The Palo Alto Networks PCCSE (Prisma Certified Cloud Security Engineer) exam introduces you to the relevant features encompassing Prisma Cloud. It evaluates your knowledge and skills at how to incorporate and administer the core Prisma Cloud functions alongside resources effectively. And if you’re planning to achieve its related namesake validation in the near future, here’s everything you need to understand about such a test.

PCCSE Certification Exam and Its Target Audience

Having an in-depth comprehension of the Prisma Cloud platform is such a remarkable achievement. It’s because this is considered one of the most extensive security and compliance coverages for a wide range of features including data, applications, and the cloud-native technology stack in general. And through the PCCSE certification, you strengthen your command in Prisma Cloud, along with Prisma Cloud Compute and Prisma Cloud Enterprise. Besides, it supports your journey in coursing through the entire development cycle and across various cloud environments, from multi to hybrid setups. In essence, the best candidates for the PCCSE exam are those who want to advance their career and become more adept in Prisma Cloud, particularly in cloud security, cloud support, cybersecurity, and customer success, among others. Some of the best professionals suitable for the test in question are security engineers, cybersecurity architects, team leads, and AppSec engineers. However, since such a designation does not come with certain prerequisites, anyone can actually pursue this path. Still, it’s recommended that your working background is associated with the key objectives of the certification exam. These may be related to cloud architecture, computing, and containers.

Exam Details to Know Beforehand

The PCCSE is composed of 75 to 85 items. As a rule, these are formatted in various types such as multiple-choice, matching, and scenarios with graphics. As to the time duration, you need to answer the test within 70 to 80 minutes. What is more, an additional 5 minutes each is given to go over the Palo Alto Networks Exam Security file and complete the survey. Henceforth, the total seating time is 80 to 90 minutes. The exam is only delivered through Pearson VUE and is only available in the English language. Upon knowing the exam specifications, you may proceed with the core topics. Thus, it’s a must to look through the key subjects deeply so you won’t miss any relevant sections when taking the actual test. Based on the official PCCSE blueprint, there are 6 major areas to study. In particular, you will commence with the installation and upgrade aspects (8%) and continue with the visibility, compliance, security, and data security features (33%). The next sections focus on the Cloud Workload Protection Platform (18%) as well as the Web Application and API Security (8%). Finally, there’s also a mention of Dev SecOps Security - Shift Left (13%) and Prisma Cloud Administration (20%).

Noteworthy Training Resources to Use

As you plot your certification path, it’s also essential that you make use of the right prep materials. Good thing, all the best resources are right within your reach as Palo Alto Networks ensures candidates of an extensive range of guides, courses, from instructor-led to digital learning, and books, to help you out with your success.

• PCCSE Description and Blueprint

  Get an overview of the certification in general, together with the essential exam domains through the PCCSE Description and Blueprint. These documents are the best way to kick off your training as they offer you a concise report of the certification and exam details, from the target audience to the major test areas with the corresponding percentage.

• PCCSE Study Guide

  Dive further into the concerned certification with the use of the official study guide. This PDF file gathers everything you need to learn about the PCCSE exam, including the test specifications, preparation sources, major domains, and sample questions. It even comes with a glossary of terms to solidify your familiarity with the concepts. So, make sure you run over the details listed in the document to prepare you for the more comprehensive training below.

• EDU-150 Course (3.5 hours)

  Also called the Prisma Cloud Monitoring and Securing, this is the first course that should be on your preparation list. In this training, you acquire knowledge on how Prisma Cloud delivers effective and reliable cloud threat defense across various platforms like Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Alibaba Cloud, and Microsoft Azure. Besides, it equips you with in-demand skills related to the monitoring and securing processes of cloud-native assets wherever they are deployed, from container clusters to non-container hosts to serverless functions. Additionally, there are modules that touch on the security and compliance aspect using custom and predefined reporting. Then, this class gives you a solid command on how to effectively troubleshoot and manage the typical system issues. However, before you begin with the training, it’s highly recommended to have a fundamental grasp of the public cloud and cloud computing concepts, along with key computer as well as network security features.

• EDU-152 Course (4 hours)

  The next must-have resource is the EDU-152 course, which emphasizes the Prisma Cloud: Onboarding and Operationalizing. This unlocks your understanding of onboarding cloud accounts via key processes such as setting up, configuration, incorporation, and optimization. It also tackles the most practical way on how to examine and remediate security violations surrounding the cloud environment. Another significant area covered here is the usage of system APIs and related tools to fully operate the platform. And lastly, it offers you an inclusive idea of how to troubleshoot basic problems and resolve issues within cloud deployments.

• Digital Learning Courses for Prisma Cloud

  Under the Digital Learning tab, you’ll find a series of courses to reinforce your knowledge of the Prisma Cloud functions. In all, there are three main sections ― Cloud Security Posture Management, Cloud Workload Protection, and Cloud Infrastructure Entitlement Management. Each of these is further expounded to give a more profound idea of Prisma Cloud Visibility, Compliance, and Governance; Prisma Cloud Threat Detection; Prisma Cloud Onboarding; Prisma Cloud Integrations; Prisma Cloud Optimization; Prisma Cloud Developer Tools; Prisma Cloud Workload Security; and Prisma Cloud IAM Security, among others.

Conclusion

The Palo Alto Networks PCCSE exam is undeniably a remarkable way to develop your technical proficiency and improve your career standing. Therefore, if you want to stand out in your field of interest, grab this opportunity and make the most out of your preparation via the resources highlighted above. Once you achieve the desired certification, you’ll be more than ready to ace your dream job.