CheckPoint 156-587 R81.20 Exam Questions 2025

Cyber Threats Are Getting More Aggressive, 156-587 Puts You in Control

Cybercriminals aren’t slowing down, they’re getting smarter. Every day, new ransomware attacks, data breaches, and zero-day exploits put businesses at risk. The biggest problem? Security systems fail when no one knows how to fix them.

That’s why companies need troubleshooting experts who can detect, diagnose, and fix security problems before things spiral out of control. This is where the Check Point Certified Troubleshooting Expert – R81.20 (156-587) comes in.

This certification isn’t just another security badge. It proves that you can:

• Identify vulnerabilities before hackers exploit them
• Fix firewall issues without taking networks offline
• Resolve VPN problems to keep remote teams secure
• Analyze logs, detect malicious activity, and stop threats fast

If you’re working in network security, cybersecurity operations, or firewall management, getting certified in Check Point R81.20 troubleshooting is a smart move. It doesn’t just improve your skillset  it makes you the go-to person when things go wrong.

Why Check Point Troubleshooting Expert R81.20 Is Worth Your Time

It’s not just about learning a few troubleshooting tricks. The Check Point 156-587 cert is designed to build hands-on skills that security teams actually use every day.

Once you’re certified, you can:

Fix Security Issues Before They Turn Into Major Breaches

One misconfigured rule, one unchecked vulnerability, and boom  a data breach happens. Being able to detect issues before they escalate is what makes security experts invaluable.

Debug Firewall Rules Without Breaking the Network

Firewalls are the backbone of cybersecurity  but even one misconfigured rule can disrupt the whole system. Certified experts know how to troubleshoot firewall policies, fix conflicts, and ensure traffic flows securely without downtime.

Optimize Performance of Security Gateways

Even the best security systems slow down if they’re overloaded with inefficient rules, too much logging, or misconfigured settings. The R81.20 cert proves that you understand how to optimize gateways for speed and security.

Analyze Logs and Detect Threats Before They Cause Damage

Logs tell a story  but only if you know how to read them. 156-587 experts know how to analyze logs, detect malicious activity, and act before attackers do.

With Check Point firewalls securing businesses worldwide, getting this certification is your chance to step into high-paying security roles.

Who Should Go for Check Point 156-587?

If you’re working in cybersecurity and want to become an expert at fixing security problems, this cert is for you. It’s ideal for:

Security Engineers & Admins

If you manage Check Point firewalls daily, this cert takes your skills to the next level. You’ll learn advanced debugging techniques, making you the go-to person when network security issues pop up.

Network Architects

Need deeper troubleshooting expertise? This cert helps architects understand firewall behavior at a granular level, allowing them to design more secure, resilient networks.

Cybersecurity Analysts

Threat detection is one thing  fixing the problem is another. This certification helps security analysts go beyond alerts and start resolving real-world security threats efficiently.

If your job involves security, firewall management, or threat detection, 156-587 is a must-have cert.

What You Gain with This Certification

Passing the 156-587 exam isn’t just about adding a cert to your resume  it’s about proving you can handle high-pressure troubleshooting scenarios.

A Competitive Edge

Cybersecurity teams want experts who can fix security problems, not just talk about them. This cert proves that you’re more than just theory  you’re hands-on and effective.

Higher Salary Potential

Check Point-certified pros earn more because businesses know troubleshooting skills are rare. Depending on your role and experience, salaries range from $90,000 to $130,000+ per year.

Real-World Expertise

Many security certs focus on concepts. This one is all about solving actual security issues. You’re not just reading about troubleshooting  you’re doing it in real scenarios.

How Tough Is the Check Point 156-587 Exam?

This is not an easy exam. You can’t just read a book and expect to pass. You need hands-on experience.

Candidates often say:

• The scenarios are tricky  you need real-world troubleshooting experience.
• Debugging questions are technical  you must know log analysis, packet captures, and CLI tools.
• Time is tight  you can’t waste minutes digging through logs.

If you’ve worked with Check Point security before, you’ll find it easier. If not, you’ll need hands-on practice in a lab.

What to Expect on the Check Point 156-587 Exam

This exam tests real troubleshooting skills. Here’s what you’re facing:

• Question Count: Around 90
• Format: Multiple-choice & scenario-based troubleshooting
• Duration: 90-120 minutes
• Passing Score: 70% or higher
• Language: English

Key Domains & What You Need to Study

Check Point Troubleshooting Tools

• How to use CPInfo, CPLog, and fw monitor
• Debugging network and security issues with Check Point CLI
• Packet flow analysis and how security rules affect traffic

Advanced Log Analysis

• SmartLog & SmartView Tracker  interpreting log data
• Debugging firewall policy issues
• Investigating security incidents using logs

Firewall Rule & Connectivity Issues

• Fixing misconfigured firewall policies
• Identifying rule conflicts and NAT issues
• Ensuring secure but functional access controls

VPN & Encryption Troubleshooting

• Fixing site-to-site VPN & remote access failures
• Debugging IPSec tunnel issues
• Using CLI tools to verify encryption settings

Threat Prevention & SandBlast Debugging

• Stopping malware & phishing attacks
• Analyzing Anti-Bot, Anti-Virus, & URL Filtering
• Tuning Threat Prevention policies for maximum protection

Gateway Performance Optimization

• Solving CPU/memory overload issues
• Fine-tuning policies for better speed & security
• Fixing DDoS attack-related slowdowns

What Happens After Passing 156-587?

Passing Check Point 156-587 is a career booster. It doesn’t just prove you know the material  it proves you can handle troubleshooting challenges in a real-world environment.

Your Cert Stays Valid for 2 Years

After passing, your Check Point Certified Troubleshooting Expert – R81.20 certification stays valid for two years. You’ll need to recertify after that to keep your credentials up to date.

You Unlock Job Opportunities in Cybersecurity

This cert opens doors to high-paying roles like:

• Security Engineer ($90,000 – $130,000 per year)
• Network Security Specialist ($95,000 – $125,000 per year)
• Firewall Analyst ($85,000 – $120,000 per year)

You Can Aim for Higher-Level Check Point Certs

Want to go even further? After passing 156-587, you can level up to:

• Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE)
• Check Point Certified Security Master (CCSM)

These higher-level certs boost your expertise and make you even more valuable in the cybersecurity industry.