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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Palo Alto Networks
Exam Format
Professional
Registration
$175 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English, Japanese
Validity
2 years
Retake the current PCNSE exam; Pass the new Next-Generation Firewall Engineer exam after transition
PCNSE Exam Topics and Domains
PCNSE is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with PAN-OS, User-ID, App-ID, CLI tools, and more.
1
Planning and Core Concepts
19%
Palo Alto Networks Architecture
Zero Trust ArchitectureSingle-Pass Architecture
- Identify how Palo Alto Networks products work together to detect and prevent threats
- Design firewall solutions to meet business requirements
High Availability Planning
HA Deployment Models
- Plan and design High Availability implementations
- Determine appropriate HA models for business requirements
Zone-Based Architecture
Security Zone Design
- Design zone-based security architecture
- Plan traffic flow between security zones
2
Deploy and Configure
32%
Interface Configuration
Interface TypesManagement Profiles
- Configure various interface types
- Implement interface management profiles
Security Profiles
Security Profile TypesSecurity Profile Groups
- Configure and deploy security profiles
- Implement security profile groups effectively
NAT Configuration
NAT Types
- Configure various NAT types
- Troubleshoot NAT issues
App-ID Configuration
Application Identification
- Configure App-ID for application control
- Create custom applications
User-ID Configuration
User Identification MethodsDynamic User Groups
- Implement User-ID for user-based policies
- Configure dynamic user groups
VPN Configuration
IPSec VPNGlobalProtect
- Configure site-to-site VPNs
- Deploy GlobalProtect for remote access
Decryption
SSL/TLS Decryption
- Implement SSL/TLS decryption
- Manage certificates for decryption
3
Deploy and Configure Firewalls Using Panorama
13%
Panorama Management
Device GroupsTemplates
- Design and implement Panorama management hierarchy
- Configure templates and device groups
Distributed Log Collection
Log Collectors
- Implement distributed log collection
- Configure log forwarding and retention
4
Manage and Operate
16%
Monitoring and Reporting
System MonitoringTraffic Logs
- Monitor firewall performance and health
- Analyze traffic and threat logs
Software and Content Updates
Update Management
- Manage software updates and upgrades
- Configure content update schedules
Backup and Recovery
Configuration Management
- Implement backup strategies
- Perform recovery operations
5
Troubleshooting
20%
Connectivity Troubleshooting
Network ConnectivityVPN Troubleshooting
- Troubleshoot connectivity issues
- Debug VPN problems
Policy Troubleshooting
Security Policy IssuesNAT Troubleshooting
- Troubleshoot security policy issues
- Resolve NAT problems
Performance Troubleshooting
Resource Issues
- Identify performance bottlenecks
- Optimize resource utilization
Tools and Commands
CLI TroubleshootingPacket Capture
- Use CLI tools for troubleshooting
- Perform packet captures and analysis
How do I earn this certification?
Passing PCNSE earns the PCNSE certification. It sits in the Network Security (Legacy) track.
Next Level Options
PCNSC - Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Consultant
Alternative Paths
- PCCSE - Prisma Certified Cloud Security EngineerCloud security specialization
- PCDRA - Palo Alto Networks Certified Detection and Remediation Analyst XDR and threat detection focus
- PCSAE - Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation EngineerSecurity orchestration and automation
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 PCNSE 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: 2024-11-01
Updates
- Cortex XDR Integration 3.5 New integration points likely in updated exam content • Release date: 2024-10-01
- Prisma Access 3.0 3.0 SASE architecture questions expected to increase • Release date: 2024-08-15
- Advanced URL Filtering Cloud-delivered Replaces PAN-DB, new configuration requirements • Release date: 2024-07-01
Who should take this exam?
- PCNSA certification
- 3-5 years of networking or network security experience
- 6+ months hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks products
- 1+ year managing Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls
- Experience with PAN-OS, Panorama, and GlobalProtect