Certification FAQ
Certification Levels
Valid certification
Recertification
Fee
What are the different levels of Cisco IronPort certification?
The different levels of certifications are:
- Cisco IronPort Certified Sales Specialist (CICSS)
- Cisco IronPort Certified Security Associate (CICSA)
- Cisco IronPort Certified Security Professional (CICSP)
- Cisco IronPort Certified Security Instructor (CICSI)
Each technical certification level has an Email and Web certification track. The CICSA certification also has an Encryption certification track.
How long are the certifications valid?
Each certification will be valid for a period of two years.
What happens if my certification expires?
If your certification expires, you will need to renew your certification by taking the current certification exam and attending the required classes, if necessary. You may no longer present yourself as Cisco IronPort certified until your certification is renewed.
How does my expired certification impact my employer?
If your certification expires, your employer may not meet the necessary Channel Partner Program qualification requirements.
How do I find out when my current certification will expire?
Send email to cert-ironport@cisco.com. Please include your name, which certification you are inquiring about and the approximate date on which you were certified and you will receive an email indicating your expiration date.
Will Cisco IronPort Systems remind me?
Cisco IronPort will make a reasonable effort to contact each holder by email six months before the expiration of your certification.
What happens if I missed the expiration date?
Your certification will expire or become inactive. Cisco IronPort will not extend the expiration date until you recertify.
What is recertification?
Recertification is a process used to ensure that the skills of the holder of the certification are up-to-date. A recertification exam is administered and a new certificate is issued upon successful completion.
What is the advantage of recertification?
Recertification demonstrates your commitment to stay current in the industry and the ever changing technologies.
Who needs to recertify?
Anyone who has been certified for more than two years will need to recertify.
Those who wish to continue a particular certification or need a valid certification at one level to attain a higher level.
When will the Recertification exams be available?
CICSSs, CICSAs, CICSPs, and CICSIs should renew their certification by taking the current certification exams.
What will be on the Recertification exam?
The recertification exams for the CICSS, CICSA and the CICSP will consist of the current versions of the regular exam.
What happens if I don't pass the Recertification exam?
A recertification exam can be taken as many times as necessary, but the test must be passed before the current certification expires.
Why do the Cisco IronPort certifications expire?
This is a Policy requirement to ensure that the skills of the holder are current and up to date and that the holder is committed to the standards required by Cisco IronPort Systems.
Where am I able to take Cisco IronPort certification exams?
- Cisco IronPort sales certification exams are administered at the end of the "How to Sell IronPort Solutions" E-Learning course.
- Cisco IronPort technical certification exams are administered by Prometric. For more information, please visit http://training.ironport.com/certification.html.
Do I have to pay to take the new certification exams?
- For the CICSS exam, there is no exam fee
- For the CICSA exam, the exam fee is $45.00
- For the CICSP exam, the exam fee is $50.00
- For the CICSI exam, the exam fee is $75.00