The Cisco 300-715 proves an understanding of the Cisco Identity Services Engine such as policy enforcement, endpoint compliance, and profiler just to mention a few. Also, this is the same exam that allows students to attain the CCNP Security and Cisco Certified Specialist - Security Identity Management Implementation certifications.

Related Certifications

Attaining the CCNP Security designation confirms that a student is adept at managing security solutions. In particular, this certification allows IT specialists to express themselves fully as security pros by acing a combination of two exams. These are the Cisco 350-701, which is the core test, and a concentration exam which is picked from the options like 300-710, 300-715, 300-720, 300-725, 300-730, and 300-735. To put it in perspective, the Cisco Certified Specialist - Security Identity Management Implementation is a title that can be achieved by clearing the 300-715 exam alone.

Basic Test Facts

To begin with, the real Cisco 300-715 exam is only available in English. Plus, candidates must pay $300 to sit for it and will be given a maximum of 90 minutes to finalize all questions. Of course, Cisco remains flexible in its exam scheduling protocols, and candidates can either opt to enroll for the online evaluation or take it from a physical testing location.

Cisco 300-715 Exam Content Outline

In a nutshell, the actual 300-715 exam will focus on the following domains:

1. Deployment & Architecture (10%)

Such a topic will test the candidate’s ability to complete two major tasks. These include configuring personas and describing options for deployment.

2. Enforcement of Policies (25%)

On the other hand, the second domain will confirm the candidate’s understanding of how to configure native LDAP as well as AD, describe options for the identity store such as AD, LDAP, OTP, Local, Smart Card including PKI, and configure wired & wireless network access for 802.1X. Also, this knowledge area will focus on the configuration of the stage deployment for 802.1X, devices used to access networks, Cisco TrustSec, and finally, profiles for authorization & authentication. Lastly, such an extensive area will also cover the MAB implementation.

3. Guest Services Alongside Web Auth (15%)

In all, the items for a section like this will be extracted from 3 major configuration tasks. Particularly, these include web authentication and its configuration, the services necessary for guest access, and various portals for both guests and sponsors.

4. Profiler Topic (15%)

The topic of profiler in the official Cisco 300-715 exam will emphasize the skills related to putting into operation the services for a profiler, probes, and CoA. Also, it will cover the configuration of identity management for endpoints.

5. BYOD (15%)

At this point, the main test will focus on the skills of describing the functions of BYOD by Cisco, building up the BYOD device on-boarding with internal CA, and configuring certificates used in BYOD. To conclude, an area like this will evaluate your knowledge of configuring block & allow lists.

6. Compliance of Endpoints (10%)

This domain is designed to focus on the description of the compliance of endpoints, the provisioning of clients, and posture services. Next, it accentuates the configuration of client provisioning, posture policy along with conditions, and the configuration of the compliance module. What’s more, such a tested portion evaluates the skills associated with configuring posture agents of Cisco ISE as well as operational modes and outlining supplicant, authenticator, server, and finally, supplicant options.

7. Administration of Network Access Devices (10%)

In conclusion, the Cisco 300-715 exam will cover the administration of network access device tasks including contrasting the protocols for AAA and setting up TACACS+ command authorization and device administration.

Career Opportunities

Once you clear the 300-715 exam and attain the CCNP Security validation, you will be ready to fill any of the following roles:

• Security Analyst

  All in all, security analysts have a long-term goal of ensuring a company’s vital assets and sensitive information are well protected from unauthorized access. In detail, they secure systems on-premises and online to alleviate the worries of possible attacks or suspicious activities that may derail performance. For many organizations, these individuals are the recognized first line of protection against many attacks who are also in charge of generating reports for business managers as well as IT administrators to verify the efficiency of the existing security policies. According to PayScale.com, a typical security analyst gets an average salary of $69,348 per year.

• Security Engineer

  Security engineers, as a rule, are responsible for safeguarding a company’s computer systems and networks. They are also tasked with planning and implementing security measures to allow for monitoring as well as protecting sensitive information from digital attacks. Usually, security engineers are part of a knowledgeable IT team that’s concerned with securing computer networks. Plus, they take a ton of pride in developing information security policies and plans, implementing protections, testing for vulnerabilities, monitoring for security breaches, and investigating potential security breaches. Going by the current market trends and the latest salary information from PayScale, a typical security engineer earns an average income of $93,704 per annum.

• Cybersecurity Specialist

  A cybersecurity specialist, in particular, provides security at all stages of the development of software systems, data centers, and networks. They also detect vulnerabilities in software and hardware systems, manage intrusions & attacks, and must detect possible threats or data breaches in a functional system. What’s more, cybersecurity specialists should demonstrate their skills in suggesting efficient security measures for information, building firewalls, designing strategies for protection against intruders, and examining as well as evaluating the existing defenses and security strategies. Normally, cybersecurity specialists are required to keep abreast of the latest security trends and procedures including the new methods for analyzing risks alongside intrusions. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a cybersecurity specialist is $111,052 annually in the USA.

Certification Path

Looking at the Cisco certification ladder, the next certificate that comes after the CCNP Security is the CCIE Security. This is an expert certification that confirms a solid understanding of security solutions. To earn it, you will have to pass the qualifying exam, the Cisco 350-701: Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) together with the hands-on lab evaluation, known as the CCIE Security v6.0.