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Official specifications published by Palo Alto Networks
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SECOPS-PRO Exam Topics and Domains
SECOPS-PRO is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with Cortex XDR, Cortex XSIAM, Cortex XSOAR, WildFire, and more.
Security Operations Fundamentals
Users, Roles, Log Management, Compliance, and Data Protection in Cortex XDR
Explain the function of users, roles, log management, compliance, and data protection in Cortex XDR
Creating and Managing Reports and Dashboards in Cortex Products
Explain the process of creating and managing reports and dashboards in Cortex products
Common Components and Functions of a Security Operations Center (SOC)
Explain the common components and functions of a Security Operations Center (SOC)
AI and Machine Learning in Security Operations
Differentiate between AI and machine learning (ML) in Security Operations
Threat Intelligence and Incident Response
NIST Incident Response Plan Steps
Identify and explain the steps of the NIST incident response plan
Incident Management and Response
Explain the concept of incident management and response
Role of Threat Intelligence in Incident Response
Explain the role of threat intelligence in incident response
Incident Categorization and Prioritization
Explain the function of incident categorization and prioritization
Indicator Types in Cortex Products
Explain how file, IP address, domain, and URL indicator types are used in Cortex products
WildFire, Unit 42 Intelligence, and VirusTotal Comparison
Compare and contrast WildFire, Unit 42 intelligence, and VirusTotal
Evaluating Security Incident Classifications
Evaluate false positive, false negative, and true positive security incidents
Basic Threat Hunting
Conduct basic threat hunting based on common indicator types
Cortex XDR
Key Cortex XDR Elements
Identify and explain the use of key Cortex XDR elements
Agent Management and Deployment
Explain the process of agent management and deployment, including cloud workloads
Cortex XDR vs. EDR Use Cases
Identify use cases where a business would benefit from Cortex XDR compared to an EDR solution
Cortex XSOAR
Features and Functionality of Cortex XSOAR
Explain the features and functionality of Cortex XSOAR
Scripts vs. Jobs in Cortex XSOAR
Differentiate between scripts and jobs in Cortex XSOAR
Cortex XSIAM
Key Cortex XSIAM Components
Explain the function of key Cortex XSIAM components
Cortex XSIAM Processes, Capabilities, Use Cases, and Rules
Explain Cortex XSIAM processes, capabilities, use cases, and rules
How do I earn this certification?
Passing SECOPS-PRO earns the Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Operations Professional certification. It sits in the Security Operations track.
- XDR-Analyst - Palo Alto Networks XDR AnalystDeep specialization in Cortex XDR detection and investigation
- XDR-Engineer - Palo Alto Networks XDR EngineerEngineering-level expertise in Cortex XDR deployment and configuration
- XSIAM-Analyst - Palo Alto Networks XSIAM AnalystAdvanced analytics and detection within Cortex XSIAM
- XSIAM-Engineer - Palo Alto Networks XSIAM EngineerEngineering-level XSIAM deployment, tuning, and integration
- XSOAR-Engineer - Palo Alto Networks XSOAR EngineerAdvanced automation, playbook development, and orchestration
- SecOps-Architect - Palo Alto Networks Security Operations Architect Highest-level Security Operations certification
- NetSec-Pro - Palo Alto Networks Network Security ProfessionalComplementary network security skills for SOC professionals
- CloudSec-Pro - Palo Alto Networks Cloud Security ProfessionalCloud security knowledge enhances SOC capabilities in hybrid environments
- NetSec-Analyst - Palo Alto Networks Network Security AnalystSpecialist-level network security analysis for cross-domain expertise
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 PlanetCert practice test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for SECOPS-PRO.
What's changed on this exam?
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: August 2025
- Cortex XDR 23% of exam (Domain 3). Core XDR elements including sensors, log stitching, causality view, and behavioral analytics.
- Cortex XSIAM 20% of exam (Domain 5). Data ingestion, IOC/BIOC/correlations, XQL queries, and threat hunting.
- Cortex XSOAR 16% of exam (Domain 4). Playbooks, Marketplace, TIM, War Room, and scripts vs. jobs.
- WildFire Covered in Domain 2 (comparison with Unit 42 and VirusTotal) and Domain 3 (WildFire integration in XDR).
Who should take this exam?
- Basic investigation workflows inside Cortex XDR, Cortex XSOAR, or Cortex XSIAM
- Experience reviewing alerts, incidents, dashboards, and reports
- Handling common indicator types (IP addresses, file hashes, domains, URLs)
- Executing or interacting with automated playbooks during investigations
- Understanding of MITRE ATT&CK tactics and techniques
- Core incident response phases aligned with NIST guidelines
- Behavioral analytics, profiling, and entity classification concepts
- Threat intelligence fundamentals
Related practice tests
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- NetSec-ArchitectPalo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Architect
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- sse-engineerSecurity Service Edge Engineer (2025)