press CCSP IPS Exam Certification Guide (642-532). I have also read the Quick Reference Guide and configuration documents on Cisco's website. Luckily I have an ASA 5520 with an AIP SSM installed running version 6.0, and an old 4215 running version 5.0. I have attemped multiple times to upgrade the 4215, called TAC and have not been able to get this thing to version 6.

Hopefully the following resources will be enough to pass the exam.  I plan on scheduleing this exam on Friday.