Why Study with PlanetCert?
The Latest Questions
Practice questions and exam topics aligned with the current exam objectives.
Detailed Explanations
Go beyond the answer. Master the material with comprehensive learning and professional explanations for every concept.
AI-Powered Insights
Personalized preparation guidance that adapts to your performance and identifies weak spots automatically.
Exam Information
Official specifications published by Checkpoint
Exam Format
90 min
70%
Specialist
Registration
$199 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English
Candidates must wait 30 days before retaking a failed exam
Validity
3 years
Pass a newer version of the same exam; Pass any higher-level Check Point certification exam; Earn Check Point Certified Security Master (CCSM) certification
156-536 Exam Topics and Domains
156-536 is organized into 8 weighted domains. Expect to work with SmartEndpoint, Update Service, Active Directory, Anti-Bot Service, and more.
1
Introduction to Harmony Endpoint
10%
Harmony Endpoint Architecture
Check Point Infinity Consolidated Security ArchitectureOn-Premises vs Cloud ManagementCore Components
- Describe Check Point Infinity's Consolidated Security Architecture
- Explain the difference between the Harmony Endpoint On-Premises and Cloud management environments
- Identify the main components of the Harmony Endpoint Security Architecture
2
Harmony Endpoint Security Management
15%
Web Management Interface
Console NavigationPolicy ManagementClient Package Management
- Navigate the Web Management interface to gain understanding of features and capabilities
- Discuss situations where it might be necessary to change default policy rules
- Identify recommended releases for a Harmony Endpoint Client deployment
3
Deploying Harmony Endpoint
15%
Deployment Methods and Prerequisites
Deployment PrerequisitesDeployment MethodsClient Configuration
- Identify deployment prerequisites
- Given a deployment scenario, identify deployment methods, Endpoint Client packages, and the basic workflow
- Deploy Endpoint Security Clients to Local and Remote Hosts
4
Data Security Protection
15%
Encryption and Data Protection
Full Disk EncryptionMedia Encryption and Port ProtectionData Loss Prevention
- Recognize the different types of data security available to deploy
- Describe how Full Disk Encryption protects and recovers data
- Identify how to secure removable media devices and protect ports
Remote Help and Recovery
Remote Assistance
Identify remote help and recovery capabilities
5
Advanced Threat Prevention
15%
Threat Detection and Prevention
Anti-Malware and Anti-BotBehavioral Guard and Zero-Day ProtectionAnti-Ransomware and Anti-ExploitThreat Emulation and Extraction
- Identify how Harmony Endpoint defends networks against advanced threats
- Discuss the challenges of threat prevention
- Understand Zero-Day Detection and Behavioral Guard capabilities
Forensics and Investigation
Forensic Analysis
- Use forensics capabilities for incident investigation
- Analyze attack patterns and timelines
6
Large-Scale Harmony Endpoint Deployment
10%
Enterprise Deployment
Deployment ArchitectureSuper Nodes and External Policy ServersHigh AvailabilityActive Directory Integration
- Identify key components in simplified and large-scale deployments
- Identify sizing guidelines for Harmony Endpoint deployments
- Give examples of how to expand the solution with Super Nodes and External Policy Servers
- Identify additional capabilities that HA and Active Directory configurations support
7
Harmony Endpoint Management as a Service
10%
Cloud Management Service
MaaS OverviewMaaS Setup and MigrationCloud Management
- Define Harmony Endpoint Management as a Service
- Explain the set-up process for Harmony Endpoint Management as a Service
- Discuss the workflow when migrating from Endpoint On-Premises to Endpoint Management as a Service
8
Troubleshooting
10%
Common Issues and Resolution
Communication IssuesInstallation and Deployment IssuesPerformance and Resource IssuesPolicy and Security Issues
- Identify useful resources for basic troubleshooting
- Give examples of potential problems or issues that might occur
- Investigate and troubleshoot basic Harmony Endpoint troubleshooting scenarios
Troubleshooting Tools and Resources
Diagnostic Tools
- Use diagnostic tools for troubleshooting
- Access and utilize support resources
How do I earn this certification?
Passing 156-536 earns the Check Point Certified Harmony Endpoint Specialist (CCES) certification. It sits in the Infinity Specialization track.
Current Level Exams
- 156-581 - Check Point Certified Troubleshooting Administrator (CCTA) R81
- 156-585 - Check Point Certified Automation Specialist (CCAS) R81
- 156-560 - Check Point Certified Cloud Specialist (CCCS) R81
- 156-541 - Check Point Certified Multi-Domain Security Management Specialist (CCMS) R81
- 156-551 - Check Point Certified VSX Specialist (CCVS) R81
Next Level Options
- 156-587 - Check Point Certified Troubleshooting Expert (CCTE) R81.20
- 156-835 - Check Point Certified Maestro Expert (CCME)
- 156-590 - Check Point Certified Threat Prevention Specialist (CTPS) R81.20
Alternative Paths
- 156-315.81 - Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE) R81Advanced security administration skills
- 156-607 - Check Point Certified Security Operations Specialist SOC and incident response focus
- 156-730 - Check Point Accredited Sandblast Administrator Advanced malware prevention expertise
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 156-536.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-05-06
- Announcement date: 2024-05-06
Updates
- Harmony Endpoint Management as a Service (MaaS) R81.20 New exam domain covering cloud management • Release date: 2024-05-01
- Behavioral Guard Enhanced in R81.20 Expanded coverage in threat prevention domain • Release date: 2024-05-01
- Forensics and Investigation Tools R81.20 New forensics capabilities in troubleshooting domain • Release date: 2024-05-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Security Administrators and Security Engineers.
- Working knowledge of Unix-like and/or Windows operating systems
- Understanding of networking fundamentals
- Knowledge of networking security
- Experience with TCP/IP networking and administration
- Basic understanding of endpoint security concepts