Palo Alto Networks offers a robust and modern certification program designed to validate the skills of cybersecurity professionals at every career stage. Whether you're new to the field or an experienced engineer specializing in network, cloud, or security operations, the Palo Alto Networks certification portfolio provides a clear path to demonstrate your expertise.

The certification program is structured into three main levels:

These certifications validate your understanding of basic cybersecurity concepts and are ideal for newcomers entering the cybersecurity space.

Generalist certifications validate your ability to perform operations and management tasks across the respective platforms.

Specialist certifications are designed for professionals who deploy, manage, and troubleshoot specific Palo Alto Networks products and services.

Palo Alto Networks certifications are organized into three primary platform tracks:

Focuses on validating skills in implementing and managing Palo Alto Networks' Next-Generation Firewalls and related technologies.

Cybersecurity Apprentice

Cybersecurity Practitioner

Network Security Generalist

Network Security Analyst

Next-Generation Firewall Engineer

Security Service Edge Engineer

Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)

Covers Palo Alto Networks' XSIAM platform and tools for threat detection, incident response, and automation.

Cybersecurity Apprentice

Cybersecurity Practitioner

Security Operations Generalist

XSIAM Analyst

XSIAM Engineer

Detection and Remediation Analyst (PCDRA)

Security Automation Engineer (PCSAE)

Geared towards professionals working with cloud-based environments and securing cloud infrastructure.

Cybersecurity Apprentice

Cybersecurity Practitioner

Cloud Security Engineer (PCCSE)

Palo Alto Networks continues to evolve its certification program by retiring older exams and introducing role-based certifications. Recent and upcoming exam retirements include:

PCCET (Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician)

PCNSA (Certified Network Security Administrator)

PCSFE (Certified Software Firewall Engineer)

PCDRA (Detection and Remediation Analyst)

Candidates preparing for any of the retiring certifications are encouraged to complete their exams before the retirement dates or transition to the updated certification tracks.

The Palo Alto Networks Certification Program is a future-ready framework for cybersecurity skill validation. It aligns closely with evolving job roles and industry demands, making it a valuable credential for professionals looking to grow in network security, cloud security, and security operations. With its clear tiered structure—Foundational, Generalist, and Specialist—candidates can easily find a certification that matches their experience level and career goals.

If you're aiming to get certified or update your credentials, now is the perfect time to explore the new role-based certifications Palo Alto Networks offers and stay ahead in the cybersecurity landscape.