Check Point · 2026 Edition
A complete preparation guide, edited by Johnson Ajibi, a network and security engineer with 12+ years' experience. Covers the exam format,all 6 blueprint domains, a week-by-week study plan, and proven tips for passing first time.
2–4 months
Prep time
Intermediate
Difficulty
60–90
Exam questions
700/1000
Pass mark
Exam code
156-315.81.20
Full name
Check Point Certified Security Expert
Vendor
Check Point
Duration
90 minutes
Questions
~0 items
Passing score
700/1000 (scaled)
Domains covered
6 blueprint domains
Recommended experience
Foundational IT knowledge recommended
Typical prep time
2–4 months
Domain percentage weights are not currently available for this exam. The checklist below is still useful for planning your study.
Phase 1
Gateway Deployment and Upgrades
Tip: Start with the official Gateway Deployment and Upgrades objectives, then practise questions on it.
Phase 2
ClusterXL and VRRP High Availability
Tip: Cover the ClusterXL and VRRP High Availability objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 3
Performance Tuning (SecureXL/CoreXL)
Tip: Cover the Performance Tuning (SecureXL/CoreXL) objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 4
Threat Prevention and SandBlast
Tip: Cover the Threat Prevention and SandBlast objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 5
Advanced VPN Design
Tip: Cover the Advanced VPN Design objectives, then answer practice questions to confirm you can apply them.
Phase 6
Identity Awareness
Tip: Finish with Identity Awareness, then re-test your weakest earlier domain before a mock exam.
Study the official exam blueprint — weight percentages tell you exactly where to invest prep time.
Practise scenario-based questions regularly — every modern cert exam is scenario-heavy.
Use spaced repetition to retain what you've learned (Courseiva does this automatically).
Book your exam date once you're scoring 80%+ consistently on practice tests.
Review explanations for every wrong answer, not just the question — the 'why' is what makes it stick.
Apply everything in this guide with adaptive practice questions, detailed answer explanations, and domain analytics.