2/28/2002 -- A year ago, Cisco announced a security-focused Qualified Specialist certificate as an add-on to its core titles. Now, security is a full-fledged option for CCIE candidates.

Cisco announced the new security track for its highly coveted, lab-exam-based title last week. "As a leader in the security industry, Cisco is offering security certifications that are evolving in step with what the market and our customers are demanding," Tom Kelly, vice president of Cisco's Internet learning group, said in a printed statement.

According to Cisco, CCIE Security "emphasizes a broad range of security-related technologies in addition to the traditional CCIE focus on core IP routing and switching."

As with the other CCIE tracks -- CCIE Routing and Switching and CCIE Communications and Services -- hopefuls must first pass a multiple-choice qualification exam (#350-018 for the Security track) before being allowed to sit for the one-day lab exam.

Cisco said in the statement that it began beta testing the title in Fall 2001. Although the company emphasized its "total solution" approach to network security in its press release announcement, no word was given on what, if any, other security titles may be forthcoming.

For complete details regarding the track's requirements and objectives, click here. -B.N.