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Official specifications published by Palo Alto Networks
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SECOPS-PROFESSIONAL Exam Topics and Domains
SECOPS-PROFESSIONAL is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with Cortex XDR, Cortex XSIAM, Cortex XSOAR, WildFire, and more.
Security Operations Fundamentals
Cortex XDR User and Role Management
Explain the function of users, roles, log management, compliance, and data protection in Cortex XDR
Reports and Dashboards in Cortex Products
Explain the process of creating and managing reports and dashboards in Cortex products
Security Operations Center (SOC) Components
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
Identify and explain the steps of the NIST incident response plan
Incident Management and Response
Explain the concept of incident management and response
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
Threat Analysis Services
Compare and contrast WildFire, Unit 42 intelligence, and VirusTotal
Security Incident Evaluation
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 Use Cases
Identify use cases where a business would benefit from Cortex XDR compared to an EDR solution
Cortex XSOAR
Cortex XSOAR Features and Functionality
Explain the features and functionality of Cortex XSOAR
Scripts and Jobs in 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 and Capabilities
Explain Cortex XSIAM processes, capabilities, use cases, and rules
How do I earn this certification?
Passing SECOPS-PROFESSIONAL earns the Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Operations Professional certification. It sits in the Security Operations track.
- PCSAE - Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation EngineerRetiring July 31, 2025 • Deep XSOAR automation and orchestration expertise
- NetSec-Professional - Network Security ProfessionalComplementary network security skills for SOC analysts
- CloudSec-Professional - Cloud Security ProfessionalCloud security operations and Prisma Cloud expertise
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 SECOPS-PROFESSIONAL is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2025-08-01
- Announcement date: 2025-08-01
- Cortex XSIAM Latest New AI-powered detection features and BIOC capabilities are now exam-relevant • Release date: 2026-01-01
- Cortex XDR Latest Enhanced behavioral analytics and cloud workload protection capabilities covered in exam • Release date: 2025-12-01
- Cortex XSOAR Latest New marketplace content packs and playbook capabilities are exam topics • Release date: 2025-11-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Security Operations Center (SOC) analysts and Security administrators.
- Basic understanding of security operations center (SOC) concepts
- Familiarity with incident response processes
- Experience with security monitoring and alert triage
- Knowledge of common security threats and attack vectors
- Understanding of networking and operating system fundamentals