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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Checkpoint
Exam Format
90 min
Subset of main exam questions (main exam has 100 questions)
N/A - practice exam provides answers for study
Administrator
Registration
$0 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English, Japanese
Validity
N/A - practice exam does not award certification
Pass current version of CCSA exam; Pass CCSE (Check Point Certified Security Expert) exam; Complete Check Point continuing education requirements
156-609 Exam Topics and Domains
156-609 is organized into 9 weighted domains. Expect to work with SmartConsole, Automatic NAT, ClusterXL, Identity Awareness, and more.
1
Check Point Security Architecture and Management
15%
Three-Tier Architecture
Security Management ServerSecurity GatewaySmartConsole Client
- Identify primary components of Check Point Three-Tier Architecture
- Explain how components work together in security enforcement
- Describe communication flow between management and enforcement
SmartConsole Administration
Administrator Accounts and PermissionsSession ManagementObject Management
- Configure SmartConsole administrator accounts with appropriate permissions
- Manage concurrent administrator sessions effectively
- Create and manage security objects for policy configuration
2
Security Policy Management
25%
Security Policy Configuration
Policy ElementsPolicy LayersEnhanced Security Features
- Create and configure effective security policies
- Implement policy layer architecture for traffic inspection
- Utilize enhanced features for policy management and optimization
Policy Installation and Verification
Policy InstallationPolicy Verification Tools
- Install security policies to enforcement points
- Verify policy installation and effectiveness
- Troubleshoot policy installation issues
3
Network Address Translation (NAT)
15%
Automatic NAT
Hide NATStatic NAT
- Configure automatic NAT for various scenarios
- Understand NAT types and their use cases
- Troubleshoot NAT-related connectivity issues
4
VPN Solutions
15%
Remote Access VPN
Remote Access VPN ConfigurationVPN Access Control
- Deploy Remote Access VPN solutions
- Configure VPN authentication and encryption including post-quantum encryption
- Manage VPN access control policies
5
HTTPS Inspection and Identity Awareness
12%
HTTPS Inspection
SSL/TLS Inspection
- Configure HTTPS inspection for secure traffic visibility
- Manage certificates for TLS inspection
- Implement bypass rules where appropriate
Identity Awareness
User IdentificationIdentity-Based Policy
- Implement Identity Awareness for user-based security
- Configure identity sources and acquisition methods
- Create security policies based on user identity
6
Application Control and URL Filtering
10%
Application Control
Application Visibility and Control
- Implement Application Control for granular security
- Configure application-based security policies
- Monitor and control application usage
URL Filtering
URL Filtering Configuration
- Configure URL Filtering for web access control
- Manage URL categories and custom lists
- Implement web filtering policies
7
High Availability and ClusterXL
10%
ClusterXL Technology
High Availability ClusteringCluster Configuration
- Understand ClusterXL high availability concepts
- Configure gateway clusters for redundancy
- Monitor and troubleshoot cluster operations
8
Threat Prevention
8%
Threat Prevention Blades
IPS (Intrusion Prevention System)Anti-Bot and Anti-Virus
- Configure and manage Threat Prevention blades
- Implement IPS policies for protection
- Monitor and respond to security threats
9
Monitoring and SmartEvent
10%
Security Operations Monitoring
SmartView MonitorSmartLog and SmartEvent
- Monitor Check Point security infrastructure
- Analyze logs and security events
- Generate compliance and security reports
How do I earn this certification?
Passing 156-609 earns the Practice Exam - No certification awarded certification. It sits in the Check Point Security Administration track.
Current Level Exams
Next Level Options
Alternative Paths
- 156-560 - Check Point Certified Cloud Specialist (CCCS)Specialization in Check Point CloudGuard for cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- 156-587 - Check Point Certified Troubleshooting Expert (CCTE)Deep troubleshooting skills for complex security infrastructure issues
- 156-585 - Check Point Certified Troubleshooting Administrator (CCTA)Foundational troubleshooting skills for Check Point environments
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 156-609 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2025-08-01
Updates
- Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) R82 New topic added to CCSA R82 for Remote Access VPN encryption. Candidates must understand PQC concepts and configuration. • Release date: 2025-08-01
- HTTPS Inspection R82 HTTPS Inspection moved back to CCSA curriculum from CCSE. Previously covered in R81.10 CCSA, removed in R81.20, added back in R82. • Release date: 2025-08-01
- Identity Awareness R82 Identity Awareness reintegrated into CCSA R82 from CCSE. Covers AD integration, user identification, and identity-based policies. • Release date: 2025-08-01
- Automatic NAT Only R82 Manual NAT removed from CCSA R82 curriculum. Only Automatic NAT (Hide NAT and Static NAT) covered in exam. • Release date: 2025-08-01
- Site-to-Site VPN Removal R82 Site-to-Site VPN removed from CCSA R82. Only Remote Access VPN covered. Site-to-Site will be in dedicated upcoming VPN course. • Release date: 2025-08-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Security administrators and Network administrators transitioning to security.
- Basic knowledge of networking and TCP/IP
- Understanding of security concepts
- 6 months to 1 year experience with Check Point products recommended for main exam