Exam Overview

The 156-587 exam is associated with Check Point Certified Troubleshooting Expert - R81.20 (CCTE). The exam code is listed in current official Check Point or Pearson VUE certification information.

• Exam Code: 156-587
• Level: Infinity Specialist
• Duration: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider in the public certification materials.
• Passing Score: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider.
• Unscored Content: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider.

Exam Structure

The 156-587 exam measures the objectives in the official CCTE R81.20 syllabus. Number of Questions: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider.

• Question Types: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider.
• Number of Questions: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider.
• Hands-On Questions: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider.

Exam Policies

Before completing CCTE R81.20 exam registration, review Check Point's candidate rules, Pearson VUE identification requirements, appointment policies, online-testing requirements, and the confirmation email.

• Rescheduling Policy: Reschedule at least five days (120 hours) before the appointment for a full refund. Rescheduling within five days but more than 24 hours before the appointment incurs a USD 50 service fee. Changes are not permitted within 24 hours.
• Cancellation Policy: Manage cancellation through Pearson VUE within the deadlines and terms shown for the appointment. A late cancellation or missed appointment can forfeit the exam payment or voucher.
• Retake Policy: After the first failure, wait 24 hours before a second attempt. After the second failure, wait 30 days before the third and every subsequent attempt.
• Retake Fee: Each retake requires payment of the current CCTE R81.20 exam fee or another eligible voucher unless the purchase terms explicitly include a retake.

Certification Validity and Renewal Options

Passing the 156-587 exam earns the certification or accreditation associated with Check Point Certified Troubleshooting Expert - R81.20 (CCTE), subject to the current Check Point program rules and any stated prerequisite.

• Validity: Check Point certifications and accreditations are valid for two years (24 months) from the exam date.
• Renewal Options: An Infinity Specialist Accreditation can be retaken up to six months before expiration and becomes a new two-year accreditation. The accreditation itself is not extended.

Exam Fee

• Base CCTE R81.20 exam fee: Not officially disclosed by the certification provider. Confirm the current regional amount during official Pearson VUE registration. This is the main component of the CCTE R81.20 certification cost.
• Taxes: VAT, GST, or other local taxes may change the final CCTE R81.20 certification cost. The official Pearson VUE checkout displays the applicable amount.
• Example (India): Review the INR amount and applicable GST shown during CCTE R81.20 exam registration; do not assume that a converted U.S. price is the final regional charge.

Prerequisites

Formal Prerequisites: A valid or expired CCSE at R80 or higher is required before attempting a CCTE exam.

• Recommended Experience: Practical work aligned with advanced troubleshooting methodology, kernel, packet flow, and debug analysis, and the technologies in the official course data sheet.
• Preparation should combine the official CCTE R81.20 syllabus, Check Point documentation and SecureKnowledge resources, authorized training, and appropriate hands-on practice.
• Verify the exact exam code, product version, and live availability before studying or buying a voucher. The exam code is listed in current official Check Point or Pearson VUE certification information.

Exam Topics

The official CCTE R81.20 syllabus focuses preparation on these course and assessment areas:

• Advanced troubleshooting methodology – Official weighting not disclosed: Review the configuration, operation, analysis, and troubleshooting objectives associated with advanced troubleshooting methodology in the official course data sheet.
• Kernel, packet flow, and debug analysis – Official weighting not disclosed: Review the configuration, operation, analysis, and troubleshooting objectives associated with kernel, packet flow, and debug analysis in the official course data sheet.
• Management database and policy diagnostics – Official weighting not disclosed: Review the configuration, operation, analysis, and troubleshooting objectives associated with management database and policy diagnostics in the official course data sheet.
• Cluster and synchronization troubleshooting – Official weighting not disclosed: Review the configuration, operation, analysis, and troubleshooting objectives associated with cluster and synchronization troubleshooting in the official course data sheet.
• VPN and acceleration diagnostics – Official weighting not disclosed: Review the configuration, operation, analysis, and troubleshooting objectives associated with vpn and acceleration diagnostics in the official course data sheet.
• Performance analysis and complex fault isolation – Official weighting not disclosed: Review the configuration, operation, analysis, and troubleshooting objectives associated with performance analysis and complex fault isolation in the official course data sheet.

Intended Audience

The 156-587 exam is intended for professionals whose work or goals align with its current product and security objectives, including:

• Senior Security Engineers
• Network Security Consultants
• Security Architects
• Check Point Administrators
• Security Operations Engineers
• Infrastructure Specialists
• Cybersecurity Professionals

Career Opportunities

Knowledge represented by the 156-587 exam supports development toward roles such as:

• Senior Security Engineer
• Network Security Consultant
• Security Architect
• Check Point Specialist
• Security Operations Engineer
• Infrastructure Security Lead

Average Salary (Approximate)

Check Point does not publish salary ranges for CCTE R81.20 holders. These reputable employment-market estimates use closely related roles. Salaries vary by experience, employer, location, job role, and industry.

• United States: Approximately USD 105,000–175,000 per year for senior network security engineers and consultants (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• India: Approximately INR 900,000–2,400,000 per year for senior network security engineers and consultants (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• United Kingdom: Approximately GBP 55,000–95,000 per year for senior network security engineers and consultants (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).
• UAE: Approximately AED 180,000–360,000 per year for senior network security engineers and consultants (Glassdoor and Indeed, July 2026).

Exam Delivery Options

During CCTE R81.20 exam registration, choose an available Pearson VUE Authorized Testing Center or OnVUE online-proctored appointment when the option is offered for the exam and location.

• Pearson VUE Test Center – Take the exam in person at an authorized center with controlled equipment and on-site admission procedures.
• OnVUE Online Testing – Take the exam remotely on a compatible webcam-enabled computer when online delivery is available.
• Online Exam Rules: Run the system test, use a private and quiet testing area, present accepted identification, remove prohibited materials, and follow the proctor's instructions.
• Test Center Rules: Arrive as directed, present accepted identification, store prohibited items, complete admission procedures, and follow the candidate and center rules.

Exam Registration

Follow these steps to complete CCTE R81.20 exam registration:

• Visit the official Pearson VUE Check Point portal and sign in or create the testing account linked to the same email address as the Check Point User Center profile.
• Search for the 156-587 exam and confirm that the title, code, product version, and delivery options match the intended credential.
• Choose the location, delivery method, date, and time, then verify the legal name, identification rules, accommodation status, and appointment policies.
• Pay the displayed CCTE R81.20 exam fee or apply an eligible voucher on the Payment and Billing page, confirm the booking, and retain the confirmation email.

After Passing the Exam

After passing the 156-587 exam, retain the score report and allow the result to be associated with the Check Point User Center profile.

• Passing the 156-587 exam earns the applicable Check Point certification or accreditation when every current program requirement has been satisfied.
• Use the Check Point User Center to review certification status and expiration information and to download the official electronic certificate.
• If the credential is missing after three days, contact Check Point Account Services and provide the appointment details. Keep account recovery and contact information current.

Why the 156-587 exam Is Worth It

• Aligns preparation with official Check Point course objectives
• Demonstrates focused, vendor-specific cybersecurity knowledge
• Supports practical administration, engineering, or testing capability
• Creates a verifiable foundation for specialization and career development