Why Study with PlanetCert?
The Latest Questions
Practice questions and exam topics aligned with the current exam objectives.
Detailed Explanations
Go beyond the answer. Master the material with comprehensive learning and professional explanations for every concept.
AI-Powered Insights
Personalized preparation guidance that adapts to your performance and identifies weak spots automatically.
Exam Information
Official specifications published by CyberArk
Exam Format
90 min
50
70%
Defender
Registration
$200 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
14-day waiting period after first attempt
Validity
2 years
Pass the PAM-DEF-RECERT exam; Pass a higher-level CyberArk certification exam (Sentry or Guardian); Complete approved CyberArk continuing education activities
PAM-DEF Exam Topics and Domains
PAM-DEF is organized into 7 weighted domains. Expect to work with PVWA, CPM, PrivateArk Client, Digital Vault, and more.
1
Introduction to Privileged Access Management and Defense in Depth
10%
PAM Fundamentals
Understanding Privileged AccountsDefense in Depth Strategy
- Understand the importance of securing privileged accounts
- Identify different types of privileged accounts and their risks
- Apply defense in depth principles to PAM
2
CyberArk PAM Architecture
20%
Core Components
Digital VaultCentral Policy Manager (CPM)Privileged Session Manager (PSM)Password Vault Web Access (PVWA)
- Understand the architecture of CyberArk PAS solution
- Identify component interactions and data flows
- Configure and maintain core components
3
Safe Management
15%
Safe Configuration and Administration
Safe Creation and ConfigurationSafe Members and Permissions
- Create and configure safes according to organizational requirements
- Manage safe permissions and members effectively
- Implement safe best practices and naming conventions
4
Account Management
20%
Account Onboarding and Discovery
Account DiscoveryAccount Properties and Platforms
- Discover and onboard privileged accounts
- Configure account properties and platforms
- Implement account lifecycle management
Account Lifecycle Management
Account Maintenance
- Manage account lifecycle from creation to decommission
- Handle account dependencies and relationships
- Maintain account compliance
5
Password Management
20%
Password Policies and Rotation
Password PoliciesPassword Verification and Reconciliation
- Configure and manage password policies
- Implement password rotation and verification
- Handle password reconciliation and synchronization
Password Retrieval and Usage
Password Access Methods
- Understand password retrieval methods
- Configure password access controls
- Implement password usage workflows
6
User and Group Management
10%
User Administration
User Creation and AuthenticationGroups and Roles
- Create and manage users and groups
- Configure authentication methods
- Implement role-based access control
7
Monitoring and Troubleshooting
5%
System Monitoring and Auditing
Audit and ReportingTroubleshooting Common Issues
- Monitor system health and performance
- Generate and analyze audit reports
- Troubleshoot common CyberArk issues
How do I earn this certification?
Passing PAM-DEF earns the CyberArk Certified Defender certification. It sits in the Identity Security track.
Current Level Exams
- EPM-DEF - CyberArk Defender - EPM
- SECRETS-DEF - CyberArk Defender - Secrets Manager
Next Level Options
- PAM-SEN - CyberArk Sentry - PAM
- EPM-SEN - CyberArk Sentry - EPM
- PAM-GUARD - CyberArk Guardian - PAM
Alternative Paths
- CDE-CPC - CyberArk CDE Cloud Practitioner Cloud-focused PAM skills
- CDE-VAULT - CyberArk Vault Operations Deep dive into Vault management
- SECRETS-DEF - CyberArk Defender - Secrets Manager Application secrets management focus
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for PAM-DEF is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-06-01
Updates
- Identity Security Platform 13.2 New features likely in next exam update • Release date: 2024-08-01
- Privilege Cloud Latest Cloud deployment models increasingly important • Release date: Continuous updates
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Security Administrators and PAM Administrators.
Minimum 6 months of hands-on experience with CyberArk Privileged Account Security Solution
- CyberArk PAM Implementation training course
- Understanding of IT security concepts
- Familiarity with Windows and Unix/Linux systems
- Knowledge of directory services (LDAP/Active Directory)
- Basic networking knowledge