My CCIE Security Written exam posted today and renewed all my active Cisco Certifications; however did not renew any of my expired certifications (CCNP, CCDP).

Just passed the CCIE Security Written exam.  Now I start the long path towards studying for the lab exam.  I have decided to use the Internetwork Expert End-to-End CCIE Security Program. I was initially looking at IPExpert for my training material, but had a friend recommend INE.

Since this journal was originally started to help motivate me in my efforts towards the CCIE Security certification I am going to attempt to post more often.

Just scheduled the CCIE Security Written Exam for September 17. I am hoping this renews my expired CCNP and CCDP certifications.

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.

I took the CCNA Security IINS 640-553 today and passed. I used the Cisco Press book and GNS3 for study materials. I am now going to start on my CCSP. I am going to begin with the IPS test 642-533. I have an old Cisco Press book I am going to use, which was written for the 642-532 exam. I also have access to a ASA5520 with a AIP-SSM-20 module and an old IDS 4200 appliance.

I am a little surprised at the lack of self study material for the current CCSP tests. I hope to complete the CCSP certification by August 1, 2009 and begin studying for the CCIE Security written exam.