🛡️ Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

Full certification name: Cisco Certified CyberOps Professional
Issuing organization: Cisco Systems
Official website: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/training-events/training-certifications/certifications/professional/cyberops.html

What skills does it certify?
Advanced SOC operations, intrusion detection, incident handling, network and host forensics, threat hunting, and security automation
Target roles or profiles:
Tier II/III SOC Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst, IR Specialist, Threat Hunter
Practical applications:
Handling live threats, responding to alerts, performing network triage, automating investigation processes, leveraging security platforms

Recommended prior certifications:
Cisco CyberOps Associate (CBROPS 200-201) or equivalent experience
Suggested experience:
2–4 years in a SOC or cybersecurity operational role
Required technical knowledge:
TCP/IP, Linux/Windows logs, incident handling, packet analysis, SIEM usage, scripting (Python preferred)

Key domains/modules:
1. SOC Operations and Processes
2. Threat Intelligence and Analysis
3. Host-Based and Network-Based Intrusion Detection
4. Incident Response and Recovery
5. Cloud Security Operations
6. Automation and Orchestration with Python and APIs
Technologies/tools:
Cisco SecureX, Cisco XDR, Wireshark, Python, Zeek, Cisco Umbrella, REST APIs, Linux tools
Framework mapping:
NIST SP 800-61 (Incident Response), MITRE ATT&CK, NICE Framework (PR-IR, DE), ISO/IEC 27035

Style: Mixed (theory + practical simulations)
Labs/environments: Available in official Cisco training (CBRCOR and CBRFIR courses)
Materials: Cisco Press books, e-learning modules, instructor-led courses, lab environments
Recommended platforms: Cisco NetAcad, Cisco Modeling Labs, TryHackMe (Blue Team), CyberDefenders

Exams required:
1. Core exam (350-201 CBRCOR): CyberOps Core Knowledge
2. Concentration exam (300-215 CBRFIR): Incident Response and Forensics
Mode: Online or in-person proctored (Pearson VUE)
Duration: 120 minutes per exam
Questions: ~60–70 per exam (multiple choice, drag-and-drop, some scenario-based)
Languages: English
Retake policy: Standard Cisco policy (5-day wait after failure)
Certification validity: 3 years

Each exam fee: $400 USD (x2 = $800 total)
Training cost (optional): ~$2,000–$3,500 USD depending on provider and bundle
Renewal cost: Retake or earn CE credits via Cisco Continuing Education Program

Demand/popularity: Well-regarded in SOC environments and Cisco-centric infrastructures
Organizations that value it: Cisco partners, MSSPs, telecoms, government contractors, large enterprises
Comparison:
- More technical and operational than CySA+
- Similar level to GCIH, but broader in scope (includes automation/cloud)
- Strong complement to SC-200 or GCIA

Job roles:
SOC Tier II/III Analyst, Incident Responder, Detection Engineer, Threat Intelligence Analyst
Suggested paths:
→ Cisco CyberOps Associate → CyberOps Professional → CISM / GIAC GCIH / SC-300
→ CyberOps Pro + SC-200 = full Blue Team stack (Cisco + Microsoft)

USA: $90,000–$120,000/year
Europe: €60,000–€90,000/year
Salary impact: Significant in SOC and incident response teams, especially Cisco-secured environments
(Sources: PayScale, LinkedIn, Cisco Talent Bridge)

Validity: 3 years
Renewal options:
- Retake exams
- Submit 80 Continuing Education credits through Cisco’s CE Program
- Earn higher-level certifications (e.g., CCNP Security)

Ideal for:
Experienced Blue Team professionals working in enterprise SOC environments or those using Cisco’s security stack
When to pursue:
After foundational certs like CySA+, GCIA, or CyberOps Associate; before GCIH or threat hunting specialization
Tips:
Master packet analysis and IR workflows. Practice scripting for automation. Focus on real alert triage and cloud security integration.