CheckPoint is a renowned name among leading software and hardware companies worldwide. CheckPoint security certifications validate the candidates' knowledge and skills in security management using CheckPoint products. The certification is ideal for those who want to advance their career in information technology.
With the CheckPoint certification, you demonstrate that you possess all the skills to secure the internet. As part of CheckPoint's certification program, designed for beginners and experts alike, three options are available.
The following is a list of CheckPoint certifications. Have a quick look:
- CheckPoint Certified Security Administrator (CCSA)
What is CheckPoint?
Check Point is a cybersecurity company that offers a range of certification programs for professionals in the information security field. These certifications are designed to validate an individual's knowledge and skills in various areas of cybersecurity, such as network security, data security, and security management.
What is the CheckPoint certification?
By obtaining a CheckPoint certification, you prove that you can configure and manage CheckPoint security solutions. To earn a CheckPoint certification, you must pass a test developed by CheckPoint to test your ability to use their technology. A CheckPoint certification signifies advanced security skills and knowledge, like a small degree applied only to CheckPoint technology. A CheckPoint certification will increase your chances of gaining jobs and promotions with companies that require experienced and knowledgeable security professionals.
Checkpoint CCSA
The CheckPoint CCSA is a basic vendor-specific certification that emphasizes understanding CheckPoint's unified policy. The main objective of this course is to create a stream of professionals capable of handling firewall operations and maintaining the security of information shared between networks. Hence, this certificate tests your ability to install, configure, and manage CheckPoint security gateway and management software blade systems on GAiA. Having obtained this certification, you will be capable of analyzing and troubleshooting network threats, evaluating current security policies and optimizing them to minimize threats, monitoring suspicious network activities, and managing corporate LANs.
Exam Name: CheckPoint Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) Exam Code: 156-215.80 Exam Price: 250 USD Duration: 90 mins Number of Questions: 90 Passing Score: 70%
Candidates who earn the CheckPoint CCSA certification demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the following subject areas:
- CheckPoint Technology Overview
- Security Policy Management
- Traffic Monitoring
- Network Address Translations
- Basic Concepts of VPN
- Managing User Access
- Working with ClusterXL
- Administrator Task Implementation
Required exam: To earn the CheckPoint CCSA certification, you must pass the CCSA R80 exam.
Prerequisites: None.
Recommended experience: To pass the CheckPoint Certification exam, candidates should have 6-12 months of hands-on experience with CheckPoint products and a good understanding of networking and TCP/IP.
Checkpoint CCSE
The CheckPoint CCSE certification is an intermediate-level certification. In addition to validating candidates' user management skills, this exam also assesses their ability to handle and optimize VPNs and upgrade management servers. Candidates must be familiar with the troubleshooting of firewalls, VPNs, and servers to sit for the CheckPoint CCSE exam. The CheckPoint CCSE certification tests professionals' knowledge and skills in developing, modifying, and troubleshooting CheckPoint security gateway, smart reporter, smart provisioning, smart workflow, SSL, VPN, smart event products, and management software blade systems on the GAiA operating system.
Exam Name: CheckPoint Certified Security Expert (CCSE) Exam Code: 156-315.80 Exam Price: 250 USD Duration: 90 mins Number of Questions: 90 Passing Score: 70%
To obtain the CheckPoint CCSE certification, a candidate must demonstrate a working knowledge of these CheckPoint topics and skills:
- CheckPoint 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: To obtain the CheckPoint CCSE certification, you must pass the CCSE R80 exam.
Prerequisites: To be eligible for this certification, candidates must first obtain the CCSA R80 certification. Those candidates who have already earned the CCSA R77 certification are also required to earn the CCSA R80 certification.
Recommended experience: Candidates should have extensive hands-on experience with CheckPoint products, strong networking, Windows and UNIX server management skills, and a working understanding of security certificate management.
Checkpoint CCSM
The CheckPoint CCSM certification is considered one of the most advanced technical certifications. Candidates interested in taking the CheckPoint CCSM certification exam are evaluated based on their ability to use advanced commands to troubleshoot, configure, and optimize its security systems, products, and services. Getting this certification can be an excellent way to advance your skills if you are a cybersecurity professional. Achieving this certification requires knowledge of ClusterXL and SecureXL, handling command issues, and identifying misconfigured VPNs. The candidate should also be familiar with networking, network security, and server management skills.
Exam Name: CheckPoint Certified Security Master (CCSM) Exam Code: 156-115.80 Exam Price: 350 USD Duration: 90 mins Number of Questions: 90 Passing Score: 70%
This CheckPoint CCSM certification validates a candidate's knowledge of the following topics and skills:
- Policy Changes to Security Implementations
- UGI Client Connectivity
- Secure Internal Communications
- VPN Tunnel Interfaces
- IPv6 Deployment
- CheckPoint Commands
- Open Shortest Path First (OSPF)
- Network Address Translation (NAT)
- ClusterXL Debug File
Required exam: You must pass the CCSM R80 exam to achieve the CCSM R80 certification.
Prerequisites: To qualify for this certification, candidates must have a CCSE R77 or R80 certification.
Recommended experience: To earn this certification, candidates should have extensive hands-on experience with CheckPoint products, advanced networking and server management skills, and a comprehensive understanding of network security.
Check Point Certification: Salary and Career Information
Holding a CheckPoint certification can be beneficial for a career in cybersecurity, as it can demonstrate to potential employers that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to work in this field. In terms of salary, those with a CheckPoint certification may command higher salaries as they have demonstrated a level of expertise in their field.
Several different Check Point certification programs are available, each designed to cater to the needs of professionals working at different stages of their careers. For example, the Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) certification is aimed at professionals just starting in the field of cybersecurity. In contrast, the Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE) certification is more advanced and aimed at those with a high level of experience and expertise.
Regardless of which CheckPoint certification an individual holds, it is important to remember that salaries and career opportunities can vary depending on various factors, such as an individual's experience level, education, and location.
According to a report by PayScale, IT professionals with a CheckPoint certification can make a significant salary. Here's a quick look:
- CheckPoint CCSE $103,000 per year
- CheckPoint CCSA 89,000 per year
Important things to know before taking the Checkpoint certification exam
If you are interested in pursuing a CheckPoint certification, there are a few steps you can take to prepare:
Determine which certification is right for you:
CheckPoint offers a range of certification programs, each designed for professionals at different stages of their careers. Choosing a certification that aligns with your current skill level and career goals is important.
Review the exam objectives:
Check Point provides a detailed list of exam objectives for each certification program on its website. Reviewing these objectives can help you understand what topics you must study to prepare for the exam.
Gain hands-on experience:
Many CheckPoint certification exams require hands-on experience with CheckPoint products and technologies. You can gain the required experience by working with CheckPoint products in a lab environment or completing online training courses or hands-on exercises.
Why should you earn the CheckPoint certification?
There are several reasons why earning a CheckPoint certification can be beneficial for your career in cybersecurity:
Validation of knowledge and skills:
A CheckPoint certification demonstrates to potential employers and clients that you deeply understand the concepts and technologies covered in the certification program and can apply this knowledge in real-world situations.
Improved job prospects:
Holding a CheckPoint certification can make you a more competitive candidate, showing that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to work in cybersecurity.
Higher salary potential:
According to data from Glassdoor, the average salary for a CheckPoint Certified Security Expert (CCSE) is $115,000 per year. A CheckPoint certification may enable you to command a higher salary or negotiate a better compensation package.
Professional development:
Earning a CheckPoint certification requires significant time and effort. By preparing for and passing a certification exam, you will have the opportunity to deepen your knowledge and skills in cybersecurity.
Want to take the CheckPoint certification?
If you are interested in taking the CheckPoint certification exam, you can choose the proxy examination services. At CBT Proxy, we follow the pay-after-you-pass model, meaning you will only be required to pay the fee after passing the test. For more information about the proxy exam, click on the chat button below, and we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide accordingly.
