Cisco has revamped its security certifications and added new content to support its self-defending network strategy and "keep up with changing needs in the marketplace".

Don Field, director of certifications at Cisco said there has been a shift in network security away from being a one-point solution toward something that needs to be integrated into all areas of the network.

Cisco's latest products are reflecting that shift and now its certifications are following suite, he said.

"Cisco is committed to enhancing its training and certification program so IT professionals have the training and skill sets necessary to design, build, implement and maintain converging network platforms," he said.

"The CCSP and Specialist certification updates are consistent with the growing demand from our customers, channel partners and the industry for highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals to deploy self-defending networks."

Cisco security certifications will still be provided at three levels: associate, professional and expert. There will also still be the three specialist tracks of Firewall, IDS and VPN. However, the professional level certification (CCSP) and Specialist Certifications have had new modules and courses added.

The professional certification has had the largest revamp with the addition of an optional new course, called Securing House with Cisco Security Agent. The course focuses on the new Cisco Security Agent which consolidates endpoint security functions in a single agent. This is the first time end-point security has been included in Cisco certifications.

The specialist tracks in Firewall, IDS and VPN will also remain, but just be refreshed with new content and exams.

The Firewall specialist course will now include an Adaptive Threat module, and the IDS specialist course will be broadened to include prevention as well as detection. It will be called Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention Systems.

"So we've broadened that course substantially. The devices that we cover include the latest IPS sensors that we released back in March," said Cisco's learning and development manager Christine Yoshida.

The VPN specialist will now include modules that support V4.7 of the concentrator software.

One of the exams required in all the specialist courses, called Securing Networks with Routers, will now include a module on switches.

The only course to be removed is the Safe Implementation course, but it will still be available for those that want to re-certify.

Cisco courses are offered through certified training partners worldwide. Pricing for all exams will still remain the same.