The CyberOps Associate certification validates the basic skills to safeguard IT systems from the Security Operations Center (SOC).
Cisco’s CyberOps Associate Certification, formerly known as the CCNA Cyber Ops, provides a stepping stone for IT pros seeking to start a career in cybersecurity operations. This entry-level credential focuses on core cybersecurity principles, such as threat detection, security monitoring, network intrusion analysis, and information security policies and procedures.
A key benefit of the CCNA CyberOps Associate is its focus on practical skills and platforms. It goes beyond the textbook, emphasizing real-world scenarios to ensure that certified professionals are equipped to handle the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
This page will serve as your guide to the CyberOps associate certification, including which skills it measures, exams, associated costs, prerequisites, and potential jobs and salaries. We’ll also spotlight some of the best Cisco CyberOps bootcamps and other training programs.
Skills Measured by Cisco CyberOps Associate
The Cisco CyberOps Associate certification proves a candidate's understanding of foundational cybersecurity knowledge with a focus on the skills needed for roles in security operation centers. Here are the topic areas and key skills covered by the CyberOps Associate certification exam, along with the exam weight for each domain.
Security Concepts - 20% of Exam
Cisco CyberOps Associates can identify and compare common cybersecurity threats, different types of security deployments, and access control models.
Security Monitoring - 25%
This domain covers security monitoring, logs, and data interpretation and describes common types of attacks, such as DDOS, SQL injection, social engineering, and ransomware.
Host-based Analysis - 20%
CyberOps Associates must comprehend the various host-based security technologies and perform host-based intrusion prevention and detection techniques.
Network Intrusion Analysis - 20%
This part of the exam validates the ability to analyze network protocols, detect and prevent network intrusions, and perform packet capture and analysis.
Security Policies & Procedures - 15%
CyberOps certified professionals know basic security management concepts, national and international regulations, and the best practices for responding to cybersecurity incidents.
View the CCNA CyberOps Associate exam outline at Cisco.com for a complete breakdown of exam objectives.
Cisco CyberOps Associate Exam
- CyberOps Associate (Exam # 200-201) - View Exam Objectives
Exam Format: Varied question types, including multiple-choice (single answer and multiple answers), drag & drop, and interactive labs. View this Cisco exam tutorial video for more details.
Exam Duration: 120 minutes
Exam Length: 95 - 105 questions
CyberOps Associate Cost: $300 (exam voucher only)
Passing Score: Unpublished, but roughly 83% correct answers.
CyberOps Associate Prerequisites
- Required: There are no formal requirements for the CyberOps Associate exam.
- Recommended: Basic IT networking and cybersecurity experience is suggested.
Cisco CyberOps Associate Salary
As a relatively new and specialized credential, there isn’t a reliable sample of wage data available for this certification. That said, here are some of the jobs you can get with a Cisco CyberOps Associate certificate, along with the average salary for each role.
- Security Operations Center Analyst: $72,840
- Entry-level Cybersecurity Analyst: $79,209
- Junior Cyber Security Engineer: $82,010
- Entry-level IT Security Specialist: $82,350
Please note that salaries for Cisco CyberOps Associates will vary based on factors like experience level, location, company, and other IT certifications you hold.
Source for salary data: Salary.com.
CyberOps Associate Certification Cost
The cost of the Cisco CyberOps Associate certification exam is $300 -- this covers the exam voucher only. If you require additional training to pass the test, attending a CyberOps Associate bootcamp or other training program will add to this price. The cost of CyberOps Associate exam prep can range from less-expensive programs like this CCNA and CyberOps bootcamp, to pricier IT security degrees that feature a more extensive curriculum.
Cisco CyberOps Associate FAQs
Answers to frequently asked questions from CyberOps Associate certification candidates.
What is the Cisco CyberOps Associate certification?
The Cisco CyberOps Associate certification is an entry-level certification that validates hands-on skills in cybersecurity. It's designed for individuals seeking to start a career in cybersecurity or those already working in roles related to security operation centers.
What are the prerequisites for the Cisco CyberOps Associate certificate?
There are no mandatory prerequisites to sit for the CyberOps Associate certification exam. However, having a basic understanding of computer networking and information security is beneficial.
How long is the Cisco CyberOps Associate certification valid for?
Like most Cisco certifications, the Cisco CyberOps Associate certification is valid for three years from the time of your exam. To recertify, you need to pass the current version of the exam, pass a higher-level exam, or earn 30 continuing education credits.
What is the exam format for the Cisco CyberOps Associate?
The CyberOps exam format may vary, but for most of its certifications, Cisco exams include a combination of multiple-choice questions, drag-and-drop questions, simulations, and other interactive items.
What jobs can I get with a Cisco CyberOps Associate certification?
Becoming a certified Cisco CyberOps Associate can help you land entry-level roles such as security operations center analyst, IT security specialist, or cybersecurity analyst.
Is the Cisco CyberOps Associate certification worth it?
The answer to this question will depend on your specific career goals. However, for most aspiring cybersecurity pros the answer is yes, the CyberOps Associate is worth it. The reasons we like this certification include its targeted curriculum, relatively low barrier to entry, industry recognition, and a clear pathway to advanced certifications like the Cisco CyberOps Professional.
