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Check Point is recognized worldwide as a leading hardware and software security product provider. Check Point security certification validates an IT professional's knowledge and skills in security management using Check Point products. It is a valuable credential for those seeking advancement in IT security.
The Check Point certification path aims to give IT professionals the opportunity to demonstrate the skills required to secure the Internet. It includes three certification levels designed to take learners' skill sets from beginner to expert.
The four core Check Point certifications are:
Check Point Certified Security Administrator
Check Point Certified Security Expert
Check Point Certified Security Master
Check Point Certified Security Master Elite
Note that the requirements and pathways to extend certifications changed in 2023. Starting 31 January 2021 Check Point is implementing a new Certification Model.
All Check Point certification exams are handled by the testing company Pearson VUE. Exams are available in person (proctored) and online. Classroom training is strongly recommended for all exams and required for a few, which we'll explore in more detail later. Exams are proctored at Pearson VUE's Authorized Testing Centers.
The CCSA Check Point exam typically costs around $250 USD. As with any IT certification, there are multiple ways to prepare. Your study path may include a combination of classroom instruction, online courses, or self-study. Formal training is available at any Check Point Authorized Training Center (ATC) through a three-day course, including those offered by Koenig Solutions.
Check Point certifications prove that IT professionals have the skills to implement, manage, and troubleshoot Check Point products and technology. In addition to the four core Check Point certifications, additional Infinity Specialist Accreditations allow learners to earn CCSM or CCSM Elite certification.
All certifications are valid for two years. The CCSA and the CCSE do require the completion of a three-day course.
The selection of a security product, such as those offered by Check Point or Palo Alto Networks, is a matter for managers and procurement personnel. However, as an IT professional, you must decide which certification is best for you and your career. At first glance, it's clear that both platforms are leading solutions for the security-conscious enterprise, and both are on the higher end in their category.
Both certifications have three levels. They are both product-specific certifications focused on each company's security offerings. Check Point certified professionals can expect salaries ranging from $87,000 to over $109,000 annually, depending on their certification level and experience. Check Point Software Technologies has a rating of 4.5 stars with 2086 reviews. Palo Alto Networks has a rating of 4.6 stars with 1331 reviews. Regarding market share, Palo Alto and Check Point are both Leaders in Gartner's recent network firewall Magic Quadrant — the only other leader is Fortinet.
Palo Alto Networks and Check Point offer various certification levels, from entry to expert. Palo Alto Networks focuses on platform-based security with products like Strata NGFW and Prisma Cloud, while Check Point emphasizes threat prevention and unified policy management with products like Quantum NGFW.
Check Point certification training courses cover many of the same topics as Palo Alto. The main difference between Palo Alto and Check Point certifications is the products supported. There is no clear career advantage to pursuing one certification over the other.
IT professionals often decide to work on a specific certification because they already use the technology it covers. For example, if your shop supports Check Point, it's a good idea to work on the Check Point certification. The same would be true for Palo Alto Networks.
From there, it is a toss-up.
The Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) certification is designed for IT professionals with a basic understanding of Check Point implementations. It is the lowest level on the Check Point certification path and covers various security administration tasks on Check Point hardware and software.
The CCSA certification validates a candidate's understanding of these Check Point topics and skills:
Fundamental Check Point Technology knowledge
Network security
System Administration
Network fundamentals
Basic concepts of VPN
Managing User Access
TCP/IP networking
Unix-like and or Windows OS
Required exam: Earning the CCSA certification requires passing one exam — CCSA (Exam 156-215.81).
Prerequisites: None are required. However, candidates must complete a three-day course.
Recommended experience: Check Point recommends test takers have 6 to 12 months of hands-on experience with Check Point products and a good understanding of networking and TCP/IP.
Koenig Solutions offers comprehensive CCSA R81.20 training that covers all the essential Check Point certification path fundamentals with expert instructors and hands-on laboratories.
The CCSE certification is an advanced certification designed for IT professionals who know their way around Windows and UNIX servers and already have significant experience in Check Point system support. Candidates should also know how to design, maintain, optimize, and protect an enterprise network from even the most aggressive cyber threats.
Preparing for the Check Point Certified Security Expert certification will enable IT professionals to configure gateways, firewalls, VPNs, and content security software.
The CCSE certification validates a candidate's understanding of these Check Point topics and skills:
Check Point technology overview
Deployment platforms and security policies
Monitoring traffic and connections
Network address translations
User management and authentication
Using SmartUpdate
Implementing identity awareness
Configuring VPN tunnels
Resolving security administration issues
Required exam: Earning the CCSE certification requires passing one exam — CCSE (Exam 156-315.81).
Prerequisites: Candidates must earn the CCSA certification before attempting this certification. Candidates earning the R77 or prior CCSE must restart with the CCSA exam.
Recommended experience: Check Point recommends that candidates have extensive hands-on experience with Check Point products, strong networking skills, knowledge of Windows and UNIX server management, and a good understanding of security certificate management.
The CCSM certification is designed for IT professionals with the highest skills in managing and implementing Check Point products and technologies.
The exam covers issues related to commands, VPN tunnel configuration, troubleshooting NAT, and other advanced topics. Candidates should be able to approach common deployment scenarios and apply common troubleshooting practices.
The CCSM certification validates a candidate's understanding of these Check Point topics and skills:
Policy changes to security implementations
UGI client connectivity
Secure internal communications
VPN tunnel interfaces
IPv6 deployment
Check Point commands
Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
Network Address Translation (NAT)
ClusterXL debug file
Required exam: Earning the CCSM certification requires passing both the CCSA exam and the CCSE certification exam, as well as any two Infinity Specialist accreditations.
Prerequisites: A second ISA will award the Accreditation and the CCSM Certification. Candidates who have earned the CCSA and the CCSE certifications plus two infinity specialist accreditations will automatically be awarded the CCSM certification.
Recommended experience: Check Point recommends candidates have extensive hands-on experience with Check Point products, advanced networking and server management skills, and a broad understanding of network security.
The CCSM Elite certification is designed for experienced IT professionals who have reached the highest level of technical mastery. There is no specific exam for the CCSM elite.
Security professionals with an active CCSM certification plus any two infinity specialist accreditations will automatically be rewarded the CCSM Elite certification, valid for two years.
The CCMS Elite certification validates a candidate's understanding of these Check Point topics and skills:
Multi-domain security management installation and configuration
Common deployment scenarios
Traffic inspection process
Configuration of Domain Management Server (DMS) high availability
Configuration and implementation of global policy
Common troubleshooting practices
Required exam: Earning the CCSM Elite R80 certification requires passing the CCSM certification exam and two additional Infinity Specialist accreditations.
Prerequisites: A second ISA will award the Accreditation and the CCSM Elite Certification. To receive this accreditation, candidates must complete the CCSE exam (which is required to receive CCSM certification), obtain the CCSM certification, and complete two additional Infinity Specialist accreditations.
Check Point certification costs vary by testing program, exam type, and region. You can find current prices on the Pearson Vue website by logging into your Pearson VUE account and selecting the exam you are interested in under "Exam Catalog."
During the preparation of this guide, we searched for U.S. prices. The CCSA and CCSE exams cost $250 each. Infinity Specialist accreditations vary by location and course.
The total cost of obtaining Check Point security certifications includes several components beyond exam fees:
Exam Fees: The CCSA Check Point exam typically costs around $250 USD, with CCSE at the same price point
Training Costs: Mandatory three-day courses for CCSA and CCSE represent the largest expense
Practice Exams: These 40-question exams are $50 USD
Study Materials: Official guides and supplementary resources
Recertification: Required every two years to maintain active status
When budgeting for the best Check Point security certification programs, consider both initial certification costs and ongoing maintenance expenses. Training providers like Koenig Solutions offer various delivery options to help manage costs while ensuring comprehensive preparation.
Check Point certifications expire after only two years. The extension of the Support Life Cycle will not change the 2-year recertification period for technical certifications. Certifications, like security, must be kept current to be truly effective, so we strongly encourage you to refresh and keep your certification current constantly.
Pass an Infinity Specialist Accreditation (ISA) to extend a valid Core certification for 1-year. A CCSA may be extended a maximum of two times by passing 2 different ISAs.
Because the exams are updated frequently, be prepared to retake them when a new version is released. It is up to the individual learner to monitor the changes and updates to the Check Point certification system.
Check Point certified professionals can expect salaries ranging from $87,000 to over $109,000 annually, depending on their certification level and experience. The average base salary for a Check Point Certified Security Engineer (CCSE) is $104k per year.
The CCSA is considered one of the more accessible certifications for those trying to break into the information security field. Additionally, the cost of the CCSA certification is reasonable compared to other certifications. Considering the earnings potential for Check Point-certified IT professionals, it's well worth considering.
Career benefits of official Check Point training and certification include:
High Market Demand: Strong employer demand for Check Point certified professionals
Global Recognition: Certifications respected worldwide across industries
Career Advancement: Clear progression path from administrator to expert levels
Premium Salaries: Above-average compensation for certified professionals
Job Security: Essential cybersecurity skills in high demand
Comprehensive Check Point certification training courses are essential for success in these challenging examinations. Multiple training approaches can be combined to create an effective study strategy.
Authorized Training Centers: Three-day mandatory courses for CCSA and CCSE certifications provide official curriculum coverage. Koenig Solutions, as a Check Point Learning Partner, delivers these essential courses with certified instructors and comprehensive laboratory exercises.
Online Training: Virtual instructor-led sessions offer flexibility while maintaining interactive learning experiences. These sessions accommodate global learners with various scheduling needs.
Specialized Training: Advanced courses like the Check Point Threat Prevention Specialist (CTPS) provide focused expertise in specific security domains.
Koenig Solutions offers extensive Check Point certification options including:
CCSA R81.20 Training: Foundation-level security administration with hands-on laboratory work
CCSE Certification Preparation: Advanced security expert training covering complex implementations
Specialist Certifications: The Check Point Threat Prevention Specialist (CTPS) course is designed for security professionals aiming to customize and optimize threat prevention measures. Over two days, participants will learn the history of threat prevention and advanced techniques including IPS protections, Anti-Bot/Anti-Virus configurations, Policy profiles, and Real-time traffic analysis
Troubleshooting Courses: CCTA and CCTE certifications for advanced troubleshooting skills
Expert Instructors: Certified trainers with real-world Check Point implementation experience provide practical insights beyond theoretical knowledge.
Flexible Delivery: Multiple training formats including classroom, online, one-on-one, and corporate on-site sessions.
Comprehensive Resources: Complete study materials, practice laboratories, and exam preparation tools ensure thorough preparation.
Global Accessibility: Training available worldwide with flexible scheduling to accommodate professional commitments.
In addition to quality, entertaining training created by expert-level trainers, comprehensive Check Point certification training courses provide everything a learner needs to study for IT certification exams, including virtual labs, supplemental files, practice exams, and access to robust learning communities.
All professional Check Point training provides learners with custom virtual labs or supplemental files to learn technical concepts alongside the video training. Experts design virtual labs to help learners gain hands-on experience in a sandbox environment. Supplemental files include practice commands, configuration files, and network diagrams—everything a learner needs to study for a certification exam.
Practice exams can either be taken timed or untimed, providing a good baseline for learners to test their knowledge before attempting the actual certification examinations.
Aarav Goel has top education industry knowledge with 4 years of experience. Being a passionate blogger also does blogging on the technology niche.
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