The Cisco SCOR 350-701 Exam Blueprint, Domain by Domain

Introduction to the SCOR 350-701 Exam

The Cisco 350-701 SCOR exam, part of the CCNP Security and Cisco Certified Specialist – Security Core certifications, validates your knowledge of core security technologies. To pass, you must understand the exam blueprint, which outlines five domains with specific weightings. This guide dissects each domain, covering what it tests, top sub-topics, common mistakes, and a go-to resource.

Domain 1: Security Concepts (25%)

This domain lays the foundation. It covers fundamental security principles and common threats. Expect questions on security terminology, threat actors, and defense methods. This topic pairs well with Free Cisco SCOR 350-701 Study Resources That Are Actually Worth Your Time.

What It Tests

You'll need to understand the CIA triad, AAA (Authentication, Authorization, Accounting), zero-trust architecture, and common security terms. Also, be familiar with threat intelligence, malware types, and attack vectors.

Top Sub-Topics

• Threat actors and their motivations – Hacktivists, nation-states, insiders.
• Malware categories – Viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware.
• Security concepts – Defense in depth, least privilege, and risk management.
• Common attacks – Phishing, DDoS, SQL injection, and man-in-the-middle.

Most Underestimated Area

Many candidates overlook the importance of understanding zero-trust principles. Cisco emphasizes this, so be ready to explain how it differs from traditional perimeter-based security.

One Resource

Cisco Official Cert Guide – The first few chapters cover these concepts thoroughly, with practical examples.

Domain 2: Network Security (20%)

This domain focuses on securing network infrastructure. It covers firewalls, VPNs, and secure network design.

What It Tests

You'll be tested on configuring and troubleshooting Cisco ASA and Firepower Next-Generation Firewalls, implementing site-to-site and remote-access VPNs, and understanding network segmentation.

Top Sub-Topics

• Firewall features – Access control lists (ACLs), NAT, and advanced threat inspection.
• VPN technologies – IPsec, SSL VPN, and DMVPN.
• Secure network design – Segmentation, zones, and micro-segmentation.
• Network visibility – NetFlow, SNMP, and syslog.

Most Underestimated Area

DMVPN is often glossed over, but Cisco includes it in the blueprint. Understand its phases and how it simplifies dynamic VPN tunnels.

One Resource

Cisco's official configuration guides for Firepower and ASA are excellent. Also, practice labs on Cisco DevNet or Packet Tracer can help.

Domain 3: Security Posture, Visibility, and Enforcement (10%)

This domain is about monitoring and responding to threats. It's the smallest domain but crucial for real-world security operations. You can explore this further in The Hardest Domain on Cisco SVPN 300-730, Broken Down.

What It Tests

You need to know how to use Cisco Stealthwatch, Tetration, and other tools for network visibility. Also, understand the role of NetFlow, IPFIX, and data analytics in detecting anomalies.

Top Sub-Topics

• NetFlow and IPFIX – How they provide flow data.
• Stealthwatch – Its features and how it identifies threats.
• Endpoint protection – AMP for Endpoints and its integration.
• Threat hunting – Using available data to proactively find threats.

Most Underestimated Area

Many candidates underestimate the importance of understanding Cisco Tetration. Even though it's a data center tool, it appears in the exam. Know its use cases for micro-segmentation and policy enforcement.

One Resource

Cisco's official documentation for Stealthwatch and Tetration provides enough depth. Also, check out the Cisco Security Architecture page.

Domain 4: Web and Email Security (15%)

This domain covers securing two primary attack vectors: web and email. You'll learn about Cisco WSA and ESA.

What It Tests

You must understand how to deploy and configure Cisco Web Security Appliance (WSA) and Email Security Appliance (ESA). This includes filtering, anti-malware, and data loss prevention.

Top Sub-Topics

• WSA features – URL filtering, malware protection, and HTTPS inspection.
• ESA features – Spam filtering, email encryption, and content filters.
• Integration – With Active Directory and other Cisco products.
• Policy configuration – Access policies, identity policies, and routing.

Most Underestimated Area

Email encryption is often overlooked. You should know how to set up encryption on ESA, including using TLS and S/MIME.

One Resource

The Cisco ESA and WSA user guides are comprehensive. Additionally, the official cert guide has a dedicated chapter.

Domain 5: Endpoint Security and Secure Access (20%)

This domain focuses on protecting endpoints and ensuring secure access to the network. It includes Cisco AMP, ISE, and VPN technologies. This connects to what we discuss in CCNA Passing Score: How Cisco Scores the 200-301.

What It Tests

You'll be tested on implementing and managing Cisco AMP for Endpoints, understanding Cisco ISE for identity-based security, and configuring secure remote access.

Top Sub-Topics

• AMP for Endpoints – Installation, policies, and threat detection.
• ISE architecture – Authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA), 802.1X, and MAB.
• VPNs for remote access – AnyConnect, clientless SSL VPN.
• Network access control (NAC) – Posture assessment and remediation.

Most Underestimated Area

Many candidates struggle with ISE integration with Active Directory and LDAP. Understand how ISE uses external identity sources for authentication.

One Resource

Cisco ISE's official configuration guides and the AMP for Endpoints user guide are essential. Also, consider the Cisco CCNP Security official cert guide.

Domain 6: Automation and Programmability (10%)

This domain reflects the growing importance of automation in security. It covers REST APIs, Python scripting, and Cisco DNA Center.

What It Tests

You need to understand how to use APIs to interact with Cisco security products, automate tasks, and interpret JSON/XML responses.

Top Sub-Topics

• REST APIs – Basics, methods (GET, POST, PUT, DELETE), and status codes.
• Python scripting – Simple scripts to interact with APIs.
• Cisco DNA Center – Its role in intent-based networking and security.
• Automation tools – Ansible, Postman, and Webex Teams integration.

Most Underestimated Area

Many candidates ignore the practical use of APIs. You should be able to read a simple Python script that makes an API call and understand the output.

One Resource

Cisco DevNet provides free sandboxes and learning tracks. Additionally, the official cert guide includes a chapter on automation.

Final Tips for Success

To pass the SCOR exam, focus on hands-on practice. Use Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) or DevNet sandboxes to configure devices. Also, review the blueprint regularly and identify your weak areas.

To turn that weak-area review into a quick self-check, use a free SCOR readiness check that pinpoints the topic you should revisit first.

Practise until the exam format feels routine — start with full-length Cisco Implementing and Operating Cisco Security Core Technologies (SCOR) mock tests.

You can organize those mock tests with a free SCOR study plan that fits your available time.