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156-521 Exam Topics and Domains
156-521 is organized into 7 weighted domains. Expect to work with Management API, Postman, Gaia API, Security Gateway, and more.
Introduction to Automation and Orchestration
Automation and Orchestration Fundamentals
- Define and explain the benefits of automation and orchestration
- Discuss technologies used for automation and orchestration, such as scripts and APIs
Check Point API Infrastructure
API Infrastructure Components
Discuss the basic components of the Check Point API infrastructure and how these components interact to provide security automation and orchestration
Preparing Environment for API Operations
Given a scenario, prepare the Check Point environment for API operations
Management API
Management API Fundamentals
- Describe the basic workflow for Management API command usage
- Identify the supported automation tools for Management API commands
Using Management API Commands
- Given a scenario, use the appropriate automation tool to run Management API commands
- Use the Management API to add resources, modify object settings, and perform maintenance tasks
Gaia API
Gaia API Fundamentals
- Describe the basic workflow for Gaia API command usage
- Identify the supported automation tools for Gaia API commands
Using Gaia API Commands
- Given a scenario, use the appropriate automation tool to run Gaia API commands
- Automate adjustments to Check Point Server Configuration with the Gaia API
- Automate the connection of the Security Gateway
Best Practices and Guidelines
API Best Practices
List best practices and guidelines for Management and Gaia APIs
JSON and jq Utility
JSON Processing
- Identify the benefits of using the JSON argument (--format json) with Management API commands
- Give examples of how to use the jq utility to filter Management API output
- Use JSON scripts and jq to view objects and monitor performance
Postman Integration
Postman for Check Point Web API
- Identify the prerequisites for using Postman for Check Point Web API calls
- Describe the basic workflow for using Postman to send Check Point Web API calls
- Given a scenario, configure and use Postman to send Web API commands
How do I earn this certification?
Passing 156-521 earns the Check Point Certified Automation Specialist (CCAS) certification. It sits in the Infinity Specialist Accreditations track.
- 156-561 - Cloud Specialist R81.20 (CCCS)
- 156-536 - Harmony Endpoint Specialist R81.20 (CCES)
- 156-541 - Multi-Domain Security Management Specialist R81 (CCMS)
- 156-551 - Virtual System Extension Specialist R81 (CCVS)
- 156-582 - Troubleshooting Administrator R81.20 (CCTA)
- 156-587 - Troubleshooting Expert R81.20 (CCTE)
- 156-836 - Maestro Expert R81 (CCME)
- 156-590 - Threat Prevention Specialist (CTPS)
- CCSM - Check Point Certified Security Master
- CCSM Elite - Check Point Certified Security Master Elite
- 156-561 - Cloud Specialist R81.20 (CCCS)Complementary automation skills for cloud environments
- 156-587 - Troubleshooting Expert R81.20 (CCTE)Advanced troubleshooting complements automation expertise
- 156-590 - Threat Prevention Specialist (CTPS) Threat Prevention API integration with automation workflows
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for 156-521.
What's changed on this exam?
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2023-01-01
- Management API R81.20 (version 1.9) Core exam topic - heavily tested • Release date: 2023-01-01
- Gaia API R81.20 Core exam topic - configuration management focus • Release date: 2023-01-01
- Postman Latest Tool for API testing covered in exam • Release date: Ongoing
- jq utility Latest JSON processing tool covered in exam • Release date: Ongoing
Who should take this exam?
- Working knowledge of Unix-like and/or Windows operating systems
- Networking fundamentals and networking security
- TCP/IP networking knowledge
- Bash scripting proficiency
- vi editor experience
- Check Point security knowledge (CCSA and CCSE)
- Minimum of six months practical experience with Check Point security solutions