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Practice Questions

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Jan 31, 2025

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Sep 17, 2021Last Updated

Complete Exam Package

93 PCNSA practice questions with detailed explanations

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What topics are on the PCNSA exam?

PAN-OS Networking Configuration 38%

1.1

Configure Interfaces

6 subtopics

1.1.1Layer 2 Interfaces

1.1.2Layer 3 Interfaces

1.1.3Virtual Wire

1.1.4Tunnel Interfaces

1.1.5Aggregate Ethernet (AE)

1.1.6Management Interface

Learning Objectives

Configure various interface types
Understand deployment scenarios for each interface type
Implement proper interface security

1.2

Configure Zones

1 subtopics

1.2.1Security Zones

Learning Objectives

Create and configure security zones
Apply zone protection profiles
Control inter-zone traffic

1.3

Configure High Availability

3 subtopics

1.3.1Active/Active HA

1.3.2Active/Passive HA

1.3.3Link and Path Monitoring

Learning Objectives

Design and implement HA configurations
Configure monitoring for automatic failover
Troubleshoot HA issues

1.4

Configure Routing

4 subtopics

1.4.1Dynamic Routing Protocols

1.4.2Redistribution and Policies

1.4.3Route Monitoring

1.4.4Advanced Routing Engine

Learning Objectives

Configure dynamic routing protocols
Implement route redistribution
Monitor and troubleshoot routing

1.5

Configure GlobalProtect

4 subtopics

1.5.1Portals

1.5.2Gateways

1.5.3Authentication

1.5.4Split Tunneling

Learning Objectives

Deploy GlobalProtect infrastructure
Configure authentication methods
Implement split tunneling policies

1.6

Configure Tunnels

3 subtopics

1.6.1IPSec

1.6.2Quantum-resistant Cryptography

1.6.3Generic Routing Encapsulation (GRE)

Learning Objectives

Configure IPSec VPN tunnels
Implement quantum-resistant cryptography
Deploy GRE tunnels

Domain Hands-on Skills

Interface configurationHA setupVPN deploymentRouting protocols

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect zone assignment
HA split-brain scenarios
IPSec phase mismatches

PAN-OS Device Setting Configuration 40%

Integration and Automation 22%

How do I earn the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Track: Network Security

Prerequisites

PCCSAPalo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity AssociateOptional
ACEAccredited Configuration Engineer (Retired)Optional

Next Steps

Current Level

PCNSANetwork Security AdministratorProfessional

Alternative Paths

Network Security AnalystNetwork Security Analyst
SD-WAN EngineerSD-WAN Engineer
SSE EngineerSecurity Service Edge Engineer

Certification Maintenance

Recertification Options:
Pass the current version of the examPass any Expert-level examPass two Professional concentration examsTransition to newer role-based certifications

How do I study for the PCNSA Exam?

Practice the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator with our Exam Simulator

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

Official Documentation

PAN-OS Administrator's GuideTechnical documentation Panorama Administrator's GuideTechnical documentation GlobalProtect Administrator's GuideTechnical documentation

What's changed on this exam?

Technology Coverage

Strata Cloud Manager2.0

New centralized management features likely in NGFW Engineer exam

Released: 2024-09-01

Advanced Threat PreventionLatest

Enhanced threat detection capabilities in exam objectives

Released: 2024-10-15

Industry Trends

Shift from product-specific to role-based certifications
Increased focus on cloud security and SASE architectures
AI and ML integration in security operations
Automation and orchestration becoming mandatory skills

Who should take this exam?

Recommended Experience

3-6 months of hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls
Understanding of networking fundamentals (OSI model, TCP/IP)
Firewall Essentials training (EDU-210) or equivalent experience
PCCSA certification (optional but recommended)

Experience Level: Intermediate

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

Exam Cost	$250 USD
Testing Centers	Pearson VUE
Online Proctoring	Available

How long is the certification valid?

Valid For	2 years
Recertification	Pass the current version of the exam Pass a higher-level certification exam Transition to Next-Generation Firewall Engineer certification

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Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator

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Exam Details

What topics are on the PCNSA exam?

PAN-OS Networking Configuration 38%

Configure Interfaces

Configure Zones

Configure High Availability

Configure Routing

Configure GlobalProtect

Configure Tunnels

Domain Hands-on Skills

Common Mistakes to Avoid

PAN-OS Device Setting Configuration 40%

Integration and Automation 22%

How do I earn the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Prerequisites

Next Steps

Current Level

Alternative Paths

Certification Maintenance

How do I study for the PCNSA Exam?

Practice the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator with our Exam Simulator

Official Documentation

What's changed on this exam?

Technology Coverage

Industry Trends

Who should take this exam?

Recommended Experience

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

How long is the certification valid?

Students Also Purchased

Student Reviews

Study Resources

Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator

What's Included

Complete Exam Package

Multiple Exam Modes

Lifetime Updates

Money Back Guarantee

Exam Details

What topics are on the PCNSA exam?

PAN-OS Networking Configuration 38%

Configure Interfaces

Configure Zones

Configure High Availability

Configure Routing

Configure GlobalProtect

Configure Tunnels

Domain Hands-on Skills

Common Mistakes to Avoid

PAN-OS Device Setting Configuration 40%

Integration and Automation 22%

How do I earn the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Prerequisites

Next Steps

Current Level

Alternative Paths

Certification Maintenance

How do I study for the PCNSA Exam?

Practice the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator with our Exam Simulator

Official Documentation

What's changed on this exam?

Technology Coverage

Industry Trends

Who should take this exam?

Recommended Experience

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

How long is the certification valid?

Students Also Purchased

Palo Alto Networks Certified XSIAM Analyst

Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Practitioner

Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Service Edge Engineer

Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer

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Student Reviews

Study Resources