I'm thrilled to share my perspective on the Cisco Certified Cyber Ops Associate (Cyber Ops-A) certification. I want to give you an in-depth look at this certification and why I chose to pursue it.
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What is the Cisco Certified Cyber Ops Associate?
The Cisco Certified Cyber Ops Associate certification validates a fundamental understanding of essential security concepts, including security monitoring, host-based analysis, and network intrusion analysis. This certification is tailored for beginners or those with minimal cybersecurity experience looking to enter the field, particularly in roles such as SOC analyst, cybersecurity analyst, or cybersecurity engineer.
Why Did I Pursue This Certification?
You might wonder why I, with an established career in penetration testing, chose this entry-level certification. The answer lies in my need to renew my Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification, which I earned almost three years ago. Cisco certifications are valid for three years, and I used the Cyber Ops Associate certification to renew my CCNA.
Alternatives for CCNA Renewal
When it came to renewing my CCNA, I had three main options:
Cisco Continuing Education Courses: Though quicker and easier, these courses come with a hefty price tag—around $1,200. They require no exam, just attendance and participation, which is nice to renew your certification quickly, but not very friendly to the wallet.
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP): This higher-level certification is more challenging and requires passing two exams. While the CCNP Security would be nice to have, it demands a significant time commitment—around six months of consistent study—which didn't make sense for my current career focus on penetration testing.
Cisco Certified Cyber Ops Associate: This option struck the perfect balance of cost and effort. The $300 exam fee was more manageable, requiring only a week or two of study. This route allowed me to renew my CCNA without diverting too much time from my primary focus—honing my hacking skills.
The Exam Experience
Despite its beginner-friendly nature, the Cyber Ops Associate exam is not a walk in the park. Cisco exams are notoriously rigorous, requiring higher passing scores than many other certification bodies. However, with my extensive certification background, I found much of the material familiar, allowing me to focus on Cisco-specific content.
I approached my study methodically: reading only the necessary chapters and leveraging practice quizzes to gauge my understanding. This efficient strategy worked well as I passed the exam on my first try, underscoring the value of experience and targeted preparation.
Comparing Cyber Ops Associate with CompTIA CySA+
A common question is how the Cisco Cyber Ops Associate compares to the CompTIA CySA+. While both certifications cover similar ground, the Cyber Ops Associate is generally harder to pass due to Cisco's higher passing requirements. However, in terms of job market recognition, the CySA+ holds a significant edge, with over 700 job listings compared to just 21 for the Cyber Ops Associate, according to my research on Indeed at the time of when I made my original video on this topic last month.
Who Should Get the Cyber Ops Associate Certification?
The Cisco Certified Cyber Ops Associate is ideal for:
IT Professionals Transitioning to Cybersecurity: Especially those aiming to become SOC analysts or cybersecurity analysts.
CCNA Holders Needing Renewal: Existing cybersecurity professionals like me who want to maintain their CCNA without investing in more challenging or expensive options.
Network Engineers Moving to Cybersecurity: Those looking to leverage their networking background in a cybersecurity role.
Alternatives for Entering Cybersecurity
While the Cisco Certified Cyber Ops Associate and CompTIA CySA+ are both valuable certifications, I believe hands-on certifications offer even more significant advantages for those entering the cybersecurity field. Two notable examples are the OffSec Defensive Analyst (OSDA) and the HTB Certified Defensive Security Analyst (HTB CDSA) certifications.
OffSec Defensive Analyst (OSDA): Offered by Offensive Security, this certification is entirely hands-on and focuses on practical skills in defensive security. It is highly regarded for its rigorous, real-world approach to cybersecurity training.
HTB Certified Defensive Security Analyst (HTB CDSA): Hack The Box's certification also emphasizes hands-on experience, with candidates required to demonstrate their skills in realistic scenarios. This certification is gaining recognition for its practical relevance and challenging nature.
These certifications are designed to provide deep, practical knowledge and skills, making them incredibly valuable for anyone serious about a career in cybersecurity. They go beyond the theoretical, ensuring you have the hands-on experience employers increasingly seek.
Note: I do not have OSDA or HTB CDSA. However, I have two other OffSec certifications at the time of writing, and I have used HTB to hone my hands-on hacking skills for almost two years now. I'm a massive fan of OffSec certifications and have heard many good things about HTB certifications. So, even though I don't have these two certifications, I can confidently recommend them.
Study Resources and Recommendations
For those considering the Cyber Ops Associate certification, I recommend:
Video Courses: Platforms like CBT Nuggets or ACI Learning (formerly ITProTV) offer excellent courses that cover all exam topics.
Official Cert Guide: Reading the official certification guide helps fill any knowledge gaps left by video courses.
Practice Exams: Utilize practice exams and flashcards provided by your video course subscription to ensure you're ready for the real exam.
Conclusion
While the Cisco Certified Cyber Ops Associate certification might not be the most prestigious, it serves specific purposes well—such as renewing a CCNA or providing a foundational certification for IT professionals entering cybersecurity. However, for those looking to make a significant impact on their career, the CompTIA CySA+ or hands-on blue team certifications like OffSec OSDA or HTB CDSA may offer better opportunities.
I hope this detailed overview helps you understand the value and applicability of the Cisco Certified Cyber Ops Associate certification. Whether you're renewing your CCNA or breaking into cybersecurity, this certification can be a strategic stepping stone in your career.