A Complete Palo Alto Certification Guide
Palo Alto Networks is recognized around the world as a leading provider of cybersecurity products. Palo Alto Networks certification validates an IT professional's knowledge and skills in security management using Palo Alto products. It is a valuable credential for those seeking advancement in IT security.
The aim of the Palo Alto certification path is to give IT professionals the opportunity to demonstrate the skills required to secure the internet. The Palo Alto certifications exams include three levels of certification designed to take the learner from beginner to expert.
Palo Alto certification training to prepare for the exam is available from Palo Alto Networks, as well as other providers like CBT Nuggets.
Let’s look at individual exams and offer comparisons between Palo Alto Networks and its competitor Check Point. We also help you consider what a Palo Alto Networks certification might do for your career, as well as available training options.
What is Palo Alto Certification?
Palo Alto Networks certification currently includes the PCCET, PCNSA, PCDRA, PCNSE, PCCSE, PCSAE, and PCSFE exams. According to Palo Alto Networks, the focus is on the critical skills required to develop infrastructure, mitigate threats, and prevent successful cyberattacks. Certified professionals will understand how to use Palo Alto Networks hardware and software to protect IT assets from attack.
Palo Alto vs. Check Point
The selection of a security product, such as those offered by Palo Alto Networks or Check Point, is a matter for managers and procurement personnel. However, as an IT professional, you will be deciding which certification is best for you and your career. At first glance, it's clear that both platforms are leading solutions for the security-conscious enterprise, and both are on the higher end in their category.
Both certifications have three levels. They are both product-specific certifications, focusing on each company's security offerings. The salary expectations are also similar, at $90,000 to $100,000 on average. In terms of market share, Palo Alto and Check Point seem to stay right on the heels of competitor Cisco.
Palo Alto exams move from newcomer to expert:
The Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level (PCCET) certification validates that IT professionals have knowledge about today's cyberthreats.
A Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) can operate next-generation firewalls to protect networks.
At the engineer level, the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) knows about configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting Palo Alto implementations.
Check Point certifications deal with many of the same topics:
The Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) exam covers basic topics related to network security, including VPNs and security policy management.
The Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE) deals with more advanced information such as the configuration of security technologies and platforms.
The Check Point Certified Master (CCSM) certification demonstrates mastery of Check Point-related security management.
The Check Point Managed Security Expert (CCMSE) specifically targets advanced topics related to Multi-domain Security Management (MDM).
The main differences between Palo Alto and Check Point certifications are the products supported. There does not appear to be a clear advantage of pursuing one certification over the other in terms of career.
Very often, IT professionals decide to work on a specific certification because they are already working on the product. If your IT shop supports Check Point, then it's probably a good idea to work on Check Point certification. The same would be true for Palo Alto Networks. From here, it appears to be a tossup.
Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-Level (PCCET)
The Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level certification is designed for IT professionals who are just beginning in the field of cybersecurity.
The PCCET is the lowest level in the Palo Alto Networks certification path and validates knowledge in these areas:
Cybersecurity Landscape
Cyberthreats and the Cyberattack Lifecycle
Cyber Attack Techniques and Types
Wireless Threats and Advanced Threats
Cloud Security and Data Center Security
Network Security Technology
Packet Encapsulation and Lifecycle
Malware Analysis
Required exam: Earning the PCSSA certification requires passing one exam — the Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity entry-level exam.
Prerequisites: None.
Required experience: Palo Alto Networks recommends a basic understanding of networking and cybersecurity and up-to-date knowledge on cyber threats prior to attempting this certification exam.
Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA)
The Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator certification is designed for IT professionals who can demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the core features and functions of Palo Alto Networks' next-generation firewalls.
This PCNSA certification is an advanced level of certification in the Palo Alto certification path, and it deals with various security administration tasks:
Next-Generation Security Platform and Architecture
Firewall Configuration
Security and NAT Policies
App-ID™
Content-ID™
LO ALTO NETWORKS PCNSA FAQ 3
User-ID™
URL Filtering
Monitoring and Reporting
Security Best Practices
Required exam: Earning the PCNSA certification requires passing one exam — the Certified Network Security Administrator exam.
Prerequisites: The PCCET is not specified as a prerequisite for PCNSA, but it is highly recommended.
Required experience: Palo Alto Networks recommends advanced knowledge of networking and cybersecurity and considerable experience deploying Palo Alto firewalls prior to attempting this certification exam.
Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
The Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) certification is designed for IT professionals with considerable experience and expertise in Palo Alto Networks technologies.
The PCNSE is an advanced-level certification in the Palo Alto certification path and deals with various security administration topics, including:
Security Management Concepts
Deployment and Configuration of Palo Alto Hardware and Software
Management and Operation of Security Platforms
Troubleshooting of Network Security Issues
Required exam: Earning the PCNSE certification requires passing one exam — the Certified Network Security Engineer exam.
Prerequisite: None. The PCCSA and PCNSA are not specified as prerequisites for the PCNSE but are recommended.
Required experience: Prior to attempting this certification exam, Palo Alto Networks recommends advanced knowledge of networking and cybersecurity and extensive experience working with Palo Alto security products, including PAN-OS® software, Panorama, and GlobalProtect. Candidates should be capable of designing, deploying, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting the vast majority of Palo Alto Networks Operating Platform implementations.
Prisma Certified Cloud Security Engineer (PCCSE)
Prisma Cloud is Palo Alto's cloud-native security platform that protects users, apps, and data across public, private, hybrid, and multi-cloud environments. This certification is designed to show the holder has the skills to onboard, deploy, and administer Prisma Cloud Security.
The PCCSE is a specialized course that covers:
Cloud service provider (CSP) integration
Cloud workload protection
Cloud security posture management
Identity and access management (IAM)
Network security in cloud environments
Data protection and compliance
Incident detection and response
Automation and DevSecOps integration
Required exam: Earning the PCCSE certification requires passing one exam — the Prisma Certified Cloud Security Engineer exam.
Required experience: There are no formal prerequisites for the PCCSE certification, but candidates should have a good understanding of cloud security concepts and hands-on experience with Prisma Cloud.
Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation Engineer (PCSAE)
The Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation Engineer (PCSAE) certification is a specialized certification that focuses on niche skills related to security automation and orchestration, specifically leveraging Palo Alto Networks' automation tools like Cortex XSOAR.
The PCSAE exam covers a range of topics, including:
Security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) principles
Automation workflows and playbooks
Integration with Palo Alto Networks' Cortex XSOAR platform
Scripting and programming for automation (e.g., Python)
API usage and integration
Incident response automation
Data parsing and transformation
Monitoring and maintaining automation solutions
Required exam: Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation Engineer (PCSAE) exam.
Required experience: There are no formal prerequisites for the PCSAE certification, but candidates should have a deep understanding of security automation concepts and hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks automation tools.
Palo Alto Networks Certified Detection and Remediation Analyst (PCDRA)
The Palo Alto Network Certified Detection and Remediation Analyst (PCDRA) certification is designed for professionals who are involved in the detection and response to cyber threats, making it a valuable credential for roles such as SOC analysts, security engineers, and incident responders. The exam covers cybersecurity and endpoint security concepts when using Palo Alto tools and technologies, including Cortex XDR.
Topics covered on the PCDRA exam include:
Introduction to security operations
Understanding of threat detection and investigation
Utilization of Cortex XDR for detection and response
Analyzing and interpreting security events and alerts
Incident response processes and best practices
Remediation strategies and techniques
Basic scripting for security automation
Reporting and documentation of security incidents
Required exam: Only one exam is required, the Palo Alto Networks Certified Detection and Remediation Analyst exam.
Required experience: While there are no formal prerequisites for the PCDRA, candidates should have a strong understanding of cybersecurity concepts and some experience with Palo Alto Networks's Cortex XDR.
How Much Does it Cost to Get Palo Alto Certified?
Palo Alto Networks certification exams are proctored by the testing company Pearson VUE. The cost of these exams is significantly less than many other IT certifications we've discussed, which cost less than $200 each. The certification system has a simple pricing scheme based on certification.
PCCET (Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician): $110.00
PCNSA (Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator): $155.00
PCDRA (Palo Alto Networks Certified Detection and Remediation Analyst): $155.00
PCNSE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer): $175.00
PCCSE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Cloud Security Engineer): $175.00
PCSAE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation Engineer): $175.00
PCSFE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Fundamentals Engineer): $175.00
Palo Alto Recertification and Renewal
Like Check Point, Palo Alto Networks certifications expire after two years (24 months). To recertify, you must retake the exam.
Palo Alto Certification Salary and Career Information
According to Payscale, IT professionals with a Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) certification can expect to earn between $110,000 and $130,000. No figures are available on Payscale for the PCCSA or PCNSA. Those with PCCSA or PCNSA might expect to make a bit less than with the PCNSE, but a lot depends on the level of experience.
Payscale lists the following average salaries for the PCNSE (in USD):
Network Security Engineer: $100,000
Network Engineer: $88,00
Network Architect: $139,000
Senior Cyber Security Engineer: $151,000
Sr. Network Engineer: $151,000
Systems Engineer (Computer Networking / IT): $75,000
Palo Alto Networks certifications may be among the easier certifications to get for those trying to break into the information security field. And the price is very low compared to other certifications. Of course, many people seek certifications because they are already working on a certain product.
Your decision to pursue Palo Alto certification may depend on whether you believe that you will be working on Palo Alto Networks certifications in your career as an IT professional. Considering the earnings potential and opportunities for Palo Alto Networks certified IT professionals, it's well worth considering.
Palo Alto Certification Training
CBT Nuggets offers the following Palo Alto Networks training from Keith Barker:
Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET)
Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA)
Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
Please note that we constantly update our training library, so check regularly for new Palo Alto training.
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