Check Point vs Cisco Security Certification
Compare Check Point CCSA and Cisco CyberOps certifications for network security.
Check Point CCSA
Check Point
Cisco CyberOps Associate
Cisco
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | Check Point CCSA | Cisco CyberOps Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Check Point | Cisco |
| Difficulty Level | Associate | Associate |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $250 USD | $330 USD |
| Exam Format | Multiple choice | Multiple choice + labs |
| Prerequisites | None | None |
| Validity Period | 2 years | 3 years |
| Ideal For | Check Point firewall administrators | SOC analysts using Cisco tools |
| Salary Range | $85,000 - $125,000 | $75,000 - $110,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
Check Point CCSA Focus Areas
- Security Gateway
- SmartConsole
- NAT
- VPN
- Threat Prevention
Cisco CyberOps Associate Focus Areas
- Security Concepts
- Monitoring
- Host Analysis
- Network Analysis
Our Recommendation
Check Point focuses on firewall admin; Cisco CyberOps on SOC operations.
Choose Check Point CCSA
Choose Check Point for firewall administration roles.
Choose Cisco CyberOps Associate
Choose Cisco CyberOps for security operations center work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Check Point CCSA or Cisco CyberOps Associate?
Check Point focuses on firewall admin; Cisco CyberOps on SOC operations.
What are the salary differences between Check Point CCSA?
Check Point CCSA typically offers salaries around $85,000 - $125,000, while Cisco CyberOps Associate offers $75,000 - $110,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose Check Point for firewall administration roles. Choose Cisco CyberOps for security operations center work.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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