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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Palo Alto Networks
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XDR-ENGINEER Exam Topics and Domains
XDR-ENGINEER is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with XDR Collector, Active Directory, Azure AD, Broker VM, and more.
Planning and Installation
Deployment Process and Resources
Explain the deployment process, objectives, and resources (e.g., hardware, software, data sources, integrations)
Cortex XDR Components
Explain the deployment and functionality of Cortex XDR components
Access Controls and Permissions
Configure user roles, permissions, and access controls
Data Management
Demonstrate understanding of data retention and compute units
Cortex XDR Agent Configuration
Endpoint Prevention
Configure endpoint prevention profiles and policies
Endpoint Extensions
Configure endpoint extension profiles and policies
Endpoint Groups
Configure endpoint groups
Ingestion and Automation
Data Source Onboarding
Onboard data sources (e.g., NGFW, network, cloud, identity)
Automation Rules
Manage simple automation rules
Broker VM Configuration
Configure Broker VM applets and clusters
XDR Collectors
Configure XDR Collectors
Parsing Rules
Configure parsing rules
Detection and Reporting
Detection Rules
Create detection rules to align with requirements
Exceptions and Exclusions
Configure exceptions and exclusions
Dashboards and Reporting
Create custom dashboards and reporting templates
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Software Updates
Manage Cortex XDR software component updates (e.g., content, agents, Collectors, Broker VM)
Data Management Troubleshooting
Troubleshoot data management issues (e.g., data ingestion, parsing)
Component Troubleshooting
Troubleshoot Cortex XDR components (e.g., agents, Collectors, Broker VM)
How do I earn this certification?
Passing XDR-ENGINEER earns the Palo Alto Networks Certified XDR Engineer certification. It sits in the Security Operations track.
- XSIAM-Engineer - Palo Alto Networks Certified XSIAM EngineerAdvanced AI-powered security operations platform
- XSOAR-Engineer - Palo Alto Networks Certified XSOAR EngineerSecurity orchestration and automation specialist
- SecOps-Professional - Security Operations ProfessionalProfessional-level certification covering Cortex XDR, XSOAR, and XSIAM
- XSIAM-Analyst - Palo Alto Networks Certified XSIAM AnalystNext-generation AI-driven SOC platform skills
- Cloud-Security-Engineer - Palo Alto Networks Certified Cloud Security Engineer Complementary cloud security expertise
- NGFW-Engineer - Palo Alto Networks Certified NGFW EngineerNetwork security integration knowledge
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 official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for XDR-ENGINEER.
What's changed on this exam?
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2025-08-01
- Announcement date: 2025-03-01
- XQL (Extended Query Language) 3.0 Critical skill for exam - enhanced query capabilities • Release date: 2024-06-01
- Cloud Identity Engine 2.0 New identity analytics features likely in exam • Release date: 2024-03-01
- Broker VM 8.2 Updated clustering and applet configurations • Release date: 2024-09-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Security Operations Engineers and Security Engineers.
- Working knowledge of security operations
- Understanding of network security, infrastructure, protocols, and topology
- Working knowledge of endpoint OS fundamentals
- Experience with security operations technology
- Knowledge of programming/scripting (Python, PowerShell, SQL, RegEx, XQL)
- Familiarity with security frameworks (MITRE ATT&CK)
- Understanding of SaaS architectures