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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Palo Alto Networks
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XDR-ANALYST Exam Topics and Domains
XDR-ANALYST is organized into 4 weighted domains. Expect to work with Cortex Data Lake, Alert Management Console, Alert Sources Dashboard, Cortex XDR, and more.
Alerting and Detection Processes
Alert Types and Sources
Identify and explain different types of alerts and alert sources
Alert Prioritization Handling Process
Explain the alert prioritization handling process
Incident Creation Process
Explain the incident creation process
Alert Grouping and Data Stitching
Explain the concepts of alert grouping and data stitching
Incident Handling and Response
Review and Investigate Alert Evidence
Review and investigate alert evidence
Identify and Analyze Security Events and Incidents
Identify and analyze security events and incidents
Respond to Incidents
Respond to incidents
Identify and Explain Exclusions and Exceptions
Identify and explain exclusions and exceptions
Data Analysis
Use XQL to Query Datasets
Use XQL to query datasets
Identify and Explain Components of XQL Data Structure
Identify and explain components of XQL data structure
Identify and Explain Data Query Options
Identify and explain data query options
Use Lookup Tables
Use lookup tables
Hunt and Investigate IOCs
Identify, hunt, and investigate leads and indicators of compromise (IOCs)
Cortex XDR Dashboards and Reports
Demonstrate understanding of Cortex XDR dashboards and reports
Data Retention Options
Identify and explain the data retention options in Cortex XDR
Host Insights Information
Explain the use of Host Insights information
Endpoint Security Management
Endpoint Prevention and Extension Profiles and Policies
Demonstrate understanding of endpoint prevention and extension profiles and policies
Agent Operational States
Identify and validate the impact of agent operational states
Agent Version and Content Update
Identify and validate the impact of agent version and content update
How do I earn this certification?
Passing XDR-ANALYST earns the Palo Alto Networks Certified XDR Analyst certification. It sits in the Security Operations track.
- XSIAM-Analyst - Palo Alto Networks Certified XSIAM Analyst
- XSOAR-Analyst - Palo Alto Networks Certified XSOAR Analyst
- PCNSA - Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security AdministratorFoundation in Palo Alto Networks firewall management
- PCCSE - Palo Alto Networks Certified Cloud Security EngineerCloud security expertise with Prisma Cloud
- PCSAE - Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation EngineerAdvanced automation and SOAR capabilities
Practice with Precision
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How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for XDR-ANALYST 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
- XQL (Extended Query Language) 3.0 Increased emphasis on advanced XQL queries in exam • Release date: 2024-06-01
- Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR) 1.0 New subtopic added under Domain 2 for identity-based threat detection • Release date: 2024-03-01
- Precision AI Protection Modules 2.0 Understanding of AI-driven protection modules now required • Release date: 2024-06-01
- Multi-Tenant Management 1.5 MSSP scenarios added to incident management topics • Release date: 2024-06-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Security Operations Center (SOC) Analysts and Security Operations Specialists.
- Working knowledge of network security
- Working knowledge of TCP/IP and how traffic is directed within a network
- Working knowledge of networking infrastructure, protocols, and topology
- Working knowledge of troubleshooting methodologies
- Knowledge of OS fundamentals and security hardening methods
- Working knowledge of security automation technology
- Working knowledge of information security control technologies (e.g., access control, cryptography, vulnerability management, SIEM/log management)
- Working knowledge of security models/architectures (e.g., Defense in Depth, Zero Trust)
- Tier 2+ level user competency in Cortex XDR
- Basic understanding of programming and scripting languages (i.e., Python, PowerShell, SQL, XQL)
- Knowledge of current and emergent trends in information security
- Working knowledge of common security operations processes and procedures (i.e., MITRE ATT&CK Framework, IR plans, investigative lifecycle)
- Working knowledge of Cortex XDR in the SOC