For those responsible for designing, implementing, supporting or managing a security infrastructure with SonicWALL products and services, certification is a necessity.
SonicWALL certification programs will give you the critical skills necessary to:
- Extend SonicWALL products and security application capabilities
- Deliver higher levels of security technology expertise and service
- Increase personal productivity and confidence that comes with extensive training
- Extend your company and/or department's service capabilities
Certified SonicWALL Security Administrator (CSSA)
The Certified SonicWALL Security Administrator (CSSA) certification confirms your real-world knowledge and experiences with a single SonicWALL product discipline such as SonicOS Enhanced firmware, SSL VPN solutions, or security applications.
SonicWALL recognizes those certified individuals are a specially trained and offers benefits to our certified community:
CSSA benefits include:
- Direct access to 2nd level Technical Support (based on regional availability)
- Access to SonicWALL's Online Forum (discussion group)
- Support Bulletins and advanced notifications
- Opportunities to participate in SonicWALL beta programs
- Certification newsletters
- CSSA logo usage
How to Become a CSSA
To achieve CSSA certification, you must verify technical competency for a specific discipline by taking and passing a SonicWALL certification exam with a 75% or higher score.
SonicWALL strongly recommends taking our SonicWALL technical instructor-led classes in addition to our technical eLearning courses as a means of preparing for our CSSA certification exams. More information on our instructor-led and eLearning courses is available by selecting the “Courses” link at the top of this page.
CSSA Recertification
CSSA certifications obtained on or after April 1, 2007 are valid for a 2-year period. Those who obtain certification prior to April 1, 2007 will be required to renew their certification by April 1, 2008.
Where to Purchase CSSA Certification Exams
Free in-class CSSA certification exams are administered following participation in one of SonicWALL technical instructor-led classes delivered by a Certified SonicWALL Trainer (CST). In-class exams require proctor credentials that will be supplied by your instructor at the end of the course. End-user online registration for these classes is available through our training schedule page. You can access this by selecting the “Schedule” link at the top of this page. Partners should register online through the corresponding training schedule page under PartnerLink to receive partner benefits and pricing.
Test-out CSSA certification exams are available for some courses, and may be purchased directly via mySonicWALL at http://www.mysonicwall.com/ > My Training > Certification Exams (in North America only).
Master Certified SonicWALL Security Administrator (Master CSSA)
The Master CSSA is the culmination of knowledge derived from all SonicWALL technical instructor-led classes, technical eLearning courses, and real-world experiences across multiple product disciplines with SonicWALL SonicOS firmware, VPN solutions and security applications.
Master CSSA benefits include:
- Master CSSA logo usage
How to Become a Master CSSA
The Master CSSA certification is available only to those who have already achieved CSSA status. To attain this highest level of certification, follow the instructions for becoming a CSSA and successfully pass any 3 or more CSSA certification exams, then email training@sonicwall.com requesting this designation.
Certified SonicWALL Trainer (CST)
A Certified SonicWALL Trainer (CST) is a CSSA expert who has prepared for delivering SonicWALL technical instructor-led classes through a rigorous train-the-trainer process. Qualified individuals must be employed by a SonicWALL Authorized Training Partner (ATP) and approved directly by SonicWALL for delivery of each course.
How to Become a CST
To achieve CST certification, a candidate must successfully complete the following process for each specific course discipline:
- Attend a class delivered by a CST
- Pass the associated in-class certification exam with a 75% score or higher
- Study all course materials and hands-on exercises
- Pass the associated full certification exam with an 80% score or higher
- Successfully co-teach at least 50% of the class with an instructor authorized by SonicWALL to evaluate CST candidates
Official CST designation is achieved through a combination of feedback from the instructor that is co-teaching in addition to students attending the class. Official CST status can be determined only by the SonicWALL technical training department.
CST Candidate Requirements
A CST candidate must meet both industry training experience and the background requirements for each specific course discipline they're attempting to certify for.
ATP Requirements
ATPs must coordinate their trainer's certification process directly with the SonicWALL technical training department, and agree to:
- Only an authorized CST for that discipline may deliver SonicWALL technical instructor-led classes
- Provide their qualified CST the required training resources, student kits, and classroom environment to conduct each class
- Ensure their instructor maintains an average 80% or better feedback rating for each class through online student evaluations submitted at the end of each class
