What topics are on the 156-551 exam?

VSX Architecture and Components 20%

1.1

Virtual Network Security Benefits

2 subtopics

1.1.1Virtual Security Extension Overview

1.1.2VSX Components

Learning Objectives

Explain the benefits of virtual network security
Understand the basic functions, components, and advantages of VSX technology

1.2

VSX Management Infrastructure

2 subtopics

1.2.1Management Architecture

1.2.2Traffic Flow in VSX

Learning Objectives

Examine the VSX management infrastructure
Understand how traffic flows within a VSX network

Domain Hands-on Skills

VSX architecture designComponent identificationTraffic flow analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing VS with physical gateways
Incorrect traffic flow assumptions
Management hierarchy misunderstanding

VSX Installation and Configuration 25%

VSX Routing and Networking 20%

VSX High Availability and Clustering 20%

VSX Management and Optimization 15%

VSX Troubleshooting and Maintenance 20%

How do I earn the Check Point Certified VSX Specialist (CCVS) certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Track: Network Security - Virtualization

Prerequisites

156-215.81Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) R81.20Optional

Next Steps

Current Level

156-551CCVS R81.1Specialist

Alternative Paths

156-560Check Point Certified PenTesting Expert (CCPE)
156-581Check Point Certified Automation Specialist (CCAS) R81.20

Career Progression

Entry Roles

Junior Security Engineer
Network Administrator
Security Analyst

Target Roles

VSX Security Specialist
Virtual Security Architect
Senior Security Engineer
Cloud Security Engineer

Advanced Roles

Security Solutions Architect
Principal Security Engineer
Security Team Lead
Multi-tenant Security Consultant

Certification Maintenance

Recertification Options:
Retake the current version of CCVS examPass any Expert-level Check Point certificationComplete continuing education creditsPass the CCSE Update exam

How do I study for the 156-551 Exam?

Practice the Check Point Certified VSX Specialist (CCVS) with our Exam Simulator

Free practice questions, exam guides, and real exam‑style explanations in our Planet Cert simulator.

Official Resources

Learn more about this exam

Arrow EducationClassroom,Virtual Fast LaneClassroom,Virtual QA LtdClassroom,Virtual,On-site Koenig SolutionsClassroom,Online,1-on-1 CCVS Study GuideCheckMates Community

Study Tips

Complete the official 2-day CCVS training course before attempting the exam
Practice extensively in the 180-day lab environment provided with the course
Study the VSX Administration Guide thoroughly, especially CLI commands
Join CheckMates community for peer support and expert advice
Focus on hands-on configuration of VSX clusters and VSLS
Understand the differences between physical and virtual security gateways
Master VSX-specific CLI commands and troubleshooting tools

What's changed on this exam?

Technology Coverage

VSX with MaestroR81.20

May appear in future exam updates

Released: 2024-01-15

VSX Automation APIs1.8

Automation topics gaining importance

Released: 2024-03-01

Quantum Security Gateway with VSXR81.20

Hardware considerations for VSX deployments

Released: 2023-10-01

Industry Trends

Increased adoption of VSX for managed security service providers (MSSPs)
Growing demand for zero-trust architecture in virtual environments
Integration of VSX with cloud-native security solutions
Automation and orchestration becoming critical for VSX management
Performance optimization for 100Gbps+ VSX deployments

Who should take this exam?

Recommended Experience

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

Experience Level: Intermediate

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

Exam Cost	$250 USD
Testing Centers	Pearson VUE
Online Proctoring	Available

How long is the certification valid?

Valid For	3 years
Recertification	Pass the current version of the CCVS exam Pass a higher-level Check Point certification exam Complete Check Point Continuing Education credits

What jobs can I get with this?

Career Benefits

Validates expertise in Check Point VSX technology
Demonstrates ability to deploy and manage virtual security solutions
Enhances credibility for multi-tenant security deployments
Qualifies for advanced Check Point certifications

Check Point Certified Multi-Domain Security Management Specialist

What's Included

Complete Exam Package

Multiple Exam Modes

Lifetime Updates

Money Back Guarantee

Exam Details