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Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) Online Training

Note: Palo Alto Networks now classifies the PCNSE as a legacy certification. However, this course still retains value as a training resource.

Taught by

Keith Barker

UPDATED: June 5, 2023

Intermediate

This Palo Alto firewall training helps you prepare for the PCNSE exam and earn a top-tier network security certification. Designed for experienced security professionals, this training teaches you how to configure and manage Palo Alto Networks firewalls, troubleshoot complex security issues, and secure enterprise environments. Build real-world skills in designing, deploying, and maintaining Palo Alto solutions across real-world networks.

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What you'll learn

Planning, managing, deploying and configuring next-generation firewalls
Designing firewall implementations that meet business requirements
Identifying planning considerations unique to public, hybrid and cloud environments
Navigating the protocols and advanced security tools
Interpreting security data, and maintaining firewall software
Troubleshooting and optimizing traffic and routing

FAQs

Is the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) certification worth it?

Yes, the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) certification is worth it for cybersecurity professionals who want to prove that they’re a specialized expert in Palo Alto products. Considering Palo Alto provides approximately 19% of all network security devices in the world, earning a certification from Palo Alto that says you’re a qualified network security engineer is definitely worth it for your career.

How much does the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) exam cost?

The Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer or PCNSE costs $175. There are no prerequisite exams, certifications or courses to take before you attempt the PCNSE, so $175 is the total cost. But remember, there are no refunds for failed tests.

Is the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) exam difficult?

Yes, for many people the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer is a difficult exam. The PCNSE is a difficult exam because it focuses so much on an in-depth knowledge of the whole portfolio of Palo Alto Networks cybersecurity devices and products. The thing that makes the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer difficult is that it’s about making design, deployment and management decisions for whole networks of different generations of devices.

What’s the difference between PCNSA and PCNSE?

The difference between the PCNSA and PCNSE is how deep your knowledge of Palo Alto devices goes. PCNSA stands for Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator -- the exam focuses mostly on your skills with configuring and managing Palo Alto Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs). PCNSE stands for Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer -- it’s focused on in-depth knowledge of designing, deploying, operating and managing whole networks running Palo Alto security devices.

Does the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) certification expire?

Yes, the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer does expire, two years after you earn it. All of Palo Alto’s certifications remain valid for only two years so that they can be sure their certified engineers and administrators have up-to-date knowledge and skills. If you have the PCNSE, you can renew it by taking the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer again before the two-year window is up.

Who is this for?

This PCNSE training is considered engineer-level Palo Alto training, which means it was designed for security engineers. This Palo Alto software and appliances skills course is designed for security engineers with three to five years of experience with security appliances.

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Study plan

Download the free PCNSE study plan to complete this course in about 33 hours.

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