Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) Practice Exam

The PCNSE certification covers the processes of designing, deploying, operating, managing, and troubleshooting Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls. Palo Alto Networks technology is characterized by its high level of integration and automation. The product portfolio consists of various technologies operating together to effectively remove cyberattacks. Holding the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) certification attests that engineers are proficient in accurately deploying and configuring Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls, while effectively utilizing the entire platform.

Who should take the exam?

Individuals utilizing Palo Alto Networks products encompass network security engineers, system engineers, systems integrators, and support engineers. There are no prerequisites for obtaining this certification. Recommended training includes completing the Firewall Essentials: Configuration and Management (EDU-210) course and the Panorama: Managing Firewalls at Scale (EDU-220) course. Additionally, the Firewall: Troubleshooting (EDU-330) course, while optional, is beneficial. Candidates are advised to possess the equivalent of 6 to 12 months of hands-on experience in deploying and configuring the product.

Exam Details 

• Exam Name: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)
• Exam Languages: English
• Exam Questions: 70-80 Questions
• Time: 80 minutes

Exam Course Outline 

The Exam covers the given topics  - 

Domain 1: Understand Core Concepts 12%

Task 1.1 Identify how Palo Alto Networks products work together to improve PAN-OS services

Task 1.2 Determine and assess appropriate interface or zone types for various environments

Task 1.3 Identify decryption deployment strategies

Task 1.4 Enforce User-ID

Task 1.5 Determine how and when to use the Authentication policy

Task 1.6 Differentiate between the fundamental functions that reside on the management plane and data plane

Task 1.7 Define multiple virtual systems (multi-vsys) environment

Domain 2: Learn how to Deploy and Configure Core Components 20%

Task 2.1 Configure management profiles

Task 2.2 Deploy and configure Security profiles

Task 2.3 Configure zone protection, packet buffer protection, and DoS protection

Task 2.4 Design the deployment configuration of a Palo Alto Networks firewall

Task 2.5 Configure authorization, authentication, and device access

Task 2.6 Configure and manage certificates

Task 2.7 Configure routing

Task 2.8 Configure NAT

Task 2.9 Configure site-to-site tunnels

Task 2.10 Configure service routes

Task 2.11 Configure application-based QoS

Domain 3: Understand about Deploying and Configuring Features and Subscriptions 17%

Task 3.1 Configure App-ID

Task 3.2 Configure GlobalProtect

Task 3.3 Configure decryption

Task 3.4 Configure User-ID

Task 3.5 Configure WildFire

Task 3.6 Configure Web Proxy

Domain 4: Deploy and Configure Firewalls Using Panorama 17%

Task 4.1 Configure templates and template stacks

Task 4.2 Configure device groups

Task 4.3 Manage firewall configurations within Panorama

Domain 5: Learn how to Manage and Operate 16%

Task 5.1 Manage and configure Log Forwarding

Task 5.2 Plan and execute the process to upgrade a Palo Alto Networks system

Task 5.3 Manage HA functions

Domain 6: Troubleshooting 18%

Task 6.1 Troubleshoot site-to-site tunnels

Task 6.2 Troubleshoot interfaces

Task 6.3 Troubleshoot decryption

Task 6.4 Troubleshoot routing

Task 6.5 General Troubleshooting

Task 6.6 Troubleshoot resource protections

Task 6.7 Troubleshoot GlobalProtect

Task 6.8 Troubleshoot policies

Task 6.9 Troubleshoot HA functions