Imagine being deep into a firewall change window. The clock is ticking. Traffic spikes. Suddenly, a single overlooked policy starts blocking critical applications. Users complain. Alerts flood in. You have handled situations like this before, but you also know how quickly they can spiral out of control.
Experience and training give you the skills to respond. But certifications validate those skills for the world to see. The Palo Alto Networks Network Security Professional Certification is how you prove that you can configure with precision, troubleshoot under pressure, and manage complex environments with confidence. It turns your hard-earned experience into industry-recognized credibility.
With Datacipher Education Services as your training partner, you gain more than technical knowledge. You receive expert guidance, practical labs, and tailored support to help you succeed.
In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the course. Right from course benefits and modules to enrollment steps and career opportunities.
Why Take The Palo Alto Network Security Professional Certification Training
Simply put, Palo Alto Network Security Professional Certification proves that you have practical, product-spanning skills. The cert covers content that helps map to your day-to-day tasks across the Palo Alto Networks portfolio. Here are the benefits of taking this training:
1. Prove portfolio-wide competence
You will validate skills across NGFWs, Prisma SD-WAN, and Prisma Access. It would also demonstrate your understanding of Cloud-Delivered Security Services, such as Advanced Threat Prevention, Advanced WildFire, and DLP.
2. Demonstrate real operational skills
The certification confirms you can create security and NAT policies, configure security profiles, and manage User-ID and App-ID. Moreover, it can showcase your skills across decryption, monitoring, updates, and upgrades across hardware, VM, CN-Series, and Cloud NGFWs.
3. Show readiness for centralized management
You will learn to identify and use management options like Panorama and Strata Cloud Manager. You will also gain the how-to in aligning operations with AIOps dashboards and Best Practice Assessment for continuous improvement.
4. Earn recognition from the source
This certification is issued by Palo Alto Networks. It validates entry-level configuration and deployment across their network security products and services, and is a credible step toward deeper specialization.
Want a quick look at what this certification covers? This short video walks you through the Palo Alto Network Security Professional course. Watch it below to get a clear sense of whether this certification matches your career goals.
Palo Alto Networks Network Security Professional Certification Overview
Here is the breakdown of the certification details:
| Detail | Description |
| Certification Duration | Self-paced study + exam preparation (The certification exam is 90 minutes long) |
| Delivery Format | Online proctored certification exam available through Pearson VUE |
| Certification Level | Professional (validates multi-product operational skills) |
| Target Audience | Networking and security professionals who deploy, operate, and administer Palo Alto Networks NGFWs, Cloud-Delivered Security Services, Prisma Access, Prisma SD-WAN, and Strata Cloud Manager |
| Prerequisites | Candidates should have networking and security knowledge, plus hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls and management tools |
Target Audience
The Palo Alto Network Security Professional Certification is designed for IT and security professionals who install, deploy, operate, or administer Palo Alto Networks technologies. This includes:
1. Networking and Security professionals responsible for:
- Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) products
- Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS)
- Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) products, including Prisma Access, Enterprise Browser, and Prisma SD-WAN
- Management platforms such as Strata Cloud Manager (SCM)
2. Individuals maintaining connectivity and security across environments, including:
- Data centers (on-premises, public cloud, private cloud)
- Branches and campuses
- Remote users (client-based, proxy-based, Enterprise Browser, RBI)
- Internet-connected devices (IoT, IoMT, OT)
- Data handling (SaaS applications, data loss prevention, cloud access)
Prerequisites
While there are no formal prerequisites, successful candidates are expected to have the following skills:
1. Basic knowledge of securing networks of all sizes
2. Ability to configure Palo Alto Networks Strata and Prisma SASE products for security outcomes
3. Familiarity with management platforms such as Panorama and Strata Cloud Manager (SCM)
4. Basic knowledge of configuring Palo Alto Networks products, including hardware, VM-Series firewalls, CN-Series firewalls, Cloud NGFWs, Prisma Access, Prisma SD-WAN, and CDSS
5. Understanding of best practices for Strata and SASE products
Enrolling In The Palo Alto Network Security Professional Certification
Getting started with the Palo Alto Network Security Professional Certification is simple and designed to set you up for success. You can register directly through Pearson VUE or work with an Authorized Training Provider like Datacipher Education Services.
The step-by-step enrollment process is as follows:
1. Explore the certification pathway
Visit the Palo Alto Networks certification portal and visit the official Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Professional page.
Source: Palo Alto Networks
Alternatively, you can head to Datacipher’s website. As an Authorized Training Provider, Datacipher provides training solutions mapped directly to the skills tested in the Network Security Professional certification.
2. Select the Network Security Professional certification track
Choose the Network Security Professional Certification from the list of Palo Alto Networks credentials. Review the official exam blueprint, domain coverage, and available preparation resources to understand the exam objectives.
3. Register for your exam through Pearson VUE
Once prepared, log in to the Pearson VUE portal to schedule your exam. If you are enrolled with Datacipher, their support team can guide you through exam registration and scheduling.
4. Choose your exam date and submit payment
Select a date and time that works for you. The exam is delivered online via secure remote proctoring, allowing you to test from home or office. During registration, you will also pay the exam fee.
Source: Datacipher
As an Authorized Training Provider, Datacipher Education Services delivers more than traditional classroom learning. Their certification programs combine hands-on labs, interactive exercises, and instructor-led guidance, ensuring you gain practical skills that stick.
Whether you are aiming to validate your current expertise or preparing to step into a more advanced role, Datacipher gives you the tools to succeed.
A Breakdown Of The Palo Alto Networks Network Security Professional Certification Modules
The Palo Alto Networks Network Security Professional Certification exam is organized into six modules. Each module represents essential skills required to configure, manage, and secure networks using Palo Alto Networks technologies.
The exam modules and weightage are as follows:
1. Network Security Fundamentals – 16%
2. NGFW and SASE Solution Functionality – 18%
3. Platform Solutions, Services, and Tools – 18%
4. NGFW and SASE Solution Maintenance and Configuration – 19%
5. Infrastructure Management and CDSS – 15%
6. Connectivity and Security – 14%
By the end of this certification, you will be able to:
1. Apply core inspection and hardening correctly: Use App-ID, User-ID, decryption choices, zones, and Content-ID to reduce risk.
2. Choose and operate the right platform features: Work with Cloud NGFWs, Prisma SD-WAN, and Prisma Access, and know when to use each.
3. Configure and maintain secure deployments: Create policies, manage HA, run updates and upgrades, and monitor health.
4. Manage at scale with modern tools: Use Strata Cloud Manager and Panorama for configuration, logging, automation, and posture.
You will also learn to apply Cloud-Delivered Security Services (Advanced Threat Prevention, Advanced WildFire, Advanced URL Filtering, Advanced DNS, and DLP), secure IoT and SaaS use cases, and maintain connectivity for branches and remote users with segmentation, policy tuning, monitoring, and certificates.
How To Prepare For The Palo Alto Network Security Professional Certification Exam
Preparing for the Palo Alto Networks Network Security Professional Certification requires a product-focused study plan with plenty of hands-on practice. Below is a guide to help you prepare effectively:
| Feature | Details |
| Type | Multiple-choice, online proctored |
| Duration | 90 minutes (ESL candidates receive an additional 30 minutes) |
| Passing Score | Not publicly disclosed (Scaled score: 300–1000) |
| Language | English |
| Delivery | Online via Pearson VUE |
| Cost | USD $200 (may vary by location) |
Recommended Study Materials and Resources
To succeed in the Palo Alto Networks Network Security Professional exam, use these official resources:
- Certification Candidate Handbook: The handbook outlines exam domains, weightings, policies, and logistics. You can download the Certification Handbook here.
- Certification FAQ: It provides answers on exam process, retakes, and eligibility. Access the Certification FAQ here.
- Palo Alto Networks TechDocs and Knowledge Base: Explore product features, configuration tasks, CDSS, and management platforms like Panorama and Strata Cloud Manager. Explore TechDocs and the Knowledge Base here.
- Learning Paths and Digital Training: Access guided learning paths, e-learning modules, and role-specific training aligned with the certification. Access Cyberpedia and the Resource Center here. Explore the digital learning paths here.
Tips To Crack The Palo Alto Networks Network Security Professional Certification Exam
To maximize your preparation, here are a few things you can do:
1. Study the official exam blueprint and domain weightings: Focus on the six modules listed in the certification datasheet. Pay special attention to NGFW and SASE functionality, configuration, and troubleshooting, as these hold the highest weight in the exam.
2. Build hands-on experience in lab environments: Practice configuring security and NAT policies, managing Prisma Access and Prisma SD-WAN, and working with Strata Cloud Manager and Panorama. Repeated lab work helps reinforce troubleshooting and operational confidence.
3. Leverage official resources: Use the Palo Alto Networks Candidate Handbook, TechDocs, Knowledge Base, and digital learning paths to cover gaps. These materials align directly with the exam objectives.
4. Train with an Authorized Training Partner like Datacipher: Datacipher Education Services offers real-world labs, expert guidance, and simulation-based exercises tailored to this certification. Their structured approach ensures you don’t just memorize concepts, you learn to apply them effectively in production environments.
Related Read: Check out this case study to see how Datacipher helped a leading IT services firm strengthen its security with Palo Alto Networks.
Become A Network Security Professional With Datacipher Education Services
Source: Datacipher
As an Authorized Training Partner of Palo Alto Networks, Datacipher Education Services helps professionals move beyond theory into practical expertise. Their programs are built to bridge the gap between certification goals and real-world security challenges.
Here is why you should choose Datacipher for your training:
1. Industry-seasoned trainers: Courses are led by certified instructors who bring frontline experience from enterprise security operations.
2. Immersive lab practice: Every program includes guided labs and scenarios that replicate challenges faced in large-scale networks.
3. Aligned with certification standards: Training content follows the official exam blueprint and is constantly updated to reflect the latest Palo Alto Networks technologies.
4. Flexible delivery: Whether you prefer virtual learning or in-person sessions, Datacipher adapts to your needs.
“The Datacipher training gave our team the confidence to handle advanced firewall deployments without hesitation. The balance between instruction and hands-on labs made all the difference.”
— Rajesh Menon, Tech Mahindra
If you are serious about advancing your career, don’t stop at theory. With Datacipher, you gain the skills, confidence, and recognition to thrive. Start your journey with Datacipher today. For enquiries, send an email to training@datacipher.net
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is Network Security?
Network security is the practice of protecting data, applications, and systems across networks. It combines policies, firewalls, intrusion prevention, and monitoring tools to stop unauthorized access. The goal is to keep information safe while allowing legitimate traffic.
2. What Role Does SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) Play In Modern Enterprises?
SASE unifies networking and security into a cloud-delivered framework. It secures remote users, branch offices, and cloud applications under one architecture. This reduces complexity while improving performance and visibility. For distributed workforces, SASE is essential to ensure consistent security everywhere.
3. Why Are Cloud-Delivered Security Services (CDSS) Critical For Hybrid Networks?
CDSS brings firewall, threat prevention, URL filtering, and DLP to the cloud. They allow organizations to protect users and data regardless of location. In hybrid environments, CDSS ensure uniform policies across on-prem and cloud deployments.
4. What Are The Most Common Firewall Misconfigurations That Lead To Security Breaches?
Common mistakes include overly permissive rules, unused policies, and missed software updates. Misconfigured NAT and SSL decryption can also expose sensitive traffic. These errors reduce visibility and create entry points for attackers.
