Following our February announcement regarding the sweeping updates to the CCNP Security program, we promised to provide more clarity on the Designing and Implementing Secure Cloud Access for Users and Endpoints (300-740 SCAZT v2.0) exam once the topics were finalized.
Now that these exam topics have been published-with the updated exam going live August 27, 2026-let's look at why this specific concentration is a significant evolution in our security portfolio as you plan your path toward the updated Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security certification.
Why the shift to SCAZT v2.0?
The v1.0 version of this exam was heavily focused on the architectural framework-the "what" and the "where" of cloud security. However, the threat landscape has shifted. Today's attackers don't just target the perimeter; they target the identity, the AI-driven application, and the containerized workload.
The v2.0 update is a strategic pivot from theory to execution. We've rebuilt the exam to focus on:
- Operational Maturity: A heavy emphasis on SSE (Security Service Edge) and ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access), ensuring you can secure the user's journey regardless of where they are working.
- Defending AI: How to implement AI Guardrails and manage the unique security risks of AI-integrated applications.
- Cloud-Native Observability: Moving beyond traditional logs to Splunk and eBPF-based tools (like Cilium and Tetragon) that provide deep visibility into modern workloads.
New SCAZT v2.0 training will be out in Fall 2026, with a partial special release available this summer if you have Cisco U. All Access.
Why it matters for your CCNP Security "major"
The CCNP Security is a two-part journey: the Core (SCOR) provides the breadth, and the Concentration provides the depth. Choosing SCAZT v2.0 as your Concentration is a declaration of your expertise in today's cloud-first era.
While other concentrations focus on traditional firewalls or identity management, SCAZT v2.0 is the only path that fully embraces the "Work from Anywhere" reality. By building your proficiency in this domain, you aren't just learning to pass an exam-you're gaining the real skills you need to architect the secure, agile, and distributed networks that today's enterprises demand.
This is the most direct path to becoming a trusted advisor for organizations struggling to balance cloud adoption with Zero Trust compliance.
Cisco Identity Services Engine training update
If you've been reading along waiting to hear about ISE, we've got good news for you too! Our Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services Engine | SISE training has received a major update to cover ISE 3.4 and 3.5 and align with the updated SISE v1.2 exam launching on August 27, 2026. SISE training is available self-paced on Cisco U., or instructor-led from our Learning Partners.
Free practical skills for ISE 3.5
Whether you're upgrading your ISE knowledge to 3.5, preparing for the SISE exam, or diving into identity management and endpoint posture for the SCAZT exam, you should learn about the new Cloud Multi-Factor Classification Profiler in Cisco ISE v3.5. To help you build exactly those skills, we're thrilled to release our latest free tutorial on Cisco U: Implementing Cloud Multi-Factor Classification Profiling in Cisco ISE v3.5+ by Kyle Winters.
How to get exam-ready
- If your focus is ISE, start learning today with the new SISE course and with Kyle's tutorial on Implementing Cloud Multi-Factor Classification Profiling in Cisco ISE v3.5+. It's the perfect companion for your lab studies.
- Deep Dive: CCNP Security Certification Updates virtual event: Join us on August 13, 2026 for a comprehensive webinar where our security experts will cover all the updates to the CCNP Security, and answer your questions.
The transition to CCNP Security v2.0 is about more than just new exams-it's about aligning your skillset with the future of secure, cloud-delivered business. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the August 27 launch date.
What do you think of these updates? Will you be signing up for SCAZT or SISE? Tell us in the comments!