So is it worth all that time you would have to put in to get the CCSP? For those of you who are just joining me you haven't missed much. This happens to be my first of a month long session of Blogging here at NWW. When I decided to do this I has to choose something that I felt would be relevant to you. I decided to stick with what I'm good at and focus in the realm of security, and since i've been training folks for the last 7 years on how to use the PIX, ASA, IPS, Cisco Routers, and AAA I decided to stick with that.

So to start out, I want to throw the ball into your hands. Do you think its worth it? There are a number of tests you can take. SND, SNRS, IPS, and SNPA are the core but what about CANAC, MARS, HIPS? I'd like to know if you see a benefit in getting certified.

I ask this because I've seen a number of students come through my classes that never plan on taking a test, rather they are looking to get training on something they have to do at work. To tell you the truth that usually tends to be configuring the ASA or managing a MARS, What about IPS? Are you just winging it?

I may be biased but I think its every bit worth it. Its a milestone that is trackable. It says, "I know this stuff." Whether that be firewalls, IPS, VPNs or anything. Having that certification means you CAN do it.

Now in the past I've seen people get book certified but if you've taken a Cisco test lately you know thats not easy to do anymore. I think its just easier to learn how the stuff works. That way no matter what they as on a test, you can answer it with knowledge.

Well what a start huh? Since I may not be here long I want to give the opportunity to answer you questions that relate to the CCSP certification. I'm not the guru or all things Cisco Certifications, I'll leave the cert zone to Wendell. (Who by the way...ROCKS!) So here is how I will do this:

- If you have a question about any of the Cisco Security Certifications- throw them up (remember there is an NDA so none of that "What's the answer to this questiion...stuff) We can however discuss any of the topics found under the exam listings here.

-If you want to talk about configurations of ASA's, differences between code versions that are current and code versions you may be tested on and so on- throw it up here! -If you want to talk about IPS, CSA, CANAC, or the MARS- throw it up here. Throughout the course of this month I plan on putting up some posts on the MPF for the ASA- seems the be a gotcha for some of my recent classroon folk.

Oh, and I'll also throw in a little AAA!

So saddle up-there is a lot we can discuss here.

Let Q&A begin!