Palo Alto Networks is a well-known cybersecurity company that has offices all around the world. Palo Alto Networks certification verifies an IT professional’s understanding and skills in Palo Alto product security management. It is an important certificate for individuals who want to grow in the field of IT security.
The palo alto certification path is designed to allow IT workers to show the abilities necessary to safeguard the internet. Palo Alto certification examinations are available in three levels, ranging from novice to expert.
Palo Alto Networks, as well as other providers such as CBT Nuggets, offer Palo Alto certification training. You might also want to check out Palo Alto’s “Cybersecurity Survival Guide: Principles & Best Practices” certification study guide.
Below, we cover a variety of issues related to Palo Alto Networks certification. Individual exams are examined, and comparisons between Palo Alto Networks and competitor Check Point are made. We can also assist you in determining the value of a Palo Alto Networks certification for your career. Finally, we talk about other training options, including CBT Nuggets’.
What is Palo Alto Certification, and why is it important?
The PCCSA, PCNSA, and PCNSE examinations are presently available for Palo Alto certification. The focus, according to Palo Alto, is on the fundamental skills needed to build infrastructure, mitigate risks, and avoid successful cyberattacks. Certified personnel will know how to use Palo Alto hardware and software to defend IT assets from attack.
Check Point versus Palo Alto
Managers and procurement personnel are in charge of choosing a security product, such as those offered by Palo Alto Networks or Check Point. As an IT worker, though, you’ll have to decide which certification is ideal for you and your job. At first appearance, both systems appear to be leading solutions for the security-conscious company, and both are at the top of their respective categories.
There are three levels of certification for both certifications. They are both product-specific certifications that focus on each company’s security offerings. Salary expectations are comparable as well, ranging from $90,000 to $100,000 on average. Palo Alto and CheckPoint appear to be right on the tails of Cisco in terms of market share.
Exams in Palo Alto progress from novice to expert. The Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate (PCCSA) credential verifies that IT professionals are up to date on current cyberthreats. A Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) can defend networks using next-generation firewalls. The Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) understands how to configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Palo Alto implementations at the engineer level.
Many of the topics covered by Check Point certifications are similar. The Check Point Certified Security Administrator (CCSA) exam covers fundamental network security subjects such as virtual private networks (VPNs) and security policy management. The Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE) deals with more sophisticated topics like security technology and platform setup. Mastery in Check Point-related security management is demonstrated by the Check Point Certified Master (CCSM) credential. Finally, the Check Point Managed Security Expert (CCMSE) focuses on sophisticated Multi-domain Security Management subjects (MDM).
The products supported by Palo Alto and Check Point certifications differ significantly. In terms of a career, there does not appear to be an obvious advantage to seeking one certification over the other.
IT professionals frequently choose to work on a certification since they are already working on a product. If your IT shop supports Check Point, working on Check Point certification is generally a good idea. Palo Alto Networks would be in the same boat. From this vantage point, it appears to be a coin flip.
Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
The Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) certification is for IT professionals with extensive knowledge of Palo Alto Networks technologies.
The PCNSE is an advanced-level Palo Alto certification that covers a wide range of security management subjects, including:
- Security Management Concepts
- Deployment and Configuration of Palo Alto Hardware and Software
- Management and Operation of Security Platforms
- Troubleshooting of Network Security Issues
The Certified Network Security Engineer test is the only exam required to earn the PCNSE certification.
There are no prerequisites. The PCCSA and PCNSA are not required for the PCNSE, although they are highly recommended.
Palo Alto Networks advises comprehensive knowledge of networking and cybersecurity, as well as substantial experience working with Palo Alto security solutions such as PAN-OS® software, Panorama, and GlobalProtect, before taking this certification exam. The vast majority of Palo Alto Networks Operating Platform installations should be designed, deployed, configured, maintained, and troubleshooted by candidates.
Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate (PCCSA)
The Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate credential is for IT professionals who are just getting started in the cybersecurity area.
The PCCSA is the entry level certification for Palo Alto Networks, and it verifies knowledge in the following areas:
- Wireless Threats and Advanced Threats
- Cloud Security and Data Center Security
- Cyberthreats and the Cyberattack Lifecycle
- Cyber Attack Techniques and Types
- Packet Encapsulation and Lifecycle
- Cybersecurity Landscape
- Network Security Technology
- Malware Analysis
The Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate exam is the only exam required to earn the PCSSA certification.
There are no prerequisites.
Prior to taking this certification exam, Palo Alto Networks recommended that you have a fundamental grasp of networking and cybersecurity, as well as current knowledge of cyber risks.
Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA)
The Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator certification is for IT professionals who can demonstrate a thorough understanding of Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls’ essential capabilities and functionalities.
This PCNSA certification is the highest level of Palo Alto certification, and it covers a wide range of security administration tasks:
- App-ID™
- Content-ID™
- LO ALTO NETWORKS PCNSA FAQ 3
- User-ID™
- Firewall Configuration
- Security and NAT Policies
- Monitoring and Reporting
- Next-Generation Security Platform and Architecture
- URL Filtering
- Security Best Practices
The Certified Network Security Administrator test is the only exam required to earn the PCNSA credential.
Prerequisites: Although the PCCSA is not a requirement for the PCNSA, it is highly recommended.
Prior to taking this certification exam, Palo Alto Networks recommends having advanced knowledge of networking and cybersecurity, as well as extensive experience deploying Palo Alto firewalls.
How Much Does Palo Alto Certification Cost?
Pearson VUE oversees the proctoring of Palo Alto Networks certification examinations. These examinations are substantially less expensive than many of the other IT certifications we’ve reviewed. The certification system offers an easy-to-understand pricing structure. The PCCSA is $100 USD, the PCNSA is $140 USD, and the PCNSE is $160 USD (USD).
Salary and Career Information for Palo Alto Certification
IT professionals with a Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) certification can make roughly $93,000 per year, according to Payscale. On Payscale, there are no data for the PCCSA or PCNSA. Those with the PCCSA or PCNSA should expect to earn slightly less than those with the PCNSE, but this is highly dependent on experience. The following are the average wages for the PCNSE (in USD):
$110,000 for a network security engineer
$71,899 for a Network Engineer
$122,607 for Network Architect
$102,750 for a Security Consultant (Computing, Networking, and Information Technology).
$147,395 for a Senior Security Consultant
$87,500 for a security engineer
$115,000 for a senior network engineer
