10/13/2003 -- Earlier this month Check Point announced a new certification: Check Point Certified Security Principles Associate (CCSPA).

The exam for this title (#156-110) tests a candidates' "proficiency in security fundamentals, concepts, and best practices" and "places a strong emphasis on associating security solutions with business needs," the company said. The new exam costs $150 (U.S.) and is available through Pearson Vue testing centers worldwide.

Detailed objectives for CCPSA are available here. The content appears to be more vendor-neutral than the company's other foundational title, the Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA), which focuses on foundation-level skills using the company's VPN-1/FireWall-1 products. And unlike the CCSA, the CCSPA is not required to earn any of Check Point's higher-level certifications.

The exam corresponds to the company's optional "Principles of Network Security" training course.

More information about the CCPSA can be found here. -Becky Nagel