Palo Alto Networks Certification Guide

Certifications from Palo Alto Networks have become a universal badge of standard for those aiming to progress in their cybersecurity professions.

Being a top supplier of network security solutions and next-generation firewalls, Palo Alto Networks provides certification and training programs to verify the abilities of IT specialists. Earning a Palo Alto certification will put you on the right track to becoming a respected expert in this rapidly evolving field.

Were you aware? Candidates will not be able to take the PCCET, PCNSA, and PCSFE exams after the retirement date of April 30, 2025. However, all active certifications will remain valid for two years from their date of issue. 

This is a highly informative guide on the List of Palo Alto certifications. It includes the definition, reasons for choosing these certifications, and categories. 

What is a Palo Alto Networks Certification? 

Palo Alto Networks certifications are a set of industry-standard credentials that authenticate the knowledge of information technology professionals in advanced network defense, cloud security, and cybersecurity.

These certifications aim at verifying that individuals are adequately prepared to deal with the complexities of new-generation security threats, coupled with managing the new-generation solution offerings of Palo Alto Networks. 

Palo Alto Networks certifications are not just any certifications; they act as a powerful badge of honor so that you can differentiate yourself from among a sea of job hunters. 

Palo Alto Certification TrainingCheck out our Palo Alto courses for the certification of your choice.Explore course

Why Pursue a Palo Alto Networks Certification? 

Earning a Palo Alto Networks certification is an investment in your future. Here's why: 

These certifications provide knowledge on the latest AI-driven solutions like Precision AI, Prisma Access Browser, and Cortex Cloud. It also guides you in understanding platform-based security for networks, cloud, and SOC, alongside Unit 42’s incident response services for breach management. 

You can gain a deep understanding of all these topics, like network security that secures 95% of Fortune 100 companies with Zero Trust architecture. It also sheds light on Cloud Security and Cortex XDR (100% MITRE detection) that offer AI-driven protection for hybrid environments and SOC transformation. 

You can join top companies that trust in Palo Alto Certifications, like Autodesk, Salesforce, Michelin, and Caesars.  Overall, Palo Alto certifications help you advance in your career since you know how to secure and safeguard with next-generation solutions.

List of Palo Alto Certifications 

Palo Alto Networks keeps on updating its certification track by adding and removing certifications. Currently, there are four levels of Palo Alto Certifications:

Foundational Certifications 

The foundational certifications are designed for individuals beginning their journey in the cybersecurity field. 

1. Cybersecurity Apprentice: Ideal for individuals beginning their journey in cybersecurity, this entry-level certification provides foundational knowledge in cybersecurity concepts, threats, and security measures. 

2. Cybersecurity Practitioner: Aimed at those looking to build practical skills in cybersecurity practices, this certification covers essential knowledge in threat prevention, security tools, and overall security management. 

3. Cybersecurity Entry-Level Technician (PCCET): This entry-level certification is perfect for individuals starting in IT security, focusing on core concepts like network security, cloud security, and endpoint protection. 

Generalist Certifications 

Generalist certifications cater to professionals, building multiple skill sets that can be applied across various security domains like threat security, incident response, etc. 

4. Network Security Generalist: This certification is designed for professionals who manage and support network security. It covers network design, security protocols, and risk management. 

5. Security Operations Generalist: Focuses on the operational side of cybersecurity, including monitoring, incident detection, and response in security operations centers (SOCs). 

Specialist Certifications 

Specialist certifications are designed for professionals who want to develop deep expertise in specific areas of cybersecurity, such as cloud security, next-generation firewalls, and automation. 

6. Security Service Edge Engineer: Specializes in cloud-delivered security services and network edge protection. This certification is for those who want to focus on secure access service edge (SASE) architectures. 

7. Next-Generation Firewall Engineer: For professionals working with next-gen firewalls, this certification validates expertise in advanced threat prevention, intrusion detection, and network traffic filtering. 

8. Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE): Focuses on software-based firewall solutions and is ideal for professionals managing firewall deployments in virtualized or software-defined environments. 

9. XSIAM Analyst: A certification for individuals specializing in Palo Alto Networks’ Extended Security Information and Event Management (XSIAM) platform, focusing on threat detection, analysis, and incident response. 

10. XSIAM Engineer: Validates skills in configuring, deploying, and managing Palo Alto Networks' XSIAM solutions, aimed at enhancing security automation and monitoring. 

11. Detection and Remediation Analyst (PCDRA): This certification prepares professionals to identify and respond to threats by analyzing security incidents and remediating vulnerabilities effectively. 

12. Security Automation Engineer (PCSAE): Focuses on automating security operations, including the use of tools to detect, analyze, and mitigate security threats automatically. 

13. Cloud Security Engineer (PCCSE): Tailored for professionals focused on securing cloud environments, this certification covers cloud security design, implementation, and governance best practices. 

Legacy Certifications 

These certifications are ideal for those looking to deepen their knowledge of traditional network security technologies and maintain their proficiency in established systems. 

14. Network Security Administrator (PCNSA): This foundational certification focuses on managing and maintaining network security, including firewalls, VPNs, and security policies.

Join our PCNSA course to prepare for certification

15. Network Security Engineer (PCNSE): A more advanced certification for network security professionals who design, configure, and manage complex security infrastructures, including Palo Alto Networks solutions. 

Join our PCNSE course to prepare for certification

Palo Alto Networks certifications are valid for two to three years. To maintain your certification, you can participate in their continuing education programs, attend relevant courses, or retake the certification exams as needed to stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends and best practices in cybersecurity. 

Palo Alto Certifications 2025 Update 

On March 31, Palo Alto Networks released the Palo Alto Networks Network Security Analyst certification. This exam serves as a critical addition to the company’s Network Security track, designed specifically for network security analysts, firewall administrators, network engineers, and related professionals.

The certification aims to validate expertise in key areas, including object configuration creation, policy creation, etc. 

Additionally, Palo Alto Networks announced the upcoming release of three new certifications on April 30: XDR Analyst, XDR Engineer, and Cloud Security Generalist. 

As part of its transition to a new certification framework, Palo Alto Networks will retire legacy exams that overlap with content covered in its updated role-based certifications. Notably, the Palo Alto Networks Detection and Remediation Analyst (PCDRA) exam will be retired on April 30, 2025. 

Palo Alto Certifications and Their Job Roles 

Palo Alto Networks certifications open doors to a wide variety of cybersecurity roles. Here’s a table of some of the positions you can pursue: 

How much does a Palo Alto Certified Earn? 

Palo Alto Networks-certified professionals can expect competitive salaries in their respective roles. Here's a look at the average salaries for Palo Alto-certified positions: 

Palo Alto Networks vs. Competitors 

When comparing Palo Alto Networks certifications with Check Point certifications, several key aspects stand out. Both certification paths offer multiple levels, starting with entry-level certifications and progressing to expert levels.

Palo Alto Networks offers the PCCSA (Entry-Level), PCNSA/PCNSE (Associate/Expert), and specializations in Cortex and Prisma. In contrast, Check Point provides the CCSA (Entry-Level), CCSE (Expert), and CCSP (Cloud Security Expert).

The focus areas for these certifications differ slightly. Palo Alto Networks emphasizes platform-based security with products like Strata NGFW, Prisma Cloud, and Cortex XDR, incorporating AI-driven threat prevention. Check Point, on the other hand, focuses on threat prevention, network/cloud security, and unified policy management with products like Quantum NGFW and CloudGuard.

Exam structures also vary. Palo Alto Networks exams are role-based, such as the PCNSE for PAN-OS 11.0 Nova, and include hands-on troubleshooting and configuration. Check Point exams are product-focused, like the CCSE R81, and feature scenario-based questions.

In terms of salary, professionals with Palo Alto Networks certifications can expect to earn between $90,000 and $160,000+, with the average PCNSE salary around $130,000. Check Point certified professionals typically earn between $85,000 and $150,000+, with the average CCSE salary around $120,000.

Market share is another differentiator. Palo Alto Networks holds approximately 25% of the market and is a leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for NGFW. Check Point has around 15% market share and is recognized for its strength in threat prevention and leadership in the MITRE ATT&CK framework.

For IT professionals, Palo Alto Networks certifications are advantageous due to the high demand for cloud/SOC automation skills and strong alignment with Fortune 100 enterprises. Check Point certifications are valued for their renowned threat prevention expertise and broad policy management and compliance focus.

Who Should Get Palo Alto Networks Certified? 

Palo Alto Networks certifications are designed for professionals aiming to validate and enhance their cybersecurity skills. Network security engineers can pursue the PCNSE certification to demonstrate expertise in deploying and managing Next-Generation Firewalls.

SOC analysts may consider the PCDRA certification to improve threat detection and response capabilities. Cloud security specialists can opt for the PCCSE certification to showcase proficiency in securing cloud environments.

IT administrators responsible for firewall management might find the PCNSA certification beneficial. Additionally, individuals starting their cybersecurity careers can begin with the PCCET certification to build foundational knowledge.

These certifications cater to various roles, equipping professionals with the skills needed to address evolving cybersecurity challenges.