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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Palo Alto Networks
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PCCP Exam Topics and Domains
PCCP is organized into 6 weighted domains. Expect to work with Threat intelligence, AI Access Security, DLP solutions, Enterprise DLP, and more.
Cybersecurity
AAA Framework
Identify the components of the authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) framework
MITRE ATT&CK Framework
Categorize techniques used by malicious actors as defined by the MITRE ATT&CK framework
Zero Trust Architecture
Explain the concept of Zero Trust and define its key principles
Advanced Persistent Threats
Identify and describe the characteristics of an advanced persistent threat (APT)
Common Security Technologies
Explain the function of common security technologies
Network Security
Zero Trust Network Access
Describe key characteristics of Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
Firewall Technologies
Explain the function of stateless firewalls and next-generation firewalls (NGFWs)
Microsegmentation
Explain the purpose of microsegmentation
Network Security Technologies
Explain the purpose and function of common network security technologies
Signature-Based Protection Limitations
Explain the limitations of signature-based network protection
NGFW Deployment Options
Identify and describe the deployment options for NGFWs for networks operation on both bare metal and virtualized architectures
OT and IoT Security
Identify and describe cybersecurity concerns unique to Operation Technology (OT) and internet of things (IoT) devices
Cloud-Delivered Security Services
Identify and describe Palo Alto Networks Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS)
Precision AI
Explain the security function of Precision AI
Secure Access
SASE and SSE
Define and explain Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) and differentiate from Secure Service Edge (SSE)
Information Security Challenges
Identify challenges related to confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and applications
Security Technologies
Explain the security function of common technologies
SD-WAN
Describe the purpose of Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) solutions
Prisma SASE Solutions
Describe Prisma SASE solutions
Cloud Security
Cloud Architectures
Identify and describe major cloud architectures and topologies
Cloud Security Challenges
Identify and describe major challenges related to cloud security
Cloud Security Technologies
Identify and describe technologies used to secure cloud environments
CNAPP
Identify and describe the functions of a Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP)
Cortex Cloud
Explain the features and functionality of Cortex Cloud
Endpoint Security
Indicators of Compromise
Identify and explain Indicators of Compromise (IOCs)
Anti-Malware Limitations
Explain the limitations of signature-based anti-malware software
User and Entity Behavior Analytics
Explain the concept of User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA)
EDR and XDR
Explain endpoint detection and response (EDR) and extended detection and response (XDR)
Behavioral Threat Prevention
Explain Behavioral Threat Prevention
Endpoint Security Technologies
Identify and describe cybersecurity threats mitigated by endpoint security technologies
Cortex XDR
Explain the features and functionality of Cortex XDR
Security Operations
Threat Hunting
Identify and describe key characteristics of threat hunting
Incident Response
Explain the process and outcomes of incident response
SIEM
Explain the functions of a security information and event management (SIEM) platform
SOAR
Explain the functions of security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR)
Attack Surface Management
Explain the function of an Attack Surface Management (ASM) platform
Cortex Solutions
Explain the features and functionality of Cortex solutions
Unit 42 Services
Identify and describe the services provided by Unit 42
How do I earn this certification?
Passing PCCP earns the Certified Cybersecurity Practitioner certification. It sits in the Multi-Platform (Network Security, Cloud Security, Security Operations) track.
- PCCNSP - Network Security Professional
- PCCSP - Cloud Security Professional
- PCSOP - Security Operations Professional
- PCCET - Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician Previous entry-level certification (being phased out)
- PCNSE - Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security EngineerLegacy expert-level certification (being replaced by role-based certs)
- PCNSA - Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security AdministratorLegacy admin certification (replaced by new specialist tracks)
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for PCCP.
What's changed on this exam?
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2025-07-01
- Announcement date: 2024-01-01
- Cortex XSIAM 3.0 New AI-driven SOC capabilities included in Security Operations domain • Release date: 2024-10-01
- Strata Cloud Manager 2.0 Centralized management platform for NGFW included in exam • Release date: 2024-11-15
- Enterprise DLP 1.5 Enhanced DLP capabilities in Secure Access domain • Release date: 2024-12-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Individuals transitioning into cybersecurity careers and IT professionals seeking cybersecurity validation.
- Basic understanding of networking concepts
- Fundamental cybersecurity knowledge
- Familiarity with cloud computing concepts