Top Palo Alto Networks Certifications

Recognized for their cybersecurity solutions, Palo Alto Networks covers a wide range of product portfolios, from network to cloud security to security operations. What is more, they also span across a series of certifications to develop your technical prowess and make you a standout in your chosen profession. Therefore, if you want to be endorsed by a respectable organization, earning a Palo Alto Networks certification is undeniably a great choice.

Outline of Palo Alto Networks Certification Program

One of the best ways to advance your cybersecurity knowledge is by pursuing an endorsement from Palo Alto Networks. Their designation program is categorized into three key areas that highlight a specific level of cybersecurity proficiency. Thus, it starts with the entry-level PCCET and then continues with the administrator-focused PCNSA certificate. The last section is meant for engineers, underlining the PCNSE, PCCSE, and PCSAE certifications. Getting validated by a reputable organization increases not just your credibility but also your professional worth. And to give you a competitive advantage in your career, below are three of the most renowned Palo Alto Networks certifications to date.

• Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET)

  New specialists, either technical individuals or non-technical ones, can outline their cybersecurity path through the PCCET. This serves as a stepping stone for those who want to acquire foundational cybersecurity knowledge of Palo Alto Networks technologies, specifically its key concepts and relevant advancements. Candidates of this certification must complete the 70 to 80-minute exam with 75 to 85 questions in various formats ― multiple-choice, matching, and scenarios with graphics. Once you succeed with the evaluation, this signifies your comprehension of cybersecurity aspects, including cloud security and network security. It also emphasizes the core SOC principles so you become fully ready for the basic functions of a cybersecurity specialist.

Official Training Materials

To train for the PCCET, there are several resources that should be utilized when studying. Comprehensive courses are designed for the certification itself, though these are only available for members of Palo Alto Networks. Hence, you have to sign up first before you are given access to the detailed training. As recommended, you can kick off with the Introduction to Cybersecurity (EDU-001). Right after, you have to accomplish the Fundamentals of Network Security (EDU-010) and the Fundamentals of Cloud Security (EDU-040), along with the Fundamentals of Security Operations Center (EDU-070). These courses supply you with a profound background in cybersecurity fundamentals, networking features, cloud technologies, and security operations. And of course, it’s important that you use the PCCET Blueprint as well as the PCCET Study Guide. These two are key tools in understanding the exam objectives because it sorts out all the significant topics. The PCCET Blueprint, in particular, records the major exam domains with their corresponding weight and specific tasks. These are further tackled to give you a clearer glimpse of the areas that need more attention. Another beneficial material you can make use of is the official Practice Test for the PCCET.

• Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA)

  The next certification level is intended for network security administrators who want to enhance their command in dealing with Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls. NGFWs are deep-packet firewall technology that secures the business through network traffic monitoring via highly defined intrusion prevention systems and security rules. As a result, the PCNSA certification holders are experts in deploying, operating, and administering network security suites, as well as in dealing with the core components of Palo Alto Networks product portfolio. And to earn this technical skillset, you have to go through its 80-minute test that consists of 50 questions. These are formatted into multiple-choice, graphic scenarios, and matching.

Official Training Materials

Just like other Palo Alto Networks designations, their courses become accessible once you complete the registration. The most recommended training material is the Firewall Essentials: Configuration and Management (EDU-210), which looks into the key specifications of Palo Alto Networks NGFWs. Another relevant course that you may want to enroll in is EDU-110, a digital training that also accentuates the configuration and management of firewall essentials. Subsequently, you have to grab a copy of the official PCNSA Study Guide. Go through all its contents one by one and familiarize yourself with all exam domains. These cover significant operation platform core requirements, firewall management interfaces, security rule types, traffic visibility, security profiles, user groups, and deployment optimization. To wrap up your learning, try to answer the PCNSA practice questions created by the vendor’s experts.

• Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)

  For expert-level professionals like system engineers, support engineers, and systems integrators as well as highly-skilled customers and partners, the PCNSE certification is such a great achievement. Candidates for the PCNSE are recommended to have prior hands-on experience in product deployment. It’s because the certification itself demonstrates your capabilities to handle more advanced tasks related to Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls, including designing, deploying, operating, managing, and even troubleshooting. Though not a prerequisite, this is a great follow-up after the PCNSA as it solidifies your grasp of Palo Alto Networks NGFWs and the latest products. Acquire this remarkable designation by passing the 75-question test with a time limit of 80 minutes. The format is the same as other Palo Alto Networks exams, featuring multiple-choice, matching, and graphic scenario items.

Official Training Materials

Gear up your learning path through the PCNSE Study Guide. This expounds on the pivotal domains of the actual exam such as planning, deployment, operation, configuration troubleshooting, and core concepts. So, if you have some uncertainties about the official test, you can get help from the PCNSE FAQ sheet, which elaborates all the things you need to know, from the test topics to the certification details. Carry on with your training and maximize the online courses for the PCNSE. For those who want to master the basics of Palo Alto Networks NGFWs, begin with the Firewall Essentials: Configuration and Management (EDU-210). It’s also advisable to complete the Panorama: Managing Firewalls at Scale (EDU-220) and the Firewall: Troubleshooting (EDU-330) for a deeper understanding of the exam sections. All these digital courses provide you with the needed skills in deploying Palo Alto Networks NGFWs while also capitalizing on other significant functions of the platform.

Conclusion

Palo Alto Networks is a recognized and reputable vendor when it comes to cybersecurity solution designations. Thus, you can opt for their varied certifications, including the PCCET, PCNSA, or PCNSE. On top of that, this vendor has also developed comprehensive and high-end classes alongside materials to arm you with every single detail necessary for your exam excellence. Good luck!