Updated October 2019 1
QUICK LINKS
• General Inquiries
• Certification Path FAQ’s
• My Information
• What About the Benefits
• Tell Me About the Exams
• Maintaining Currency
GENERAL INQUIRIES
Q: What exam versions are available?
A: Our Current certifications are based on R80.10 and R80.20. In conjunction with the Enterprise Software
Support Timeline for R77.30, we will be bringing an End of Life to the following R77 Certification exams:
• 156-215.77 – Check Point Certified Security Administrator
• 156-315.77 – Check Point Certified Security Expert
• 156-915.77 – Check Point Certified Security Expert Update
• 156-820.77 – Multi-Domain Security Management with VSX
• 156-115.77 – Check Point Certified Security Master
These exams will not be available after September 30, 2019. However, any R77 certification will still be valid until
its expiration date.
Q: How long does a certification last?
A: Certifications expire after 24 months. Certifications, like security, must be kept current to be truly effective - which
is why we strongly encourage you to constantly refresh and keep your certification current.
Q: Where can I take a Check Point certification exam?
A: Check Point professional certification exams are proctored through Pearson VUE, a third-party testing vendor with
over 3.500 locations worldwide. You can register for any Check Point exam and earn your certification by visiting
their Website and creating a Web Profile. Additionally, our exams are now available via Pearson VUE Online
Proctoring, where exams are delivered by a live proctor to your workstation. To learn more or register, visit:
https://home.pearsonvue.com/checkpoint/onvue.
Q: Do I have to take classes in order to take the exams?
A: No, it is possible to take an exam with only your own experience or self-study using the Check Point courseware,
but we highly recommend taking a class instead. Instructor-led training accelerates and focuses your learning,
gives you hands-on experience and an opportunity to make mistakes in the lab, and is much more cost-effective
than self-study in your spare time.
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Q: What Core certifications are available?
A: Check Point certifications are structured around comprehensive job models for administration, engineering
(Expert), and advanced systems (Security Master). Certifications include:
Core Security courses establish a strong foundation in essential Check Point product knowledge and skills
Certifications Related Courses Exams
Check Point Certified Security Administrator
Check Point Security Administration #156-215
(CCSA)
Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE) Check Point Security Engineering #156-315
Check Point Certified Security Master (CCSM) Check Point Certified Security Master #156-115
Q: What are the prerequisites for each Check Point certification?
A: Check Point certifications are designed to build upon the knowledge and skills of the previous courses, reinforcing
lessons learned and extending your competencies with ever more complex and valuable skills.
Exam # Certifications Prerequisites
156-110 Check Point Certified Security Principles Associate (CCSPA) None
TCP/IP and routing
156-215.80 Check Point Certified Security Administrator R80 (CCSA)
fundamentals
156-315.80 Check Point Certified Security Expert R80 (CCSE) CCSA R80 (not CCSA R77)
156-915.80 Check Point Certified Security Expert Update - R80 (CCSE) Any prior CCSE
156-115.80 Check Point Certified Security Master R80 (CCSM) CCSE R80 or CCSM R77
156-401 Check Point Certified PenTesting Associate (CCPA) None
156-520 Check Point Certified Automation Specialist (CCAS) None
156-530 Check Point Certified Endpoint Specialist (CCES) None
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Q: What courses should I take to prepare for the exams?
A: To help prepare for exams, you should consider the following corresponding courses:
Core Security courses establish a strong foundation in essential Check Point product knowledge and skills
Exams Courses Certifications
CCSA R80
#156-215.80 Check Point Security Administration R80
Check Point Certified Security Administrator R80
CCSE R80
#156-315.80 Check Point Security Engineering R80
Check Point Certified Security Expert R80
CCSE R80 Update
#156-915.80 CCSE R80 Update
Check Point Certified Security Expert R80
CCSM R80
#156-115.80 Check Point Security Master R80
Check Point Certified Security Master
Q: Is study material available?
A: Exam objectives are posted on the Education Services Web site for reference, but all official training materials are
provided when you attend instructor-led training through one of our Authorized Training Center (ATC) partners.
Q: Where can I find training classes?
A: Courses are offered through our network of over 230 Authorized Training Centers (ATC) around the globe. Use
our partner locator to find an ATC near you and sign up for training today!
Q: Are classes available globally?
A: Yes! We have Authorized Training Centers (ATC) in over 42 countries worldwide - just use our partner locator to
find an ATC near you and sign up for training. If for any reason you can't find an ATC near you, send an email to
us directly at
[email protected] and ask about on-site training options.
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Updated October 2019 4
CERTIFICATION PATH FAQ’S
Q: Can I skip the CCSA and start with the CCSE or CCSM certification?
A: No, the prerequisite needs to be satisfied before achieving the higher certification. The CCSA certification is the
prerequisite to the CCSE and the CCSE is the prerequisite to the CCSM.
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Updated October 2019 5
Q: I know that CCSA certification is a prerequisite for CCSE. Can I achieve a CCSE R80
certification with a CCSA R77 certification?
A: No. Since R80 is a different product version with many new features, only the CCSA R80 certification provides the
background necessary to be a prerequisite to CCSE R80 certification.
However, any CCSE R77 or older is eligible to take our upgrade exam #156-915.80 to earn your CCSE R80
certification.
Q: Can I achieve a CCSM R80 certification with a CCSE R77 certification?
A: No. Since R80 is a completely new product version with many new features, only the CCSA R80 certification
provides the background necessary to be a prerequisite to CCSE R80 certification.
However, any CCSE R77 or older is eligible to take our upgrade exam #156-915.80 to earn your CCSE R80
certification.
Q: My R77 CCSE certification has already expired. Do I need to start over with CCSA R80 to
update to CCSE R80?
A: Actually, you don’t. Even though your certification has expired, the eligibility for updates to the latest version has
not. If you ever held a CCSE certification, you are eligible for the Update exam.
Q: My R77 CCSM certification has already expired. Am I still eligible for the R80 CCSM?
A: Yes you are eligible for the R80 CCSM. The R77 CCSM certification is a prerequisite to the R80 CCSM, even if
the R77 CCSM has expired.
Q: Will my CCSA certification be extended if I get the CCSE? Or will the CCSA and CCSE get
extended if I get CCSM certified?
A: No, lower certifications do not get extended when you certify on the higher certification. Each certification is valid
for 2 years. However, when you certify on the higher level certification, you do not need to go back and recertify
the lower certification.
Q: I wanted to extend my certification by retaking my last exam but got the information from
Pearson VUE that I’m not allowed to do so because I’ve already finished that. How do I extend
my certification?
A: Check Point policy is that you do not retake an exam you have already passed. You either update or upgrade.
Ideally, the best course is to take the next higher exam. The one exception is the #156-915.80: Check Point
Certified Security Expert Update - R80. You may recertify the R80 CCSE by taking this exam again.
Q: Can I skip the CCSA and start with the CCSE or CCSM certification?
A: No, the prerequisite needs to be satisfied before achieving the higher certification. The CCSA certification is the
prerequisite to the CCSE and the CCSE is the prerequisite to the CCSM.
MY INFORMATION
Q: Why is my Check Point Professional ID Number important?
A: It represents your Pearson VUE personal identification with Check Point Software Technologies and establishes
proof of your certification. You are only allowed one Certified Professional ID number.
Q: How do I get my Check Point Professional ID Number?
A: It is assigned to you when you register with Pearson VUE for the first time to take an exam. It will be in the form
CP00000nnnnn.
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Q: When do I use my Check Point Professional ID Number?
A: Whenever you contact Pearson VUE to register for another exam session, and whenever you contact Check
Point regarding any certification issue.
Q: Why do I need to provide an e-mail address?
A: An email address is necessary in order to create your User Center account - your access point for certification
benefits - as well as keep you up to date with any important changes or updates.
Q: If I change jobs, will I still have access to my certification information and benefits?
A: Yes! Your certification is yours. However, since your email address is based on your work email you will want to
contact Account Services via Check Point Beyond – Customer Success Hub to update your User Center account
and request that your information be linked to your new email address.
Q: How do I advise Check Point of any change of address or other relevant information?
A: You can update your mailing address via the User Center using the instructions below:
1. Login to the User Center.
2. Click “MY CHECK POINT”
3. Click “My Profile” under “My Info” option.
4. Click “Edit” button.
5. Make the necessary changes.
6. Click “Save” button to save changes.
WHAT ABOUT THE BENEFITS?
Q: I just passed my exams. When can I expect to receive my certificate?
A: Check Point provides e-Certificates that you can access from your User Center profile. Once we receive your
exam results we'll update your User Center account with your new credentials, giving you immediate access to
your online benefits like Access to SecureKnowledge and your on-line Certification Profile. The User Center
updates will be added within 3 weeks of your exam date, but often it is sooner than that.
Q. How do I download the electronic copy of my certification?
A: To download your certificate(s), please follow the instructions below:
1. Log into the User Center at https://usercenter.checkpoint.com/usercenter/portal
2. Click “MY CHECK POINT”
3. Click "My Certifications" under "My Info" option.
4. Click "Download" to the right of the certificate.
Q: Do I have access to Check Point online technical support?
A: Yes. As a Certified Professional you have Advanced Access to SecureKnowledge, our online technical knowledge
database with thousands of solutions, how to articles, and troubleshooting tips to solve your most difficult issues.
Q: What type of SecureKnowledge access do CCSA's get?
A: Advanced Access for the duration of the CCSA contract.
Q: What SecureKnowledge access does a CCSE get?
A: Advanced Access for the duration of the CCSE contract.
Q: What SecureKnowledge access does a CCSM or CCMSE get?
A: Expert Access for the duration of the CCSM contract.
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Q: How do I access my benefits?
A: By setting up a User Center account based on the e-mail address you used with Pearson VUE, you can have
access to our Certified Professionals Only web site and to advanced features of Secure Knowledge. Please try
the following:
If you do not currently have a User Center account, please visit the following URL:
https://usercenter.checkpoint.com/usercenter/portal/
You may reference at the bottom of the page a section titled "New Customer?":
1. Click on the hyperlink titled "Sign Up Now"
2. Begin completing your profile.
3. Use the e-mail ID provided Pearson VUE for testing.
4. Set your own password.
Q: How do I find the Certified Professionals Only site?
A: By clicking on the link https://www.checkpoint.com/certified-professionals-only/
Q: Are there logos associated with Check Point certifications?
A: Yes. As a certified professional you have usage rights to the logo for your certification level. Certification logos are
downloadable from the Certified Professional Only Website.
Q: Will becoming a Check Point Certified Professional improve my career or employment
opportunities?
A: Companies hire certified professionals to ensure maximum security and availability of valuable business assets,
and know certified professionals are more efficient, productive, and deliver lower total cost of ownership from
Check Point solutions. And as one of over 50,000 Check Point Certified Professionals worldwide, you'll get
immediate recognition of your experience, knowledge, and abilities while investing in your professional
development and security career.
Q: Where do I go to access my benefits?
A: All benefits are accessed through your User Center account, so if you don't already have one, create one now
using the instructions below:
1. Login to the User Center
2. Click the “New Customer? Sign up Now” link
3. Complete the User Profile form.
4. Click the “Submit” button.
Q: Why is my certification information not listed in my User Center account?
A: Your certification information could not be listed in your User Center account for one of the following reasons:
• We tried to activate your benefits but there was no User Center account with the email address we have on
file for you. Please check to ensure that the e-mail account you provided Pearson VUE for registration
matches the e-mail account you used to set up your User Center account.
• The benefits you received from a certain Check Point certification have expired.
• We might not have received your results from Pearson VUE.
If you do not see your benefits or certification listed with your User Center account, contact Account Services via
Check Point Beyond – Customer Success Hub and we'll try to resolve the issue for you. Please include a copy of
your exam Score Report.
Q: What email address should be used when registering for an exam?
A: It is important that the email address used when registering for an exam is the email address associated to your
User Center profile. This ensures that all certifications are reflected within the User Center and the e-certificate
can be downloaded via the account.
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Q: How do I update the email address associated to my User Center profile?
A: Since your certifications are email address specific, contact Account Services via Check Point Beyond –
Customer Success Hub to have your account updated. Please ensure your new email address has a user profile.
Below are the instructions to create a new profile:
1. Go to the User Center at https://usercenter.checkpoint.com/usercenter/portal
2. Click the “New Customer? Sign up Now” link.
3. Complete the User Profile form.
4. Click the “Submit” button.
Q: What should I do if my Pearson VUE profile has the wrong email address?
A: Please contact Pearson VUE for assistance: https://home.pearsonvue.com/checkpoint/contact
TELL ME ABOUT THE EXAMS
Q: In what order should I take the exams?
A: Courses, certifications, and exams are all designed to build on the lessons learned and develop your skills and
knowledge, so we recommend starting with CCSA R80 and CCSE R80 to get a core security foundation. From
there you can choose the specialization or area of expertise that best matches your job role or career goals.
See the complete list of courses, exams, and prerequisites earlier in the FAQ for more information.
Q: How much do the exams cost?
A: Exams vary in price between US $150-$350, but exact pricing is available through Pearson VUE. Practice exams
are $50.
Q: What is the format of the exams?
A: The exams are composed of multiple choice and scenario questions. All questions are “Select the BEST answer”
type questions. There are no multiple response answers.
Q: How long are the exams?
A: The core exams are 100 questions to be completed in 90 minutes in all English-speaking countries. Non-English
speaking countries receive an additional 15 minutes.
Q: How do I know I am ready for an exam?
A: If you are preparing for the CCSA certification and want to take the 156-215 exam, you can determine if you are
ready by taking the 156-603 CCSA R80 practice exam. This exam presents 40 questions from a subset of the
actual exam pool. Feedback is limited to providing the correct answer during the exam.
If you are preparing to complete the CCSE certification and want to take the 156-315 exam, you can determine if
you are ready by taking the 156-604 R80 practice exam. This exam presents 40 questions from a subset of the
actual exam pool. Feedback is limited to providing the correct answer during the exam.
Q: Are the Check Point certification exams adaptive?
A: No. Check Point has no plans at this time to move into adaptive exams.
Q: Should I have experience with Check Point products before attempting to pass an exam?
A: Surveys of certified professionals suggest that a candidate have one to two years’ experience with the product in
a production environment before attempting the CCSA certification. Since that isn’t practical in today’s
environment, we recommend six months after training. A similar interval trended when studying the Engineering
tasks of a certified CCSE professional. We recommend one year. The Check Point Security Master certification
job profile suggests five years’ experience before challenging the exam. Of course, this varies by individual.
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Q: Can I take the CCSA and CCSE exams on the same day?
A: Yes, if you pass the CCSA exam, you may take the CCSE exam on that same day.
Q: Does Check Point have an exam retake policy?
A: Yes. If you fail an exam and want to retake it, the following applies:
• Wait 24 hours after first unsuccessful attempt
• After the second attempt, wait 30 days for the third and each subsequent attempt thereafter
Note: Once you pass an exam you cannot take it again with one exception: #156-915.80 can be taken again to
recertify the R80 CCSE.
Q: Does Check Point penalize incorrect answers?
A: Check Point does not subtract points from your score for answering a question incorrectly. You will simply not get
credit for that question. When taking one of our exams, answer as many questions as you can, even if you are not
certain of your answer.
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