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 Palo Alto Networks
Exam Format
90 min
50-60
70%
Professional
Registration
$250 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
2 years
Pass the current version of the exam; Pass a higher-level certification exam; Transition to Next-Generation Firewall Engineer certification
PCNSA Exam Topics and Domains
PCNSA is organized into 3 weighted domains. Expect to work with HA1, HA2, HA3, Site-to-site VPN, and more.
1
PAN-OS Networking Configuration
38%
Configure Interfaces
Layer 2 InterfacesLayer 3 InterfacesVirtual WireTunnel InterfacesAggregate Ethernet (AE)Management Interface
- Configure various interface types
- Understand deployment scenarios for each interface type
- Implement proper interface security
Configure Zones
Security Zones
- Create and configure security zones
- Apply zone protection profiles
- Control inter-zone traffic
Configure High Availability
Active/Active HAActive/Passive HALink and Path Monitoring
- Design and implement HA configurations
- Configure monitoring for automatic failover
- Troubleshoot HA issues
Configure Routing
Dynamic Routing ProtocolsRedistribution and PoliciesRoute MonitoringAdvanced Routing Engine
- Configure dynamic routing protocols
- Implement route redistribution
- Monitor and troubleshoot routing
Configure GlobalProtect
PortalsGatewaysAuthenticationSplit Tunneling
- Deploy GlobalProtect infrastructure
- Configure authentication methods
- Implement split tunneling policies
Configure Tunnels
IPSecQuantum-resistant CryptographyGeneric Routing Encapsulation (GRE)
- Configure IPSec VPN tunnels
- Implement quantum-resistant cryptography
- Deploy GRE tunnels
2
PAN-OS Device Setting Configuration
40%
Implement Authentication
Authentication Profiles
- Configure authentication profiles
- Integrate with external authentication servers
Configure Virtual Systems
VSYS Configuration
- Deploy virtual systems
- Configure inter-VSYS routing and security
Configure Logging
Strata Logging ServiceLog Forwarding
- Configure comprehensive logging
- Implement log forwarding to external systems
PAN-OS Software Updates
Software Management
- Plan and execute software updates
- Manage content and dynamic updates
Configure Certificates
PKI IntegrationSSL/TLS Decryption
- Implement PKI infrastructure
- Configure SSL/TLS decryption
Configure User-ID
User MappingGroup Mapping
- Deploy User-ID infrastructure
- Configure user and group mapping
Configure Web Proxy
Explicit Proxy
Configure web proxy functionality
3
Integration and Automation
22%
Deployment Options
Hardware DeploymentVirtual Deployment
- Select appropriate deployment model
- Deploy firewalls in various environments
API Automation
REST API
- Use APIs for automation
- Create automation scripts
Third-party Integration
Infrastructure as Code
- Integrate with IaC tools
- Automate deployments
Centralized Management
PanoramaTemplates and Device GroupsPre and Post Rules
- Deploy and manage Panorama
- Create templates and device groups
- Manage policy hierarchy
Reporting and Dashboards
Application Command Center
- Build custom dashboards
- Create and schedule reports
How do I earn this certification?
Passing PCNSA earns the PCNSA certification. It sits in the Network Security track.
Next Level Options
Alternative Paths
- Network Security Analyst - Network Security Analyst Focus on Strata Cloud Manager and policy management
- SD-WAN Engineer - SD-WAN EngineerSpecialization in SD-WAN deployments
- SSE Engineer - Security Service Edge EngineerCloud security and SASE 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 PCNSA is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- RETIRING
- Last content update: 2024-01-01
- Announcement date: 2024-10-01
Updates
- Strata Cloud Manager 2.0 New centralized management features likely in NGFW Engineer exam • Release date: 2024-09-01
- Advanced Threat Prevention Latest Enhanced threat detection capabilities in exam objectives • Release date: 2024-10-15
Who should take this exam?
- 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)