- Introduction
The EC-Council Certified Network Defender (C|ND) program is a vendor-neutral, hands-on, instructor-led comprehensive network security certification training program. It is a skills-based, lab intensive program based on the job-task analysis and cybersecurity education framework presented by the National Initiative of Cybersecurity Education (NICE).
The C|ND program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Network security fundamentals
- Network security architecture and design
- Network security protocols and technologies
- Network security assessment and testing
- Network security incident response
- Threat intelligence and threat modeling
- CND Exam Requirements
To be eligible to take the C|ND exam, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:
- Have at least 2 years of experience in the Information Security domain.
- Educational background that reflects specialization in Information Security.
- Have completed an accredited EC-Council training course on network security.
- Have passed the C|EH exam.
If a candidate does not meet any of the above requirements, they may still be eligible to take the exam by submitting an Exam Eligibility Application Form and paying a non-refundable application fee.
The C|ND exam is a 120-question, multiple-choice exam that covers a wide range of topics in network security, including:
- Network security fundamentals
- Network security architecture and design
- Network security protocols and technologies
- Network security assessment and testing
- Network security incident response
- Threat intelligence and threat modeling
The exam is offered online and is proctored by a third-party vendor. The exam fee is $350 USD.
To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 70%. The exam is challenging, but it is achievable with proper preparation.
If you are interested in taking the C|ND exam, I recommend that you review the exam objectives and study a good preparation guide. You should also practice taking practice exams to get a feel for the format of the exam and the types of questions that are asked.
- Exam Preparation
Here are some tips for preparing for the C|ND exam:
- Review the exam objectives. The exam objectives are a list of the topics that will be covered on the exam. Make sure that you are familiar with all of the objectives and that you have a good understanding of the concepts.
- Study a good preparation guide. There are many different preparation guides available for the C|ND exam. Choose a guide that is well-written and covers all of the topics that will be on the exam.
- Practice taking practice exams. Practice exams are a great way to get a feel for the format of the exam and the types of questions that are asked. There are many different practice exams available online and in preparation guides.
- Form a study group. Studying with other people can help you to stay motivated and on track. You can quiz each other, discuss the material, and help each other to understand difficult concepts.
- Get help from a mentor. If you know someone who has passed the C|ND exam, ask them for help. They can provide you with advice and guidance on how to prepare for the exam.
Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:
CND Career Opportunities
Here are some of the career opportunities that are available to C|ND certified professionals:
- Network security analyst: Network security analysts are responsible for monitoring and protecting networks from security threats. They use their knowledge of network security technologies and protocols to identify and mitigate risks.
- Network security engineer: Network security engineers design, implement, and maintain network security solutions. They work with network administrators and other IT professionals to develop and implement security policies and procedures.
- Security architect: Security architects design and implement security solutions for organizations. They work with business leaders to understand the organization’s security needs and develop solutions that meet those needs.
- Security consultant: Security consultants advise organizations on how to improve their security posture. They conduct security assessments, develop security plans, and implement security solutions.
- Security manager: Security managers oversee the security of organizations. They develop and implement security policies and procedures, and they manage security teams.
In addition to these specific job titles, C|ND certified professionals are also in high demand for a variety of other cybersecurity roles. For example, C|ND certified professionals are often hired as security engineers, security analysts, and security consultants. They may also be hired for roles in incident response, security operations, and security research.
The demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. This is due to the increasing number of cyberattacks and the growing awareness of the need for strong cybersecurity measures. As a result, C|ND certified professionals are in high demand and can expect to earn competitive salaries.
Prerequisite
To be eligible to take the C|ND exam, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:
- Have at least 2 years of experience in the Information Security domain.
- Educational background that reflects specialization in Information Security.
- Have completed an accredited EC-Council training course on network security.
- Have passed the C|EH exam.
If a candidate does not meet any of the above requirements, they may still be eligible to take the exam by submitting an Exam Eligibility Application Form and paying a non-refundable application fee.
The exam eligibility requirements are designed to ensure that candidates have a solid foundation in network security knowledge and experience before taking the exam.
If you are unsure whether or not you meet the exam eligibility requirements, you should contact EC-Council directly.
Here are some specific examples of experience that may be considered relevant for the C|ND exam:
- Working as a network administrator or security analyst
- Completing a network security training course
- Participating in security incident response exercises
- Reading industry publications and blogs on network security
- Attending networking events and conferences
- FAQs
The C|ND certification is a vendor-neutral, hands-on, instructor-led comprehensive network security certification training program. It is a skills-based, lab intensive program based on the job-task analysis and cybersecurity education framework presented by the National Initiative of Cybersecurity Education (NICE).
There are many benefits to earning the C|ND certification, including:
- Increased job opportunities and earning potential
- Demonstrated skills and knowledge in network security
- Recognition by employers around the world
- Upward mobility within your career
To be eligible to take the C|ND exam, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:
- Have at least 2 years of experience in the Information Security domain.
- Educational background that reflects specialization in Information Security.
- Have completed an accredited EC-Council training course on network security.
- Have passed the C|EH exam.
The C|ND exam is a 120-question, multiple-choice exam that covers a wide range of topics in network security, including:
- Network security fundamentals
- Network security architecture and design
- Network security protocols and technologies
- Network security assessment and testing
- Network security incident response
- Threat intelligence and threat modeling
The exam is offered online and is proctored by a third-party vendor.
What is the passing score for the C|ND exam?
The passing score for the C|ND exam is 70%.
How long is the C|ND certification valid?
The C|ND certification is valid for 3 years. To maintain the certification, candidates must earn 120 continuing education credits (CECs) every 3 years.
CPENT certified penetration testers are in high demand by a variety of organizations, including security consultancies, managed security services providers (MSSPs), financial institutions, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and technology companies.
CPENT certified penetration testers typically earn a higher salary than penetration testers who do not have the certification.
