Palo Alto Networks PCNSE: 5 Practice Questions

The Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) is a certification that validates the ability to deploy, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls. It is one of the most respected and sought-after security credentials in enterprise IT. 

The Palo Alto PCNSE certification validates a detailed understanding of next-generation firewalls and how they interact with a Palo Alto security operations platform to keep enterprise networks moving quickly yet securely. Earning a PCNSE certification verifies an administrator's in-depth knowledge of Palo Alto Networks firewall security features and functionality. 

PCNSE Exam at a Glance

The PCNSE exam consists of 75 questions and candidates have 80 minutes to complete the exam. It is a proctored exam and is managed through the third-party company Pearson VUE. The cost of the exam is $175 USD. A PCNSE credential is valid for two years. 

PCNSE Practice Exam Questions

Practice questions enable you to measure your learning progress and gauge your exam readiness. At CBT Nuggets, we recommend you use practice exams throughout your training journey to ensure you are learning material effectively.

The following practice questions are designed to give you a feel for the type of questions you may see on the Palto Alto PCNSE certification exam. Or a practice exam.  

Question 1: Which tool allows a system administrator to examine traffic trends over time — such as threats reported in the last 30 days?

Answer: The Application Command Center (ACC) tool allows security administrators to view traffic trends detected over the past 30 days.

Question 2: Which controls can you apply to prevent end users from being able to submit credentials to websites — in order to protect them and your networks from threats?

Answer: URL filtering profiles can be applied to individual security policy rules that set access to the internet, which includes disallowing credential submissions.

Question 3: Which SSL decryption method allows the Palo Alto next-generation firewall (NGFW) to inspect traffic when users visit HTTP or HTTPS websites?

Answer: When users visit HTTP(S) websites, the Palo Alto next-generation firewall will employ SSL inbound inspection mode to inspect traffic.

Question 4: What are the valid firewall states? 

Answer: Palo Alto NGFW has three valid states: active, passive, and suspended.

Question 5: A Layer 2 ethernet port has a VLAN interface that a customer wants to set up. What are the mandatory options for configuring a VLAN interface?

Answer: A virtual router and a security zone could be the mandatory options for configuring a VLAN interface for a Layer 2 Ethernet port in the Palo Alto firewall.

Bonus Question

Question: When configuring a GlobalProtect Portal, why do you need to specify an authentication profile?

Answer: Specifying authentication profiles enables user authentication for portals.

How to Prepare for the PCNSE Exam

To prepare for the PCNSE exam, candidates need to develop a good understanding of the Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall product line and its features. In addition, candidates should have a firm understanding of general network security concepts and practices. 

CBT Nuggets offers comprehensive PCNSE online training that prepares you to be able to deploy, manage, and secure your network infrastructure — as well as get ready for the PCNSE certification exam.

Is Palo Alto PCNSE Certification Worth It?

The Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Engineer (PCNSE) certification is the premier certification for Palo Alto Networks firewall administrators — and is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual's ability to deploy, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls. 

Earning a PCNSE certification validates an administrator's in-depth knowledge of Palo Alto Networks firewall security features and functionality. Earning the PCNSE credential can lead to career advancement opportunities and higher earning potential.