Cisco Introduces New Designing Cisco Security Infrastructure (SDSI) Cert
Quick Definition: Cisco's SDSI certification (Designing Cisco Security Infrastructure) validates a professional’s ability to design secure, scalable network architectures using Cisco security technologies and best practices.
Cisco has introduced a new certification to address the growing demand for secure network design in enterprises: the Designing Cisco Security Infrastructure (SDSI) certification.
Known formally as exam 700-760 SDSI, this specialist-level credential assesses and validates advanced skills in architecting Cisco security solutions. For security professionals, SDSI represents a new opportunity to specialize in security infrastructure design, a vital discipline in today’s hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
This article explains what the SDSI cert is, why Cisco launched it, who it’s for, and how it fits into Cisco’s certification framework. You’ll also learn what the exam covers and how to begin preparing.
What is the SDSI Certification?
The SDSI certification is Cisco’s newest security credential, specifically focused on the design of end-to-end network security. It assesses a candidate’s ability to create secure architectures that integrate Cisco’s wide array of security tools, from firewalls to identity solutions. SDSI is a specialist-level exam that qualifies holders for the Cisco Certified Specialist – Security Infrastructure Design badge.
What Does SDSI Certify?
SDSI validates a broad set of security design skills, tailored for enterprise-grade environments. It goes beyond implementation and tests the ability to assess, plan, and build scalable security systems.
The exam confirms knowledge of:
Secure architecture design
Identity and access control strategies
Secure segmentation and zero-trust models
Logging, monitoring, and compliance planning
Why Cisco Introduced SDSI
Cisco introduced SDSI to align its certification offerings with the real-world needs of enterprise security. As network complexity increases across hybrid and cloud-native environments, security design has become a top priority. Cisco recognizes that implementation alone isn’t enough—professionals also need to know how to architect secure, scalable solutions.
The SDSI reflects Cisco’s goal to modernize its cert stack and emphasize cloud-aware, policy-driven security models. It prepares professionals for evolving threat landscapes and multi-domain architectures.
This is crucial for:
Hybrid cloud security strategy
Design-first security planning
Supporting compliance in complex infrastructures
Who Should Take the SDSI Exam?
The SDSI certification is built for experienced network and security professionals who design infrastructure across hybrid and enterprise environments. It is especially useful for engineers and architects pursuing CCNP Security or deeper Cisco design specializations. SDSI targets intermediate to advanced professionals with hands-on experience in deployment and architecture.
Cisco recommends SDSI for:
Network security architects
CCNP Security and CCDE candidates
Security-focused infrastructure engineers
You should be familiar with:
Cisco Secure Firewall, ISE, and DNA Center
Identity, access, and segmentation planning
Building scalable enterprise-wide security solutions
What the SDSI Exam Covers
The SDSI exam measures your ability to design secure connectivity and enforce policy across enterprise networks. It includes topics on identity services, segmentation, trust models, and secure visibility. Cisco hasn’t released the full blueprint, but early guidance highlights the emphasis on scalable, integrated security strategies.
SDSI covers a range of design-focused skills:
Enterprise security architecture fundamentals
Designing identity and access control frameworks
Network segmentation and trust boundaries
Planning secure remote access and connectivity
Logging, telemetry, and compliance monitoring
These topics are grounded in Cisco's best practices and technologies.
How SDSI Fits Into Cisco’s Certification Path
SDSI is part of Cisco’s Specialist certification tier and contributes toward broader credentials, such as CCNP Security. Passing SDSI qualifies you as a Cisco Certified Specialist in Security Infrastructure Design and may satisfy elective requirements in Cisco’s professional-level tracks.
SDSI complements and enhances several certification paths:
Counts toward CCNP Security elective exams
Supports CCDE candidates seeking security focus
May help satisfy recertification requirements
Professionals already certified at associate or professional levels can use SDSI to specialize in secure design.
Preparing for the SDSI Exam
Preparing for SDSI requires understanding Cisco security tools and applying them in architectural design. While Cisco has yet to release dedicated study guides, individuals can begin with existing resources and CBT Nuggets training. Using case studies and design labs can help bridge the gap between knowledge and applied scenarios.
Use the following resources to prepare:
Also, keep an eye on Cisco's official SDSI exam page for updated info as they release more resources.
Conclusion
The SDSI certification provides a new pathway for Cisco professionals specializing in enterprise security architecture. It’s a strong response to the growing need for scalable, design-first approaches in a hybrid and multi-cloud world. As organizations modernize, engineers with SDSI expertise will be better positioned to lead secure infrastructure projects.
If you’re looking to advance your Cisco career with a specialization in designing secure networks, SDSI is a credential worth exploring.
Ready to level up your Cisco security knowledge? This CBT Nuggets Cisco training is a great place to start.
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