PCD Exam Simulator Practice Test (2026)

What topics are on the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer exam?

The Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer exam is organized into 7 domains. The highest‑weight domains are Prevention and Detection and Investigation.

Use the official exam objectives and guides below to confirm the latest version and topic coverage:

Official Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer exam guide Registration Url Learning Path Certification Handbook

Threats and Attacks 10%

1.1

Recognize the different types of attacks

4 subtopics

1.1.1Differentiate between exploits and malware

1.1.2Define a file-less attack

1.1.3Define a supply chain attack

1.1.4Outline ransomware threats

Learning Objectives

Identify and differentiate various attack types
Understand modern attack techniques and vectors

1.2

Recognize common attack tactics

3 subtopics

1.2.1List common attack tactics

1.2.2Define various attack tactics

1.2.3Outline MITRE framework steps

Learning Objectives

Understand MITRE ATT&CK framework
Map attacks to framework stages

1.3

Recognize various types of threats/vulnerabilities

4 subtopics

1.3.1Differentiate between threats and attacks

1.3.2Define product modules that help identify threats

1.3.3Identify legitimate threats vs. false positives

1.3.4Summarize vulnerability references

Learning Objectives

Differentiate threat types and vulnerabilities
Validate and assess threat legitimacy

Domain Hands-on Skills

Threat identificationAttack analysisMITRE mapping

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing threats vs attacks
Misidentifying false positives

Prevention and Detection 20%

Investigation 20%

Remediation 15%

Threat Hunting 10%

Reporting 10%

Architecture 15%

How do I earn the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Track: Security Operations

Prerequisites

PCCETPalo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level TechnicianOptional
PCCSAPalo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity AssociateOptional

Next Steps

XSIAM-AnalystPalo Alto Networks Certified XSIAM Analyst
XSIAM-EngineerPalo Alto Networks Certified XSIAM Engineer
XSOAR-EngineerPalo Alto Networks Certified XSOAR Engineer
SecOps-ProfessionalPalo Alto Networks Security Operations Professional

Current Level

PCDRADetection and Remediation AnalystSpecialist

Alternative Paths

Complementary Certifications

CySA+
GCIH
BTL1

Career Progression

Entry Level

SOC Analyst I
Security Operations Analyst
Incident Response Analyst

Mid Level

SOC Analyst II/III
Senior Security Analyst
Threat Hunter
Incident Response Specialist

Advanced Level

SOC Team Lead
Security Architect
Principal Security Engineer
SOC Manager

Certification Maintenance

Recertification Options:
Pass current version of the examPass any higher-level Palo Alto Networks certificationTransition to XDR-Analyst or XDR-Engineer before retirementComplete continuing education credits (if available)

How to study for the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer exam?

Use the official resources and study materials below to prepare for the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer.

Practice the Professional Cloud Developer with our Exam Simulator

Free practice questions, exam guides, and real exam‑style explanations in our Planet Cert simulator.

Official Resources

Community Resources

LIVEcommunity - Cortex Certification Articles https://www.reddit.com/r/paloaltonetworks/Reddit

What's changed on the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer exam in 2026?

This section summarizes what’s changed for the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer and the current exam status (RETIRING).

Official Links & References

Palo Alto Networks Certification Roadmap 2024-2025

State of SOC Report 2024

Cortex XDR Customer Success Stories

Unit 42 Threat Intelligence Reports

Technology Coverage

Cortex XDR3.0

New features will be included in XDR-Analyst and XDR-Engineer exams

Released: 2024-11-01

XQL (Extended Query Language)2.0

Enhanced query capabilities tested in new certifications

Released: 2024-09-01

MITRE ATT&CK Frameworkv14

Updated framework mappings in exam content

Released: 2024-10-31

Industry Trends

Shift from product-specific to role-based certifications across the industry
Increased focus on AI and automation in SOC operations
Growing demand for cloud-native XDR solutions
Integration of SOAR capabilities into XDR platforms
Emphasis on proactive threat hunting vs reactive incident response

Who should take the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer exam?

The Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer is designed for Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts and related roles.

Recommended Experience

Working knowledge of network security
Working knowledge of TCP/IP and networking
Working knowledge of OS fundamentals
Working knowledge of security automation technology
Working knowledge of information security control technologies
Tier 2+ level user competency in Cortex XDR
Basic understanding of Python, PowerShell, SQL, XQL
Knowledge of MITRE ATT&CK Framework

Target Audience

Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts
Security operations specialists
Incident responders
Threat researchers
IT security professionals
Cybersecurity professionals focused on detection and response

Experience Level: Intermediate

How much does the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer cost?

The official exam fee for the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer is $175 USD.

Exam Cost	$175 USD
Scheduling	Official exam scheduling page
Testing Centers	Pearson VUE
Online Proctoring	Available

How long is the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer certification valid?

The Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer certification is typically valid for 2 years (see renewal options below).

Valid For	2 years
Recertification	Pass current version of the exam Pass a higher-level Palo Alto Networks certification exam Transition to XDR-Analyst or XDR-Engineer certification

Professional Cloud Developer Practice Test

What's Included

Complete Exam Package

Multiple Exam Modes

Real Exam Questions

Lifetime Updates

Money Back Guarantee

98% Success Rate

Exam Details

Try Before You Buy

What topics are on the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer exam?

Threats and Attacks 10%

Recognize the different types of attacks

Recognize common attack tactics

Recognize various types of threats/vulnerabilities

Domain Hands-on Skills

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Prevention and Detection 20%

Investigation 20%

Remediation 15%

Threat Hunting 10%

Reporting 10%

Architecture 15%

How do I earn the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Prerequisites

Next Steps

Current Level

Alternative Paths

Complementary Certifications

Career Progression

Entry Level

Mid Level

Advanced Level

Certification Maintenance

How to study for the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer exam?

Practice the Professional Cloud Developer with our Exam Simulator

Official Resources

Community Resources

What's changed on the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer exam in 2026?

Official Links & References

Technology Coverage

Industry Trends

Who should take the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer exam?

Recommended Experience

Target Audience

How much does the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer cost?

How long is the Palo Alto Networks Professional Cloud Developer certification valid?

Students Also Purchased

1z0-052

412-79v8

9L0 012

A10 Certified Professional System Administration 4

AAFM India Chartered Wealth Manager (CWM) Level 1

Student Reviews

Study Resources