6/17/2003 -- Updated versions of four of Cisco's Certified Security Professional (CCSP) exams debut worldwide today: Securing Cisco IOS Networks (SECUR) (formerly MCNS), Cisco Secure PIX Firewall Advanced (CSPFA), Cisco Secure VPN (CSVPN) and Cisco SAFE Implementation (CSI).

Rick Stiffler, senior manager of advanced technology training at Cisco, said that the company hasn't changed the major objectives of the exams, but they have been updated to reflect new technology. "As the technology is evolving on a very constant basis in the security arena, we're in a constant battle to keep the courses [and exams] updated," he explained. "Cisco is committed to keeping its portfolio of security courses and exams current so that IT professionals can acquire the knowledge and skills needed to build and deploy comprehensive security solutions."

News of most of the exam revisions first appeared on Cisco's Web site in April (see previous story, "Cisco Updating CCSP Exams," for details). With the official announcement today, Cisco acknowledged that the CSI exam, which was left off the April announcement, has also been updated. In addition, the debut of the new Cisco Secure Intrusion Detection Systems (CSIDS) exam has been moved up to October 7.

Several of the updated exams also count toward the company's security-related Cisco Qualified Specialist titles, which candidates can earn on their way to pursuing the CCSP or individually. The previous versions of the four exams released today will remain available for registration up to September 30, 2003. Candidates may take the exams up to six weeks after registration closes, provided that the exam was scheduled before the registration cutoff date.

More information on these updates can be found here. More information on the retiring exams can be found here. -Becky Nagel