Top 40+ Palo Alto Networks Certification FAQs | PCCSA, PCNSA, PCNSE FAQs

Palo Alto Networks is an American MNC headquartered in California, Palo Alto Networks helps the company to prevent attacks with the industry-defining network security platforms. Palo Alto Networks focuses on innovations, easy to operate, and consistent products and services across network, cloud and mobile users.

To get your dream job in Palo Alto Networks, there are certifications available like PCCSA, PCNSA, and PCNSE. In this article we have listed Palo Alto Networks Certification FAQs to solve each and every query you could be having about Pala Alto Certifications. So let’s get started.

Palo Alto Networks Certified Cyber Security Associate (PCCSA)

Q1. What is Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate (PCCSA)?

Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate (PCCSA) is an Entry-Level Certification. It validates the candidate to possess knowledge of pioneering technology from today to oversee the cyber-threats of tomorrow. THE PCCSA-certified candidate has a narrative understanding of the trends in Networks-Based Cyber-attacks, and of Pioneering Technologies used to prevent them.

Q2. Who can take up the PCCSA Certification Exam?

This certification has no prerequisites. Recommended Training required are Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Survival Guide and the Cyber Security Foundation Digital Learning Course. Cybersecurity Survival Guide EDU-010 digital learning course

Q3. Explain the PCCSA Exam Format in detail.

• Name: Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Associate (PCCSA)
• Delivered via: Pearson VUE (https://home.pearsonvue.com/paloaltonetworks)
• Total Seat Time: 70 minutes
• Full Exam Time: 60 minutes
• Time for reviewing Palo Alto Networks Exam Security Policy: 5 minutes
• Survey Time: 5 minutes
• Number of items: 50
• Format: MCQs, scenarios with graphics, and matching
• Language: English

Q4. What are the topics covered in the PCCSA exam?

The PCCSA Certification is for Freshers, ready to start their professional career in the field of cybersecurity. This certification covers the following:

• Cybersecurity Landscape Cyber-threats and the Cyber-Attack Lifecycle
• Cyberattack Techniques and Types
• Wireless Threats and Advanced Threats
• Cloud Security and Data Center Security
• Network Security Technology
• Packet Encapsulation and Lifecycle Malware Analysis
• PALO ALTO NETWORKS PCCSA FAQ 3 Endpoint Security

Q5. In what way should I prepare for the PCCSA exam?

To prepare for the PCCSA, you will need foundational knowledge in cybersecurity.

Recommended resources are as:

• Cybersecurity Foundation Course: Cybersecurity Foundation Course Cybersecurity Network Security Essentials Course: Cybersecurity Network Security Essentials Course
• Networking Fundamentals Course: Cybersecurity Gateway (Networking Fundamentals) Course
• Cybersecurity Survival Guide: Cybersecurity Survival Guide
• EDU-010 Introduction to Cybersecurity: EDU-010 digital learning course
• Practice Test for PCCSA: Practice Test for PCCSA

Q6. Where do I take up the exam?

The PCCSA Exam is hosted and proctored by a third-party testing company, Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE has its test centers in major cities worldwide.

You can visit https://home.pearsonvue.com/paloaltonetworks/ to schedule an exam.

Q7. How much does the exam cost?

Each exam attempt costs USD 100.00. Prices can vary by country, depending on different TAX Regulations in different countries.

Q8. Can I change my exam date after I have scheduled it?

Yes. You can cancel an exam free of charge up to three business days before the scheduled exam. You can sign up for a new date and move ahead with the further process.

However, if you cancel during the three business days before your scheduled exam, there will be no refund. If you want to take the exam on a later date, you must pay the full amount for the new appointment.

Q9. Will I get a certificate after I pass the exam?

Yes. You will receive an email after passing the exam. It will consist of instructions about how to access our Certification Management System. From there, you can download the PCCSA eCertificate, Logo, and Digital Badge.

Q10. Can I use the logo on my Business Cards?

Yes. You can use the logo only if your certification is Active.

Q11. What would happen if I don’t pass the exam?

You will receive a score report which suggests topics where you need to focus. Before you try to retake the exam, please refer to the Certification Exam Retake Policy.

Q12. What is the Certification Exam Retake Policy?

According to the rule, if you fail the exam, you need to wait for five business days before attempting the exam again. If you fail in the second attempt, then you will have to wait for 15 business days before you take the exam back.

If any candidate is unsuccessful after their third attempt, then they must immediately contact certifica[email protected] before making any additional attempts.

Q13. What are the Re-certification Requirements?

The validity of the PCCSA Certification is two years from the date you pass the exam. It is mandatory to wait for six months before taking another PCCSA exam. To keep your certification in active status, you must recertify by choosing one of the following exams: PCCSA, PCNSA, or PCNSE.

Q14. How do I check whether my PCCSA Certification is about to expire?

Log in to Palo Alto Networks Certification Management System and look at the “Certifications” section to check the certification status. You can check whether the status is active or about to expire or inactive. For additional queries, you can contact Palo Alto networks on [email protected].

Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA)

Q1. What is Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA)?

Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) validates you to have immense knowledge about Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls. It also confirms that you can efficiently deploy firewalls to enable traffic based on who (users), what (applications), when (time-based policy), and how (content). Palo Alto Networks helps candidates to configure administrators to stop cyber-attacks.

Q2. Who can take up the PCNSA Certification Exam?

The Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator Exam can be taken up by anyone who has completed either the EDU-210 or EDU-110 course. The PCNSA exam is based on the current PAN-OS® release.

• PCNSA Study Guide
• EDU-110
• EDU-210

Q3. Explain the format of the PCNSA exam?

• Certification Name: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator
• Delivered via: https://home.pearsonvue.com/paloaltonetworks
• Exam Series: PCNSA
• Seat Time: 90 minutes
• Exam Time: 80 minutes
• Review Time: 5 minutes, and 5 minutes for Survey
• Number of items: 50
• Format: MCQs, scenarios with graphics, and matching
• Language: English

Q4. Which topics does the PCNSA exam cover?

PCNSA recognizes the candidate to have core detailed knowledge of features and functions of Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls. This certification covers the following topics as:

• Next-Generation Security Platform and Architecture
• Content-ID™ PALO ALTO NETWORKS PCNSA FAQ 3
• Monitoring and Reporting
• Security and NAT Policies
• Firewall Configuration
• Security Best Practices
• URL Filtering
• App-ID™
• User-ID™

Q5. How should I prepare for the PCNSA exam?

To prepare for the PCNSA, you will need experience in deploying, operating, and managing the Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewall. Recommended resources available to you include:

• EDU-110
• EDU-210
• PCNSA: Study Guide
• Practice Questions for PCNSA

Q6. Where do I sign up to take the exam?

The PCNSA exam is hosted and proctored by Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE has testing facilities in major cities worldwide. For more information you can visit the Pearson VUE website at https://home.pearsonvue.com/paloaltonetworks/ to schedule an exam.

Q7. How much does the PCNSA exam cost?

The PCNSA Exam costs USD$140. Each attempt must be paid for by the exam taker. Prices can vary from country to country, depending on taxes in various countries.

Q8. What can I do if I need to change my exam date after I have scheduled the exam?

You can cancel the exam free of charge up to three business days before the scheduled time slot. You can also sign up for a new date post the same and apply the payment. But if you cancel during the three business days before your scheduled exam, no refund will be provided. And if you wish to take the exam on a later, you must pay the full USD$140 for the new date.

Q9. Do I get a certificate after I pass the exam?

Yes, you will receive an email along with instructions on how to access Palo Alto’s Certification Management System. From there you can download your PCNSA eCertificate, PALO ALTO NETWORKS PCNSA FAQ 4 Logos, and Digital Badge, and receive guidelines for including the credential in your email signature.

Q10. Can I use the Logo on my business cards?

Yes. You can use the Logo only if you keep an Active Certification Status.

Q11. What happens if I don’t pass the exam?

The score report you receive will mention the domain areas in which you need to focus. Before you try to take the exam again, please refer to the Certification Exam Retake Policy.

Q12. What is the Certification Exam Retake Policy?

Palo Alto Networks require the candidate who has failed their first attempt to wait for five business days before they go for the second attempt. Now, if the candidate fails their second attempt too then they need to wait for 15 business day before re-applying for the third attempt. But if the candidate fails in the third attempt too then he/she must contact certifica[email protected] before making any additional attempts.

Q13. What are the PCNSA Re-certification requirements?

The PCNSA certification will be valid for two years from the date you pass the exam. Post certification, you are required to wait for six months before taking another PCNSA exam. To keep your certification in Active status, you must recertify by taking either PCNSA or PCNSE.

Q14. How do I check whether my PCNSA certification is about to expire?

You can log in to Certification Management System and look click ot the “Certifications” section to check the status of the certification. Contact us at [email protected] if you have additional questions.

Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)

Q1. Describe what is the new PCNSE Certification Exam all about?

On October 18 2017, Palo Alto Networks launched the new PCNSE Exam. There are some changes to the exam policy post the same. The new PCNSE exam has an expiration date of 24 months (2 years). To remain in the active state you need to re-take the exam every 2 years. The PCNSE Certification will no longer be designated with a specific version number. Please Note: The above is done to keep up with the fast paced changing environment.

Q2. Why is Palo Alto Networks releasing the PCNSE exam with new certification policies?

The expiration clause is introduced in PCNSE exam to ensure that the network engineers are updated with skills and technologies. With this new policy, the PCNSE exam helps cybersecurity certified professionals to prepare for the ever-changing security landscape. Palo Alto Networks will henceforth not have any version number designation.

Q3. Explain the format of the new PCNSE exam?

• Certification Name: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer
• Delivered through Pearson VUE: http://www.pearsonvue.com/paloaltonetworks
• Exam Series: PCNSE
• Total Seating Time: 90 minutes
• Total Exam Time: 80 minutes
• Palo Alto Networks Exam Security Policy: 5 minutes; Survey: 5 minutes
• Number of items: 75
• Format: MCQs, Scenarios with Graphics, and Matching

• Languages: English and Japanese

Q4. With the new exam policy, will my CNSEx, PCNSE6, or PCNSE7 certification become time-bound?

There will not be a change to the expiration policy if you hold CNSEx, PCNSE 6, or PCNSE7. Palo Alto Networks highly encourage you to take PCNSE to keep your skill set updated at all times. This new policy applies to the New PCNSE and future releases and does not affect older certifications.

Beginning August 2018, PCNSE7 will no longer comply with NextWave Channel Partner Program requirements. Partners PALO ALTO NETWORKS PCNSE FAQ 3 will be required to have an unexpired PCNSE certificate to meet compliance requirements. For more information, view the Next-Wave Interactive Program Guide.

Q5. What does the PCNSE exam cover?

• The PSNSE Exam covers
• PAN-OS® Software
• Panorama
• Global Protect and other aspects of the Palo Alto Networks
• It contains network security platform that a firewall administrator needs to know to design, install, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot the vast majority of Palo Alto Networks implementations. 

Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Expert (PCNSE)

Q6. What does the PCNSE exam not cover?

This exam does not cover Aperture, Traps, or AutoFocus.

Q7. How should I prepare for the PCNSE exam?

You can prepare for the certification exam with extensive hands-on experience with

• Next-Generation Hardware Firewalls
• VM-Series Firewalls
• Global Protect
• Panorama Management Environment

That experience should be in a wide variety of situations, including both large and small deployments, and in edge and data center deployments.

It could contain training courses:

Firewall 8.0 Essentials: Configuration and Management (EDU-210) and Panorama 8.0: Manage Multiple Firewalls (EDU-221). They don’t cover everything that a PCNSE needs to know but they’re the most efficient way to start learning.

After you have mastered the basics, you should spend time on the Palo Alto Networks Platform, practicing use of the PALO ALTO NETWORKS PCNSE FAQ 4 information in the 8.0 version of the Admin Guides.

A useful resource that highlights the differences between PAN-OS® 7 and 8 can be found here. People who take the PCNSE exam might find the PCNSE Blueprint and Study Guide useful.

Q8. Where do I sign up to take the exam?

The PCNSE exam is hosted by a third-party testing company, Pearson VUE, which has testing facilities in major cities worldwide. Visit the Pearson VUE at https://pearsonvue.com/paloaltonetworks/ to schedule an exam.

Q9. How much does the exam cost?

The PCNSE exam costs USD$160. Prices vary by country, depending on various tax factors.

Q10. What if I need to change my exam date after I’ve scheduled it?

You could cancel an exam free of charge up to three business days before the scheduled time slot of the exam and ou can sign up for a new date and apply the payment toward the new exam date. But if you cancel during the three business days before your scheduled exam there will be no refund. And if you want to take the exam on a later date, you will have to pay the full USD $160 for the new appointment.

Q11. Do I get a certificate after I pass the exam?

Yes. You will receive an email with instructions about how to access Palo Alto Networks Certification Management System. From the same link you can download the PCNSE eCertificate, Logo, and Digital Badge. You will get a link to the instructions for how to order an achievement gift. Because the new PCNSE is not associated with a specific product version, your PCNSE eCertificate, Logo, and Digital Badge will not have a PCNSE version number.

Q12. Can I use the Logo on my business cards?

Yes. You can use the Logo as long as your certification status is active.

Q13. What happens if I don’t pass the exam?

You receive a score report which suggests the topic areas where you need to focus.

Before you try to take the exam again, please refer to the Certification Exam Retake Policy. PALO ALTO NETWORKS PCNSE FAQ 5

Q14. What is the Certification Exam Retake Policy?

Palo Alto Networks requires any candidate that fails their first attempt to pass any certification exam to wait five (5) business days. A candidate that fails their second attempt must wait 15 business days before they take the exam again. Any candidate that is unsuccessful after the third attempt must contact certifica[email protected] before making any additional attempts.

Q15. How do I check whether my PCNSE Certification is about to expire?

You can log in to our Certification Management System and look at the “Certifications” section to check whether your certification is still active or is about to expire.

We hope the above Palo Alto Networks Certification FAQs Article have solved all your doubts about Palo Alto Networks Certification. If you have any doubts about the same, do let us know in the comments section.