The Palo Alto Networks PCNSE exam weighs up how well you understand the tasks associated with the Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls. This is the best route after completing the PCNSA certificate, solidifying your technical skillset. And if you’re interested in partaking in this path, continue reading the relevant information about the test in question, along with its related certification and core resources through the list below.

Getting to Know More about PCNSE Certification

Through the PCNSE certification, also known as the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer, you get to step up your network security career. The designation itself is highly recommended for network security engineers who want to be adept in designing, organizing, operating, troubleshooting and managing key Palo Alto Networks NGFWs. Accomplishing this signifies your competence in handling the entirety of the Palo Alto Networks product portfolio. It also recognizes your ability to capitalize on this particular firewall technology in various kinds of implementation while leveraging the rest of the platform as well.

Uncovering Some Key Information about PCNSE Test

As you learn the certification details, it’s also important to know the vital test specifications. First of all, the PCNSE exam is delivered online via Pearson VUE. This is an 80-minute evaluation that consists of 75 items. Overall, there are three types of questions that encompass the main exam, and these are scenarios with graphics, multiple-choice, and matching. On top of the total test duration, you are given an extra 10 minutes to run through the Palo Alto Networks Exam Security Policy and accomplish the survey. To add more, there are two language options available for such an evaluation ― English and Japanese. And as to the pricing, it costs $160 per attempt. Nevertheless, note that the exam fee may vary depending on your country and other key factors, so be sure to navigate the platform carefully and know this pertinent information beforehand.

Preparing for Actual Certification Exam

All in all, there are several ways to ace an exam like this, from utilizing video courses to reading books and more. And if you want to be successful on your first try, then you have to be strategic and use the right set of materials. To help you out, below are the most practical prep resources for the PCNSE evaluation.

• Blueprint

  For a more concise discussion of the core topics, start by looking into the test blueprint. This document lists down all the relevant domains, together with their corresponding percentages. Thus, to give you an overview, there are 5 primary areas that involve the entire test outline. The most substantial of them all is the “Deploy and Configure”, which takes up to 32% of the total number of questions. Another significant section is “Troubleshooting”, covering at least 20%. Other essential subjects included in the scope are “Planning and Core Concepts” - 19%, “Manage and Operate” - 16%, and “Deploy and Configure Firewalls Using Panorama” - 13%. Also, bear in mind each domain comes with a series of tasks that you ought to learn to fully comprehend the whole exam.

• Study Guide

  Expounding all the crucial points of the certification process, the study guide serves as another imperative tool to grasp the ins and outs of the PCNSE test. In particular, it highlights the test details, along with the key areas and preparation resources. This is a great follow-up material if you want to further dive into the domains listed above. Here, you will also go over the major sections of the exam and maximize all the given links, which are specifically included by Palo Alto Networks to save your research time. In addition, this PDF file is downloadable, making it easy to access among certification aspirants.

• PCNSE Exam Preparation Series

  It’s not enough to just depend on the above resources. If you want to deepen your knowledge of the Palo Alto Networks NGFWs, then it’s highly recommended to avail of the PCNSE Exam Preparation Series. Being self-paced online courseware dedicated to PCNSE candidates, it holds every relevant aspect of your test preparation. It offers technical videos of some topics, as well as an elaboration of the best practices and other helpful tips. Still, do take note that you need to have an account to access this training series. Therefore, you should register yourself in advance.

• Free Digital Learning

  Strengthen your familiarity with the major subjects by engaging yourself with some training courses. For example, Palo Alto Networks offers these significant training references for free. However, you are required to make an account to use these materials. And, according to the official PCNSE FAQ document, the recommended courses include EDU-110 (Firewall Essentials), EDU-120 (Panorama), and EDU-114 (Threat).

• Instructor-Led Courses

  Get extra support from industry experts through some official instructor-led courses. Based on the official PCNSE Study Guide, there are two major courses and two extra training materials to further enhance your topic mastery. Thus, the first recommendation is EDU-210 or the Firewall Essentials: Configuration and Management. This 5-day training improves your skills in configuring Palo Alto Networks NGFWs, Security and NAT policies, and Threat Prevention strategies. It also reinforces your understanding of network traffic by utilizing firewall reports and the interactive web interface. The second must-have course is the 2-day EDU-220, which is about Panorama: Managing Firewalls at Scale. Here, you get extensive information on how to manage the next-generation Panorama management server. Moreover, it gives emphasis on working with device groups, templates, log collection, logging, and reporting. And through the detailed lectures, you become more adept with planning and designing key considerations that are essential for Panorama deployment. Finally, the other two optional courses are EDU-214 and EDU-330, which focus on Firewall: Improving Security Posture and Hardening PAN-OS Firewalls as well as Troubleshooting respectively. It’s also suggested that you make use of the PCNSE Practice Test to finalize your training.

Conclusion

Expound your knowledge and develop the right skills with the help of the official preparation materials. From key online documents to various training courses, all the vital resources are just within your reach. Clearly, it’s just a matter of dedication and hard work. So, keep your eyes on your goal and study smartly. It won’t be long before you become a Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer.