Cisco CCNP Security Exam Updates 2026

If you’re currently studying for the Cisco CCNP Security certification or planning to pursue CCIE Security, stop what you’re doing and pay attention. Cisco is rolling out significant exam updates effective August 27, 2026, and some concentration exams are being retired entirely.

In my latest YouTube video, I break down the Cisco CCNP Security changes, which exams you need to finish before the deadline, the brand-new topics being added (including heavy AI, Zero Trust, and cloud security focus), and how this affects both CCNP and CCIE Security paths.

Watch the full video here:

Why These Cisco CCNP Security Changes Matter Right Now

Cisco certifications are evolving fast to match today’s threat landscape. The updates emphasize cloud-native security, AI-driven defenses, Zero Trust architectures, SASE/SSE, and advanced integration with tools like Splunk. If you’re in the middle of studying, you have until August 26, 2026 to complete the current versions of these exams.

After that date, the old exam versions retire, and you’ll need to prepare for the refreshed content.

Exams Being Retired (Deadline: August 26, 2026)

Three popular concentration exams are disappearing:

300-720 SESA – Securing Email with Cisco Email Security Appliance
300-725 SWSA – Securing Web with Cisco Secure Web Appliance
300-730 SVPN – Implementing Secure Solutions with Virtual Private Networks

Good news: Any certifications you’ve already earned with these exams remain valid for the standard 3-year period and can still be combined with the core exam for your CCNP Security.

Updated Concentration Exams

Here’s what’s changing in the exams that are staying:

SNCF (300-710) – Securing Networks with Cisco Firewalls (v1.2) New focus on Cisco Security Cloud Control, Splunk integration, AI-driven threat intelligence, and deeper troubleshooting.
SISE (300-715) – Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine (v1.2) Stronger emphasis on identity-driven security, BYOD lifecycle management, and posture operations.
SCAZT (300-740) – Designing and Implementing Cisco Secure Cloud Access for Users and Endpoints (v2.0) This one has the biggest overhaul. New topics include cloud security frameworks, MITRE ATT&CK, MFA, endpoint posture, encryption, AI defense, SSE/SD-WAN, secure private access, Zero Trust with Cisco Secure Client, and cloud visibility tools.

SCOR Core Exam Gets Major Updates (v2.0)

The CCNP Security core exam (and CCIE Security written exam) is also being refreshed with:

AI and LLM security (prompt injection, data poisoning)
Zero Trust, SSE, and SASE replacing traditional VPNs
Advanced Splunk integration
eBPF-based workloads
Post-quantum cryptography

The new blueprint shifts weight toward modern cloud security, endpoint protection, and network access enforcement.

What This Means for CCIE Security Candidates

The SCOR exam serves as the written exam for CCIE Security. As of the time of this writing, there are no announced changes for the CCIE lab, but if you’re on the CCIE path, it’s smart to knock out the current SCOR version before the August 26, 2026 deadline.

Final Advice

Don’t get caught off guard. If you’re studying for any Cisco Security exam right now, prioritize finishing the current versions before the cutoff. The new topics reflect where the industry is heading—AI security, cloud access, and Zero Trust—so getting ahead now will pay off big time.

Related Content You’ll Love:

Recommended Study Resources (Affiliate Links)

CCNP Security Identity Management SISE 300-715 Official Cert Guide (Hardcover / Kindle)
Securing AI Using Zero Trust Principles (Paperback / Kindle)

Drop a comment on the YouTube video with which exam you’re studying for, and if you found this helpful, hit the like button, subscribe to the channel, and turn on notifications so you never miss future certification updates.

Stay ahead in cybersecurity, RichTechGuy