Eligibility for CCSM Elite if CCSE Is Expired but CCSM + ISA Are Active?

[abutayyab]

Hi everyone,

I understand that the CCSM Elite certification requires an active CCSM plus two ISA specialist certifications.

My situation is as follows:

• My CCSE has expired

• My CCSM is active (it was extended for one year after I completed the MDS ISA)

• I currently hold CCSM + 1 active ISA

If I complete one more ISA certification, will I be eligible for CCSM Elite, or is an active CCSE mandatory even if CCSM is already active?

Thanks,
Abdul Tayyeb R.

[Chris_Atkinson · Accepted solution]

Once you achieve CCSM you maintain only the higher level (the CCSE is no longer applicable) unless it also expires.

You should be fine if both ISA exams are completed after the CCSM was achieved.

From the FAQ:

• I have a valid CCSE, CCSM or CCSM Elite. Do I need to maintain the lower certification(s)?

o Your goal is to maintain your highest certification or progress to the next level. You are not required to recertify

on the lower certifications. You will only recertify on a lower certification if you allow your highest level of

certification to expire.

• When I reach the level of CCSM or CCSM Elite do any previous certifications get extended to match the CCSM or

CCSM Elite?

o No, each certification has its own validity period. All previously obtained certifications will not be extended.

Additionally, when the previous certifications expire, they will not affect the certifications that are valid.

[Don_Paterson · Accepted solution]

You will automatically get CCSM Elite, as confirmed in the FAQ. 

https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk163417 

Once you get CCSME then one option you have is to do other ISA exams as soon as you want to or can do, and each one extends you CCSME certification by one year. 

For example: You pass CCVS in November 2025. You will be CCMSE certied until November 2027. 

Then you pass the CCAS and CTPS ISA exams in February 2026 and April 2026. Each one adds a 1 year extension to you CCSME certification, so it will be valid until November 2029. 

If in that example you did 4 ISA exams in 2026 and not 2, then the CCSME would be valid until November 2031. 

That is the current rule. 

"A CCSM Elite certification may be extended by passing an ISA. A 1-year extension will be added for each ISA passed. (The CCSM Elite must be current, not expired)"

[the_rock]

I believe you got the right answers, but Im sure @Jason_Tugwell can confirm as well.

[Jason_Tugwell · Accepted solution]

Hello @abutayyab 

Just to confirm what has already be answered:

You will receive CCSM Elite if you pass another ISA before the CCSM expires. The CCSE does not need to be active.

Best regards,

Tug