The Check Point Certified Security Principles Associate (CCSPA), exam code 156-110, is a foundational information security exam from Check Point Software Technologies. It tests general security principles rather than configuration of Check Point products, which makes it relevant to students, help desk staff, junior administrators, and anyone who wants a vendor backed baseline in security concepts. This page explains what the exam is, its current availability, what it covers, and how to register.
Most Check Point credentials are tied to a current product release, such as the Security Administrator (CCSA) and Security Expert (CCSE) tracks. CCSPA is different. Check Point retired the associated training course some years ago and no longer lists CCSPA prominently on its certification roadmap. The exam itself has remained bookable through Pearson VUE, according to a Check Point representative on the company’s community forum, because some customers still want it.
Practically, that means three things. First, you may not find CCSPA on the Check Point training portal the way you would find current exams. Second, the certificate exists, but Check Point staff have stated there is no Credly digital badge for it. Third, details such as format and fees can differ from what older study guides describe, so confirming everything before you book is more important here than for a mainstream exam.
CCSPA was designed to show that a candidate understands security as a discipline before specializing in any one product. It sits at the conceptual end of the Check Point catalog. Passing demonstrates familiarity with core terminology, common threats, and the reasoning behind controls such as access management, network protection, and policy.
That product neutral focus is the main difference between CCSPA and CCSA. CCSA expects you to administer a Check Point security gateway and management environment. CCSPA expects you to explain why those controls exist.
No formal prerequisites are known for CCSPA, and Check Point has not published a current eligibility statement that we could verify. A working grasp of basic networking, including IP addressing, ports, and common protocols, will make the security material easier to absorb. Confirm any requirements with Check Point or Pearson VUE when you register.
Check Point’s current public materials do not give a verified question count, time limit, passing score, or fee for 156-110. You will see figures on third party sites, and they conflict with each other, so we do not repeat them as fact. The exam is proctored and delivered through Pearson VUE. When you start the booking process, the exam listing and any candidate information provided there are the authoritative source for format, length, language options, and price.
Check Point does not currently publish a public objective list for CCSPA, so the areas below reflect the foundational security principles that preparation material for this exam commonly covers. Treat them as a study guide rather than an official blueprint.
Core security concepts: confidentiality, integrity, and availability, plus the language of threats, vulnerabilities, and attack vectors.
Access control and authentication: authorization models, multi factor authentication, least privilege, and identity management.
Network security: firewall functions, VPN concepts, segmentation, and secure communication.
Threats and defenses: malware, phishing, social engineering, intrusion prevention, and threat intelligence.
Risk and governance: risk assessment, security policies, compliance awareness, and security awareness programs.
Incident response basics: detection, containment, and recovery at a conceptual level.
Check Point exams are scheduled through Pearson VUE. In general, you create or sign in to a Pearson VUE account, search the Check Point proctored exam list for 156-110, and choose a test center or online proctored delivery where offered. Because CCSPA is a legacy listing, availability and delivery options may be narrower than for current exams. If you cannot find it, contact Check Point training support or Pearson VUE directly rather than assuming it has been withdrawn.
CCSPA works best as a conceptual primer and a line on a resume for early career candidates, not as a headline credential. It will not carry the weight of a current product certification, and without a Credly badge it is harder to showcase on professional profiles. If your goal is to work with Check Point firewalls, CCSA is the more practical route, and the security principles you learn for CCSPA transfer directly into it. If your goal is a general security foundation, broad vendor neutral exams are also worth comparing before you commit.
Because official study resources for this exam are limited, practice questions can help you check how well you understand the principles listed above. The free practice tests on AllExamQuestions.com let you test yourself on those topics, read the explanations for anything you miss, and see where to focus your revision. They are a study aid, not a substitute for confirming the official exam details with Check Point.
Last updated on Oct, 15 2026
