156-215.81.20: Check Point Certified Security Administrator - R81.20 (CCSA) certification video training course by prepaway along with practice test questions and answers, study guide and exam dumps provides the ultimate training package to help you pass.

CCSA 156-215.81.20 Practice Exam: Certified Checkpoint Security Administrator

Course Overview 

The Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) 156-215.81.20 exam is a foundational certification for professionals working in cybersecurity and network administration. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of Check Point’s security architecture, deployment, and configuration.

This training program is structured in two parts and aims to prepare candidates with theoretical and practical knowledge necessary to pass the CCSA certification exam with confidence.

Understanding the Certification Path

The CCSA is considered an entry-level certification in Check Point's certification path. It is recommended for IT professionals who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of Check Point security solutions. The 156-215.81.20 version of the exam tests your knowledge on R81.20, Check Point's advanced software platform.

Why This Course Matters

Check Point software is widely used in enterprise environments to secure networks from cyber threats. Gaining the CCSA certification validates your ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot Check Point systems. This course aims to help you become proficient in those areas, making you a valuable asset to any organization with a Check Point infrastructure.

Goals of This Course

This course is focused on delivering a full understanding of network security essentials using Check Point technologies. The objectives are to enable learners to configure security policies, understand network address translation (NAT), use monitoring tools, and identify potential security vulnerabilities.

Course Design and Approach

The course is divided into clear, manageable sections with practical examples and theoretical insights. Each module builds upon the previous one, allowing for a logical and structured learning journey. We use real-world scenarios to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and real-life application.

What You’ll Learn

Students will learn how to install Check Point components, configure the security gateway, manage security policies, and work with monitoring and logging tools. Other areas include VPN configuration, user authentication, clustering, and troubleshooting common issues.

Key Features of the Training

Our course provides in-depth exploration of each concept relevant to the 156-215.81.20 exam. You'll gain both hands-on and conceptual knowledge. It includes mock test practices, simulated labs, and breakdowns of exam scenarios.

Modules Overview

The course is structured into a series of modules that align with the official Check Point exam topics. Each module includes training content, practice labs, and scenario-based exercises to reinforce the material.

Module 1: Introduction to Check Point Technology

This module introduces Check Point as a company and explores its product suite. You’ll learn the role of the Security Gateway and the Security Management Server. It sets the foundation for understanding Check Point's approach to unified threat management.

Module 2: Security Policy Management

Understanding and configuring the security policy is crucial for managing network security. In this module, students will learn how to define security rules, policy layers, and inspection settings. Emphasis is placed on the logic of policy rule evaluation.

Module 3: Traffic Flow and Policy Installation

This section explains how traffic flows through the Security Gateway and how security policies are applied. It includes how to deploy policy updates and verify policy installation results.

Module 4: NAT – Network Address Translation

In this module, you will understand how NAT works within Check Point systems. Topics include static and dynamic NAT, hide NAT, and troubleshooting NAT issues.

Module 5: Monitoring and Logging

Logging and monitoring are critical for maintaining security posture. This module explains how to use SmartConsole tools to monitor traffic, view logs, and analyze trends. You will learn to identify policy hits, blocked connections, and user activities.

Module 6: Using SmartConsole Tools

SmartConsole is the primary interface for managing Check Point environments. This module offers hands-on training in using SmartDashboard, SmartView Tracker, and SmartLog. You’ll learn to navigate effectively and utilize real-time monitoring tools.

Module 7: Security Gateway Installation

This technical module walks students through the process of installing a Security Gateway on various platforms. You will learn how to prepare the environment, select the appropriate installation method, and verify successful deployment.

Module 8: Licensing and Configuration

Check Point uses a centralized licensing model. Here, you will understand the difference between central and local licensing, how to apply licenses, and how to validate them. Configuration of core features is also included.

Module 9: Identity Awareness

Identity Awareness allows administrators to create identity-based security policies. This module explains how to configure user authentication, AD integration, and create rules based on users and groups rather than just IP addresses.

Module 10: VPN Configuration and Management

This module focuses on configuring site-to-site and remote access VPNs. You will learn the steps for setting up VPN communities, defining encryption settings, and troubleshooting VPN tunnels.

Module 11: Clustering and High Availability

High availability is critical in enterprise environments. This module introduces Check Point ClusterXL and other clustering options. You’ll understand how to configure HA environments for redundancy and reliability.

Module 12: Threat Prevention Features

Check Point offers multiple layers of threat prevention. You’ll learn to configure Antivirus, Anti-Bot, IPS, and Threat Emulation features. The module focuses on real-time threat detection and prevention techniques.

Module 13: Advanced Security Management

Advanced features in SmartConsole include object management, dynamic objects, and rule base optimizations. This module helps administrators streamline policies and enhance security through best practices.

Module 14: Troubleshooting Tools and Techniques

This module teaches how to diagnose and resolve common issues. Topics include using CLI tools like fw ctl, cpstat, cpview, and tcpdump. You’ll also learn structured troubleshooting methodologies.

Module 15: Preparing for the Exam

The final module helps learners review key exam topics. It includes a full mock exam, exam tips, common pitfalls, and strategies for managing time during the test. A breakdown of question types and scoring criteria is also discussed.

Real-World Applications

Beyond exam prep, this course emphasizes real-world application. You will be equipped to handle actual Check Point installations, configurations, and ongoing administration duties in live environments.

Continuous Learning and Certification Path

Once certified, professionals can continue on to the Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE) certification. This course lays the foundation for that journey and encourages continuous improvement and upskilling.

Course Support and Resources

The course includes access to learning materials, simulated labs, and exam simulations. You will receive guidance on lab setup, downloadable resources, and updates aligned with new versions of the exam and software.

Instructor Insights

Our training is developed by certified instructors with real-world experience. Their insights bring context to theoretical knowledge and help bridge the gap between studying and working in a professional security role.

Study and Practice Strategy

A recommended study plan is to spend one week per module, dedicating time to theory and labs. Practice consistently with the provided scenarios and mock tests to ensure retention and readiness.

Course Requirements

Basic Networking Knowledge

To begin this course successfully, a basic understanding of networking is important. You should be familiar with concepts such as IP addressing, subnets, routing, and switching. These fundamentals will help you grasp how Check Point systems manage traffic and security policies.

Familiarity with Firewalls

Although not mandatory, previous experience with any firewall system will be beneficial. If you’ve worked with devices like Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, or Fortinet firewalls, you’ll find the transition to Check Point smoother. Concepts such as access control lists, security zones, and NAT will already be somewhat familiar.

Operating System Experience

You should be comfortable working with Windows and basic Linux environments. The Check Point operating system is based on Gaia, a Linux-based platform, so having some experience with command-line tools and basic shell commands is helpful for installation and troubleshooting.

Virtualization Tools Knowledge

During hands-on labs, you’ll often use virtual machines. Knowledge of virtualization software like VMware Workstation or Oracle VirtualBox is useful. You’ll use these platforms to simulate a real-world network environment to install and manage Check Point products.

Hardware and Lab Setup

A computer with at least 8 GB RAM and virtualization capability is needed for running lab environments. A minimum of 50 GB of free disk space is recommended. Access to virtual images of Check Point R81.20 is required for practical exercises, which are usually available via Check Point’s official trial downloads.

Network Diagram Interpretation

Understanding how to read and interpret network diagrams is crucial. Many exam questions are scenario-based and include visual representations of network setups. Being able to visualize traffic flow and policy application is a skill that will help in both the exam and real-world deployment.

Technical Curiosity

This course does not require prior Check Point certification. However, learners with a strong desire to explore system administration, network security, and configuration best practices will benefit most. A curiosity for how security systems operate will help you navigate advanced topics more effectively.

Course Description

What This Course Offers

This training course provides a comprehensive introduction to Check Point’s R81.20 platform and prepares students for the 156-215.81.20 CCSA exam. It focuses on theoretical knowledge, practical lab training, and understanding how to implement and manage security using Check Point technologies.

Vendor-Agnostic Foundation

While the course is aligned with Check Point’s specific technology, the foundational skills learned are transferable to other firewall vendors. You will develop a strong base in concepts like policy building, session management, logging, VPNs, and network troubleshooting, which apply across platforms.

Designed for Certification Success

Every module in the course is structured around the key objectives of the 156-215.81.20 exam. Each lesson builds progressively to ensure learners understand and retain the necessary knowledge. Throughout the course, you’ll encounter mock questions and exam scenarios that replicate the actual test environment.

Hands-On Experience

Unlike many theoretical training programs, this course is lab-heavy. Practical labs are provided for almost every module. You will learn to configure security gateways, create and manage policies, deploy VPNs, perform NAT configurations, and troubleshoot issues using CLI and SmartConsole tools.

Realistic Simulations

The labs are designed to replicate enterprise environments. You'll work with real-world network topologies, user access requirements, and business needs. These simulations help learners connect the course material to practical workplace scenarios.

SmartConsole Focus

A major portion of the course is dedicated to using SmartConsole, the GUI management tool for Check Point. You’ll learn to navigate and utilize features such as SmartDashboard, SmartLog, and SmartView Monitor. This focus prepares you to handle live environments with confidence.

Gaia Operating System Training

Gaia is the underlying OS that powers Check Point systems. This course includes in-depth training on how to interact with Gaia through both the web interface and CLI. You'll learn system configuration, network settings, backup procedures, and system monitoring using Gaia tools.

Troubleshooting Emphasis

A dedicated section of the course focuses on resolving real-world issues. You’ll learn to use Check Point troubleshooting tools like fw monitor, tcpdump, cpview, and cpstat. Troubleshooting scenarios are built into the labs so that you learn to diagnose and resolve errors under pressure.

Security Layer Integration

You’ll learn to use advanced features such as Application Control, URL Filtering, and Threat Prevention. These topics extend beyond traditional firewalling and focus on layered security controls to defend against modern threats.

Secure Communication

VPNs are critical in enterprise networks. The course dedicates time to understanding IPsec fundamentals, site-to-site VPN creation, remote access VPNs, and how to ensure encrypted communications across unsecured networks.

Licensing and Deployment Scenarios

You’ll gain clarity on the Check Point licensing model and how to activate, assign, and verify licenses. The course also covers different deployment modes, from standalone installations to distributed environments, helping you choose the right model for different business needs.

Career Relevance

The skills learned in this course are directly applicable in professional roles like network security administrator, firewall engineer, and system security analyst. The CCSA certification validates your abilities and opens up opportunities in organizations that deploy Check Point solutions.

Exam Alignment

Every chapter aligns with the exam's official blueprint. At the end of each section, you’ll find sample questions, common tricks used in the exam, and memory aids to retain key information. The training ensures you’re not just exam-ready but job-ready as well.

Certification Strategy

The course includes a recommended study plan that mixes reading, labs, and revision. Suggestions are provided for pacing your studies, dealing with difficult topics, and using mock exams to evaluate your performance ahead of the actual test.

Course Support

Students receive guidance on lab setup, download instructions for Check Point trial software, and support with any compatibility issues. You’ll have access to FAQs, tutorial videos, and contact with certified instructors during course delivery.

Post-Certification Advice

After completing the course and passing the CCSA exam, students are encouraged to pursue further learning. The next step is the Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE) certification, which goes deeper into troubleshooting and advanced deployment scenarios.

Who This Course Is For

Aspiring Network Security Professionals

If you're new to the world of cybersecurity and looking for a starting point, this course offers a clear and guided entry into network security administration. The CCSA certification serves as an industry-recognized milestone that proves your foundational skills.

System Administrators

System administrators looking to expand into security roles will benefit from this course. You’ll gain knowledge about firewall architecture, access control, logging, and VPNs — all essential for securing infrastructure in a corporate environment.

Network Engineers

Network professionals who want to add security skills to their toolkit will find this course ideal. You’ll learn to integrate Check Point firewalls into existing infrastructure, optimize traffic flow, and configure secure communication paths between networks.

IT Support Technicians

Those working in IT support or helpdesk roles often find themselves troubleshooting connectivity or security issues. This course teaches how Check Point products impact network access and how to investigate incidents using logs and monitoring tools.

Security Analysts

Analysts working in Security Operations Centers (SOCs) will benefit from the hands-on components of this course. Understanding how Check Point logs and threat detection tools work will improve your ability to identify and respond to threats.

Professionals Pursuing Certification

If your goal is to earn an industry certification to improve your resume, this course is aligned with that goal. You’ll be equipped with the precise knowledge and hands-on skills required to pass the 156-215.81.20 CCSA exam.

Students and Graduates

College students or recent graduates in computer science or information systems can use this course to specialize in cybersecurity. It acts as a bridge between academic knowledge and professional competence in firewall administration.

Freelancers and Consultants

Independent IT professionals who consult for small to medium-sized businesses can use this course to offer firewall configuration and maintenance services. It’s particularly useful if you're managing client environments that rely on Check Point.

Professionals Transitioning to Cybersecurity

Many IT roles are evolving toward security-focused tasks. If you're in a role that is being restructured or you're transitioning to a cybersecurity department, this course provides a strong entry point into security operations.

Organizations Training Teams

This course is also suitable for companies that want to train their IT staff. Whether you're onboarding a new team or cross-training current employees, the modular structure makes it easy to assign lessons and labs as part of internal learning paths.

Prepaway's 156-215.81.20: Check Point Certified Security Administrator - R81.20 (CCSA) video training course for passing certification exams is the only solution which you need.