Recertify CCSA/CCSE

[chris_gray1]

Hi, I have CCSA R81 which is valid for only a few more days . I also have CCSE R81 which is valid until around the end of March. However I am not able to understand the recertification path from the FAQ. If I certify one of Infinity specialist exam it seems this will not recertify the CCSA under the new rule here is the new rule.. A CCSA cannot be extended by passing Infinity Specialist exams. CCSA may be recertified by taking the CCSA exam again. So I would like to know if I need to recertify the CCSE which I assume covers both. Or do I have to start again if not recertified before CCSA expires? thanks

[_Val_ · Accepted solution]

You only need to maintain your highest certification. In this case, you need to take a new CCSE exam. No need to recertify as CCSA before that.

[Don_Paterson · Accepted solution]

You can "forget" about CCSA certification expiry and only focus on your current highest certification, CCSE.

If you pass a Specialist exam before your CCSE certification expires then your CCSE will be valid for one more year (to March 2026).

You can then target another Specialist exam and passing that second exam will give you CCSM, which will be valid from two years from the day you pass that second Specialist exam .

CCSM would then be your current highest certification, and the one that you would want to extend (to three years total), by passing a third Specialist exam.

Passing a fourth Specialist exam would award you the CCSM Elite, which would then be your current highest certification.

The pattern ends there and from then on you simply use Specialist exams to keep the CCSM-E valid, extending the certification one year at a time per Specialist exam.

[the_rock]

I believe you got right responses from Val and Don, but just to be even more official, I included good man Tug @Jason_Tugwell to confirm for you 🙂

Andy

[Don_Paterson · Accepted solution]

No need. It is clear in the FAQ SK:

"

• I have a valid R80/R81 CCSE. What are the next steps to maintain an Active certification status?
  

  Option 1 - Extend the CCSE certification while the certification is still valid by passing one Infinity Specialist Accreditation (ISA) exam for a 1-year extension. You may do this one time for a 1-year extension on a valid CCSE. Passing a second ISA exam will award you the CCSM certification.
  
  Option 2 - Retake a current CCSE exam for another two-year certification.

"

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

"

• I received the CCSM after getting my second Infinity Specialist Accreditation while CCSE certified. ...
  

  The CCSM certification will be valid two years.

• My CCSE has expired. Can I still extend the certification for one year by taking an Infinity Special...
  

  Extensions are only awarded on valid certifications.
  Make sure to note certification expiration dates.
  Recertify your CCSE by retaking and passing the CCSE exam.

"

[the_rock]

It is, I agree. @chris_gray1 I hope that explains it.

Andy

[chris_gray1]

Thanks everyone, thats clear now.

[the_rock]

Glad we can help.

[Jason_Tugwell]

@chris_gray1 

I appreciate the community helping out.

Your suggested path is to certify on a Specialist exam before your CCSE expires. Do not worry about the CCSA.

Continue on the path to CCSM and beyond.

Regards,

Jason