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Exam Information
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156-551 Exam Topics and Domains
156-551 is organized into 6 weighted domains. Expect to work with Virtual Router, Virtual Switch, Virtual System, VSX Gateway, and more.
VSX Architecture and Components
Virtual Network Security Benefits
- Explain the benefits of virtual network security
- Understand the basic functions, components, and advantages of VSX technology
VSX Management Infrastructure
- Examine the VSX management infrastructure
- Understand how traffic flows within a VSX network
VSX Installation and Configuration
VSX Deployment
- Discuss options for deploying VSX technology within various types of organizations
- Understand how to install and configure VSX Gateways and Virtual Systems
Virtual System Configuration
- Deploy a Virtual System with a Physical Interface
- Deploy a VS with Bonded VLAN Interfaces
VSX Routing and Networking
Routing Schemes
Describe different routing schemes and features that are available to use within the VSX environment
Advanced Networking
Understand how to deploy additional VSX networking configurations that may be required in the environment
VSX High Availability and Clustering
VSX Clustering
- Understand the differences between deploying physical Security Gateway Clusters and VSX Gateway Clusters
- Configure Virtual System HA
Virtual System Load Sharing
- Understand how Virtual System Load Sharing works to enhance VSX network performance
- Convert VSX High Availability to Virtual System Load Sharing
VSX Management and Optimization
VSX Provisioning Tool
Understand how to use the VSX Provisioning Tool to add and remove virtual devices
Performance Optimization
- Recall how CoreXL technology enhances Security Gateway performance
- Understand how to employ tools for optimizing resources allocated in a VSX environment
VSX Troubleshooting and Maintenance
CLI Management
- Identify various VSX command line tools commonly used to retrieve information and perform configuration changes
- Understand how to use VSX utility commands to perform various maintenance tasks
Troubleshooting VSX
- Understand how to troubleshoot and debug issues that may occur in a VSX environment
- Upgrade a VSX Environment
How do I earn this certification?
Passing 156-551 earns the Check Point Certified VSX Specialist certification. It sits in the Network Security - Virtualization track.
- 156-315.81 - Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE) R81.20
- 156-587 - Check Point Certified Maestro Expert (CCME) R81.20Scale VSX with Maestro orchestration
- 156-560 - Check Point Certified PenTesting Expert (CCPE)Security testing for virtual environments
- 156-581 - Check Point Certified Automation Specialist (CCAS) R81.20 Automate VSX deployments and management
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for 156-551 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2022-04-01
- Announcement date: 2022-03-15
- VSX with Maestro R81.20 May appear in future exam updates • Release date: 2024-01-15
- VSX Automation APIs 1.8 Automation topics gaining importance • Release date: 2024-03-01
- Quantum Security Gateway with VSX R81.20 Hardware considerations for VSX deployments • Release date: 2023-10-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Security Engineers and Network Administrators.
- Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) R81.x
- Basic knowledge of networking concepts including TCP/IP, subnetting, routing, and switching
- Familiarity with firewall concepts and network security principles
- Experience with Unix or Linux operating systems
- Understanding of NAT and VPN operations