Hi Richard,
Just seeing this, after searching for something else, and it does not seem like you got all the answers you were looking for.
Please see the end of my reply 👇 for short answers to your questions, with details in the rest of my reply.
Here's a deep dive (including screenshots (attached)) into the e-kit/Courseware structure and the Check Point courses and labs:
Since this thread was started with a mention of the CloudGuard Network Security Specialist course (CCCS - Check Point Certified Cloud Specialist), I will refer to that one mostly.
It has just been updated to R81.20 (new version just out), and I am busy reviewing it now.
All the ekits/courseware manuals follow the traditional technical training course model, with Chapters and Labs (hands-on).
The courses have an average of around 8 Chapters (sometimes called Modules) and after most of them there are is at least one Lab.
There can be up to 3 Labs per chapter, and the Labs are broken up into Tasks.
The Tasks cover the topics in the Chapters so that students get to do hands-on for all the topics covered in the theory/chapters.
You will follow detailed instructions (lab steps) in the book (e-kit) to build and configure, and there are screenshots in the books to clarify the steps.
When students get booked onto a course with an ATC (Accredited Training Centre) you will join an instructor led class, maybe even run by me, and you will get the Kortext book beforehand.
Everything that is covered in the book is covered in the course (with few exceptions (e.g. Appendices).
Students will get a Kortext redemption code and then need to create an account in Kortext to use the code to add the new e-book/courseware to your bookshelf.
The book is then yours for life. It is the primary study material for the exams.
I recommend the Kortext app (Windows, IOS and Android) because the book can be downloaded and cached on the student's personal device for offline access.
Students can read the books in the kortext.com site (after logging in) but if the site is down or there is no internet access then the book can't be accessed (online).
Kortext is free to download, including for anyone who has no intensions to add Check Point courseware to your bookshelf (or library as I should officially call it).
You can upload files into the app and use it as an e-book reader.
Example:
You could upload a Check Point Admin Guide or Best Practice Guide (for example: CP_R81.20_Best_Practices_for_Threat_Prevention.pdf) into the Kortext local cloud (or app) and then access it anywhere.
Nothing quite like having the Threat Prevention Best Practices Guide read aloud to you by Libby at 2 to 3x 😆
Read aloud in Kortext is better than Adobe.
You can share notes that you make in the Check Point courseware in Kortext.
When you attend an ATC course you will get access to a lab of your own where you will follow lab steps and build and/or configure and test the Check Point products.
You will get a topology map (see CCSE R81.20 topology map attached) to be able to understand the lab environment/s and work in them.
Lab exercise tend to follow real-world configurations and scenarios as much as possible. They also work according to best practices as much as possible,
For anyone who purchases the e-kit/book and does not attend an ATC course (which includes the book (for life (always))), there is no lab provided.
Students would need to build the lab environment before attempting the lab. That, or find somewhere to rent a pre-build cloud lab.
It's often better to book and attend an ATC course, IMHO.
The two core courses (delivered by ATCs) are 3 days in duration. That is CCSA and CCSE.
The rest of the ATC courses are 2 days long. That is the Specialist courses. More on the courses and exams here:
https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk163417
More on all training offerings here (including data sheets, like the one attached):
https://www.checkpoint.com/mind/
Course Descriptions are changing now (see attached CCCS R81.20 for new layout).
In the older ones (see attached CCCS R81):
- The Topics are the chapters.
- The Objectives cover more about what's in the Chapters.
- The Exercises are the labs.
Original questions and short answers: 👇
"What all comes with the e-kits? Is it just an e-book? ** YES ** Are there any labs ** Lab steps/instructions YES - Labs/VMs to work in/practice with NO **, knowledge checks ** YES - Chapter review Q&A **, or practice exams ** NO ** ? No description of content is provided on the Checkpoint site ** YES - Course Descriptions a.k.a Course Data Sheets **"
There are no practice exams or study guides as such, not for the current courseware versions, but I always share my exam tips and whatever is available at the time during my courses.
You can buy Practice Exams here:
https://home.pearsonvue.com/checkpoint
"Check Point’s Practice Exams
Check Point offers practice exams for the CCSA and CCSE certification exams. Each practice exam is a subset of questions from the actual exam. Each question is accompanied by the correct answer. These 40-question exams are $50 USD.
- 156-607: Check Point Certified Security Administrator R81.20 - Practice
- 156-608: Check Point Certified Security Expert R81.20 - Practice"
In reality you can pass any Check Point exam if you diligently study the courseware e-kit while preparing for that exam.
If that is all you do then you will see exam questions that you may not be able to answer.
A small percentage of questions are 'real-world' exam questions
Everybody wants the certification to hold it's value, so that real-world exposure (or student initiative to practice and read further (e.g. Release Notes), prepares them better for the exam and the real-world.
I recommend attending the courses for anyone who cab because they will get the courseware with the purchase of the course and also the instructor delivering the training, answering questions and supporting in the labs, which should all make things easy to understand while learning, while hopefully also getting some real-world and other tips and tools.
Let me know if you want more info.
Regards,
Don
