CCNA Security 553 or 554

[Sik]

I have just passed my CCNA and am now looking at going for my CCNA Security, however, I cannot seem to find training for the new 640-554 exam and do not want to for the 640-553 exam because they seem to focus on most configs with SDM, which seems to be a bit outdated at the moment...

Should I rather hold out for the new 640-554 training or just go for the 640-553?

 

[srothman]

IINS v1.0 is still valid until the end of September. Personally I don't see why you couldn;t sit for the 553 exam and then just renew it when your certification expires.

As far as the exam blueprints go, though it looks very different, there are very little changes between the exams.

At CCNA level (harsh as it might sound) the material is of such fundamental nature that it won't matter. Once you start moving towards the Professional-level exams will you start to pick up major differences between the CCNP Security and the previous CCSP.

I say go and sit the 553 and start working towards your CCNP Security... or just wait for the official guide to start print in June and order it then.

 

[syntax]

I have just passed my CCNA and am now looking at going for my CCNA Security, however, I cannot seem to find training for the new 640-554 exam and do not want to for the 640-553 exam because they seem to focus on most configs with SDM, which seems to be a bit outdated at the moment...

Should I rather hold out for the new 640-554 training or just go for the 640-553?

The 640-553 exam was a joke.
Learn the materials as is and understand the concepts. The exam will never guarantee you know how to implement, whether in CLI or SDM.

If i were you, i would just go write the current exam, and move on to the ccnp security track.