The Check Point Certification Program Model: What’s New in 2023

The Check Point certification program has long been recognized as a reputable industry standard for validating cybersecurity expertise. With the rapid evolution of technology and security landscapes, Check Point is committed to ensuring its certification program remains up-to-date and aligned with the latest industry trends and developments. Effective 1 April 2023, Check Point has introduced several changes to its certification program model. This article explores the updated certification structure and highlights the key modifications that the candidates need to be aware of.

The Overview of the Current Check Point Certification Program

The Check Point certification program provides a comprehensive framework that enables individuals to validate their expertise in Check Point technologies and demonstrate their proficiency in securing networks and data. With a range of certification paths available, the candidates can enhance their career prospects and showcase their mastery of Check Point solutions. All in all, the Check Point certification portfolio includes two levels: the Core certifications and the Security Master certifications. There are also Check Point Infinity Specialist Accreditations that focus on specific technology domains and solutions offered by Check Point.

Core Certifications

The Check Point certification program starts with a solid foundation provided by the core certifications. These certifications validate essential skills and knowledge in Check Point products and technologies. The core certifications include:

1. Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA): This certification confirms an individual’s ability to configure and manage Check Point Security Gateways and Management Software Blades.
2. Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE): Building upon the CCSA, the CCSE certification demonstrates the advanced skills to proficiently design, maintain, optimize, and safeguard their enterprise network against relentless cyber threats.

Security Master Certifications

For professionals seeking advanced expertise in specific areas of cybersecurity, Check Point offers the Security Master certifications. These certifications showcase an in-depth understanding of specialized topics. The Security Master certifications include:

1. Check Point Certified Security Master (CCSM): The CCSM certification acknowledges and validates exceptional technical proficiency in the Check Point Infinity architecture. This prestigious certification is granted to cybersecurity professionals who possess advanced knowledge and expertise in the configuration, deployment, management, and troubleshooting of Check Point products and services. Check Point’s journey towards Security Mastership entails obtaining two Infinity Specialist Accreditations subsequent to achieving the CCSE certification.
2. Check Point Certified Security Master Elite (CCSM Elite): The CCSM Elite certification confirms the pinnacle of technical expertise and represents an exclusive community of Check Point Certified Security Masters who have attained the highest level of achievement in their field. To attain the Check Point Security Master Elite certification, the candidates must successfully complete two Infinity Specialist Accreditations following their CCSM certification.

Infinity Specialist Accreditations

To cater to specific technology domains within the Check Point ecosystem, the vendor offers Infinity Specialist Accreditations. The Infinity Specialist Accreditations provide individuals with the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise in specific areas of Check Point’s cybersecurity solutions such as Cloud, Mobile, Threat Prevention, Automation, and more. By earning these accreditations, professionals can showcase their specialized knowledge and position themselves as experts in their respective fields. The Infinity Specialist Accreditations include:

• Check Point Certified Automation Specialist (CCAS)
• Check Point Certified Cloud Specialist (CCCS)
• Check Point Certified Maestro Expert (CCME)
• Check Point Certified Harmony Endpoint Specialist (CCES)
• Check Point Certified Troubleshooting Administrator (CCTA)
• Check Point Certified Troubleshooting Expert (CCTE)
• Check Point Certified Multi-Domain Security Management Specialist (CCMS)
• Check Point Certified Cloud Network Security Expert for AWS (CNSE-AWS)
• Check Point Certified Virtual System Extension Specialist (CCVS)
• Check Point Certified Cloud Network Security Expert for Azure (CNSE-Azure)

Check Point Certification Model Renewal: Certification Extensions

Maintaining and renewing certifications is essential for cybersecurity professionals to keep up with the latest technologies and industry best practices. Check Point offers a certification model renewal program that allows individuals to extend and renew their certifications.

By successfully completing an Infinity Specialist Accreditation (ISA), you can prolong the validity of your CCSE, CCSM, or CCSM Elite certification by one year. It is important to note that the ISA should be obtained after earning a Core certification in order to qualify for the extension.

Here are the key points regarding the certification extensions:

• Extending a CCSA certification through the Infinity Specialist exams is not available as previously. However, the candidates can opt to recertify their CCSA status by retaking the CCSA exam. By successfully passing the CCSA exam again, they can renew their certification and maintain their recognition as a Check Point Certified Security Administrator.
• The CCSE certification can be extended once. Upon passing the second ISA, you will receive the Accreditation and the CCSM certification. It is essential for the CCSE certification to be current and not expired.
• The CCSM certification can be also extended one time. Similarly, upon achieving the second ISA, you will be granted the Accreditation and the CCSM Elite certification. The CCSE certification must be current and not expired.
• The CCSM Elite certification can be extended multiple times by successfully completing Infinity Specialist exams. Each Specialist exam passed grants a one-year extension to the certification. It is important to note that the CCSM Elite certification must be active and not expired to qualify for the extensions.

Summing up

The changes introduced to the Check Point certification program model, effective from 1 April 2023, reflect the organization’s commitment to providing a relevant and comprehensive certification framework. The new certification extension requirements ensure that certified professionals possess the latest skills and expertise in Check Point technologies. Whether you are a security administrator, engineer, or expert, the new Check Point certification program model offers a clear pathway for career advancement and demonstrates your proficiency in securing modern digital environments.