Cisco Certified Network Professional Security — Implementing Secure Solutions with Virtual Private Networks (SVPN)
300-730 SVPN · ● Active · Professional · Cisco
A concentration exam for CCNP Security that validates hands-on expertise in designing, deploying, and troubleshooting VPN solutions across Cisco platforms. Requires SCOR 350-701 as the mandatory core exam.
Exam facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost | $300 USD |
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Questions | ~60 (scaled scoring, mixed formats) |
| Passing | Scaled score 800+/1000 |
| Format | Multiple choice, multiple response, simulation labs |
| Delivery | Pearson VUE (online proctored or testing center) |
| Languages | English, Japanese |
| Valid | 3 years |
| Renewal | CE credits (40 required per 3-year period) or recertification exam |
| Prerequisites | SCOR 350-701 (mandatory core); 3–5 years VPN/network security experience recommended |
| Released | January 2019 (current version v1.0) |
| Retiring | August 26, 2026 — plan transition to SAUTO or SNCF |
Vendor source — Cisco SVPN Exam Page ↗ Exam objectives — Cisco Learning Network SVPN Topics ↗ Official guide PDF — Cisco Exam Topics SVPN v1.0 ↗
About
The 300-730 SVPN (Implementing Secure Solutions with Virtual Private Networks) is a concentration exam for Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security, one of six available specializations. Launched in January 2019, it tests hands-on implementation and troubleshooting of site-to-site VPN, remote-access VPN, DMVPN, GET VPN, FlexVPN, and high-availability VPN configurations on Cisco IOS, ASA, Firepower Threat Defense (FTD), and AnyConnect platforms. Candidates must pass SCOR 350-701 (mandatory core) plus this exam to achieve CCNP Security. Status: SVPN is retiring August 26, 2026; candidates are advised to complete study before the retirement date. New certifications favor SNCF (Secure Firewall) or SAUTO (Security Automation) as alternatives.
Domain context — Security
Network and remote-access VPN across enterprise, hybrid, and cloud environments. Cisco security platforms: IOS, ASA, FTD, AnyConnect.
Read full deep dive — Cisco Ecosystem ↗
Topics covered
Based on official Cisco exam blueprint v1.0:
-
IPsec Fundamentals (15–20%)
- IKEv1 and IKEv2 protocol mechanics
- Authentication Header (AH) and Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP)
- Transform sets, crypto maps, and ACLs
- Pre-shared keys and certificate-based authentication
-
Site-to-Site VPN (20–25%)
- Cisco IOS Router IPsec configuration
- Cisco ASA VPN configuration (legacy crypto and modern IKEv2)
- Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) site-to-site tunnels
- Tunnel failover and redundancy
-
Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN) (15–20%)
- Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 3 operation
- Hub-and-spoke vs. spoke-to-spoke forwarding
- Multipoint Generic Routing Encapsulation (mGRE)
- NHRP (Next Hop Resolution Protocol) and dynamic tunneling
-
Group Encrypted Transport (GET) VPN (10–15%)
- GET VPN architecture and key servers
- Group Domain of Interpretation (GDOI) protocol
- Rekey mechanism and fault tolerance
- Use cases: MPLS backbone encryption, data center inter-site
-
FlexVPN (10–15%)
- IKEv2-based flexible VPN framework
- CLI and template-based configuration
- Peer identification and policy matching
- Integration with cloud and hybrid networks
-
Remote-Access VPN (10–15%)
- Cisco AnyConnect SSL and IPsec VPN deployment
- Clientless WebVPN (portal-based access)
- User authentication and posture checking
- AnyConnect profiles and software deployment
-
VPN High Availability (10%)
- Dual-hub DMVPN design
- IKEv2 redundancy and failover timers
- Stateful failover for ASA/FTD
- Load balancing and session persistence
-
VPN Troubleshooting (10–15%)
- IKE phase 1 and phase 2 debug analysis
- Packet fragmentation and MTU/MSS clamping
- NAT Traversal (NAT-T) issues and resolution
- Common misconfigurations and diagnostic commands
-
Zero Trust VPN Concepts (5–10%)
- Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) vs. traditional VPN
- Cisco Secure Posture and device compliance
- Positioning VPN in zero-trust architecture
- Relationship to Cisco Secure SASE
Source: Cisco Learning Network SVPN Exam Blueprint ↗
Common skills at Security · Professional
Shared content for the Security domain at Professional level — not specific to this cert.
- VPN protocol implementation and troubleshooting
- Network security architecture and design
- Cryptography and certificate management
- Firewall rule creation and access control lists
- Security operations and incident response basics
- Risk assessment and compliance understanding
Recommended courses at Security · Professional
| Provider | Title | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cisco U Training | CCNP Security SVPN Official Course | Varies | ↗ |
| CBT Nuggets | CCNP Security SVPN (300-730) | $49–$79/mo | ↗ |
| INE | CCNP Security SVPN (300-730) | $199–$399 | ↗ |
| Udemy | CCNP Security SVPN 300-730 (multiple instructors) | $13–$80 | ↗ |
| Pluralsight | Cisco SVPN (300-730) for CCNP Security | $299+/yr | ↗ |
| Jeremy's IT Lab | CCNP Security VPN Deep Dive (YouTube/comprehensive) | Free (+ paid) | ↗ |
Note on retirement: As SVPN retires in August 2026, new course content may become limited. Existing recorded courses remain valid for study; prioritize instructors still actively supporting the exam.
Practice exams
| Provider | Title | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boson ExSim-Max | Cisco CCNP Security SVPN (300-730) Practice Exam | $129 | ↗ |
| Whizlabs | CCNP Security SVPN (300-730) | $79–$99 | ↗ |
| Cisco Learning Network | Official practice questions (limited free) | Free–$99 | ↗ |
| MeasureUp | Cisco CCNP Security SVPN (300-730) | $119–$149 | ↗ |
Books
| Title | Author | Publisher | Year | ISBN | URL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCNP Security VPN 300-730 Official Cert Guide | Keith Barker, Kevin Wallace | Cisco Press | 2020 | 978-0136632603 | ↗ |
| Cisco ASA VPN Configuration Guide (Official Cisco) | Cisco Systems | Cisco Press | 2024 | N/A | ↗ |
| DMVPN Design and Deployment Guide | Cisco Systems | Cisco Learning Network | 2023 | N/A | ↗ |
Book note: The official CCNP Security VPN 300-730 Cert Guide (2020) remains the primary reference for exam content. Cisco's ASA and DMVPN configuration guides supplement hands-on practice. Technical depth varies; layered reading recommended.
Typical job titles at Security · Professional
VPN Engineer · Network Security Engineer · Remote Access Engineer · Wide Area Network (WAN) Engineer · Security Architect · Firewall Engineer · Cloud Security Engineer
(Job titles drawn from current job-board postings that list SVPN, CCNP Security VPN, or equivalent VPN expertise as required or preferred.)
Salary
| Region | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| USD | $108,000–$158,000 | Glassdoor VPN Engineer ↗ · PayScale Network Security Engineer ↗ |
| ZAR | R435,000–R760,000 (est. USD × 18) | Extrapolated from Pnet VPN and network security specialist roles (ZAR ≈ USD × 18 at 2026 rates) |
| GBP | £64,000–£94,000 | IT Jobs Watch Network Security ↗ · Hays UK Security Roles ↗ |
| EUR | €74,000–€107,000 (DE/NL/FR est.) | PayScale Europe Security Engineer ↗ · regional averages |
| AUD | A$138,000–A$192,000 | Seek Australia Network/Security Roles ↗ |
Salary notes: USD figures reflect Glassdoor VPN Engineer roles and PayScale Network Security Engineer data for professionals with CCNP-level security expertise. Regional conversions use 2026 market rates. Salary variance reflects experience (3–7 years baseline), location (major metros command 15–25% premiums), and specialization (DMVPN/high-availability skills add 8–12% premium).
Skills validated
Concrete technologies and protocols this exam tests.
- Cisco IOS Router IPsec and crypto configuration
- Cisco ASA IPsec and SSL VPN implementation
- Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) VPN tunnels
- Cisco AnyConnect SSL and IPsec remote-access VPN
- IKEv1 and IKEv2 protocol mechanics and debug
- Dynamic Multipoint VPN (DMVPN) phases 1, 2, 3
- NHRP (Next Hop Resolution Protocol) operation
- Group Encrypted Transport (GET) VPN and GDOI
- FlexVPN template-based and CLI configuration
- Clientless WebVPN portal setup
- NAT Traversal (NAT-T) and IPsec fragmentation handling
- VPN high-availability and redundancy design
- Cisco AnyConnect posture and compliance checking
- IPsec encryption, authentication, and integrity protocols (AES, SHA, AH, ESP)
- Certificate-based VPN authentication and PKI integration
Related certifications
- Prerequisite: Cisco CCNP Security Core (SCOR 350-701) ↗ (mandatory)
- Completes: CCNP Security (SCOR 350-701 + one concentration exam, e.g., this exam)
- Leads to: [Cisco CCIE Security ↗]({file not yet created}) (requires CCNP Security + hands-on lab)
- Alternative concentration exams: SNCF 300-710 ↗ (Secure Firewall, Active) · SISE 300-715 ↗ (ISE, Active) · SAUTO 300-735 ↗ (Automation, Active)
- Retiring certifications: SESA 300-720 (Email) and SWSA 300-725 (Web) retire Aug 26, 2026
- Vendor overview: Cisco Vendor Overview ↗
Sources
- Cisco 300-730 SVPN Exam Page
- Cisco Learning Network SVPN Exam Topics
- Cisco Exam Blueprint SVPN v1.0 PDF
- CCNP Security VPN 300-730 Official Cert Guide (Cisco Press)
- Cisco ASA VPN Configuration Guide
- Cisco DMVPN Design Guide
- CBT Nuggets CCNP Security SVPN Training
- Glassdoor VPN Engineer Salary 2026
- PayScale Network Security Engineer Salary
Last verified: 2026-05-02 Parent ecosystem: Cisco Ecosystem Parent domain: Security Domain Vendor overview: Cisco Overview