Free PCNSA: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator Exam Questions and Answers

Other Palo Alto Networks certifications

• PCNSE: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (opens in a new tab)
• PCCSE: Prisma Certified Cloud Security Engineer (opens in a new tab)
• PCCET: Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (opens in a new tab)
• PCSAE: Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation Engineer (opens in a new tab)
• PSE-Cortex: Palo Alto Networks System Engineer Professional - Cortex (opens in a new tab)
• PCCSA: Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate (opens in a new tab)

All Palo Alto Networks exams →

FAQ

Learn More: https://live.paloaltonetworks.com/t5/certification/ct-p/Certification

Q1: Is the PCNSA exam still available?

A: No. Palo Alto Networks retired the PCNSA exam on January 31, 2025 as part of moving from product-based to role-based certifications, and PCNSA no longer appears in its certification portfolio as of October 2026. The closest replacement is the Palo Alto Networks Certified Next-Generation Firewall Engineer exam, and existing PCNSA certifications remain valid until their own expiry dates.

Q2: How many questions were on the PCNSA exam and how long was it?

A: When it was live, the real exam had 60 to 75 items and allowed 80 minutes for the questions, plus five minutes to review the NDA and five minutes for a survey. The final version of the exam was based on PAN-OS 11.0.

Q3: What were the PCNSA exam domains and weightings?

A: The exam blueprint had four domains: Device Management and Services at 22%, Managing Objects at 20%, Policy Evaluation and Management at 28%, and Securing Traffic at 30%.

Q4: How was the PCNSA exam delivered?

A: PCNSA was a proctored exam delivered through the third-party Pearson VUE testing platform.

Q5: What experience did Palo Alto Networks recommend for PCNSA?

A: The exam targeted security administrators operating Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls who could configure, operate and troubleshoot the firewall and its App-ID and User-ID policies with minimal assistance. Palo Alto Networks suggested two to three years of experience working with the firewall.

Q6: What is the replacement exam like?

A: The Next-Generation Firewall Engineer exam validates configuration of PAN-OS networking and device settings, integration and automation, objects, policies and firewall operations. Its November 2025 datasheet recommends two to three years in IT security including two years with Palo Alto Networks NGFWs, and its largest domain, PAN-OS Networking Configuration, carries 40% of the score.

Q7: What is the PCNSA: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator exam?

A: PCNSA: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator is a Palo Alto Networks certification exam. Judging by the questions in our bank, it concentrates on app-id, palo, alto, zone and rule.

Q8: What topics does the PCNSA: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator exam cover?

A: Questions in our PCNSA: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator bank cluster around app-id, palo, alto, zone, rule, pan-os, profile and downloading. Working through the full set is the quickest way to find which of these you are weakest on.

Q9: How should I prepare for PCNSA: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator?

A: Work through the PCNSA: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator practice questions here, checking your answer on each one, then sit the practice test to rehearse the exam under timed conditions before the real thing.

Q10: Are these real PCNSA: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator exam questions?

A: They are drawn from officially released past questions and from community members who have sat PCNSA: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator. Answers are verified and updated weekly.

Q11: Where do I register for the PCNSA: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator exam?

A: Register through Palo Alto Networks directly at https://live.paloaltonetworks.com/t5/certification/ct-p/Certification. Exampractice is not affiliated with Palo Alto Networks and does not administer the exam.

Q12: Is there a free PCNSA: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator sample?

A: Yes. Every PCNSA: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator page shows a free sample of real questions. Upgrading opens the full bank and the practice test.

Q13: What are Palo Alto Networks Certification Exams?

A: Palo Alto Networks Certification Exams validate your expertise in using and managing Palo Alto Networks' cybersecurity solutions. These certifications demonstrate your proficiency in deploying, configuring, and optimizing Palo Alto Networks technologies to protect networks, systems, and data from cyber threats.

Q14: Why should I pursue Palo Alto Networks Certification?

A: Palo Alto Networks Certification enhances your professional credibility, showcasing your skills and knowledge in cybersecurity. This can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement in IT security, network security, and cybersecurity roles.

Q15: What are the benefits of Palo Alto Networks Certification?

A: Benefits include recognition as a certified cybersecurity professional, improved job performance, access to exclusive resources, continuing education opportunities, and staying current with the latest Palo Alto Networks technologies and best practices.

Q16: Who should take Palo Alto Networks Certification Exams?

A: IT security professionals, network administrators, system administrators, security analysts, and anyone involved in managing and implementing Palo Alto Networks security solutions should consider these certifications to validate their expertise and advance their careers.

Q17: What types of Palo Alto Networks Certification Exams are available?

A: Palo Alto Networks offers various certification paths, including:

Q18: How do I prepare for Palo Alto Networks Certification Exams?

A: Preparation can include official Palo Alto Networks training courses, study guides, practice exams, online tutorials, and hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks products and solutions.

Q19: Where can I take Palo Alto Networks Certification Exams?

A: Palo Alto Networks Certification Exams can be taken at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide or online, providing flexibility to fit your schedule and location.

Q20: How do Palo Alto Networks Certifications impact my career?

A: Palo Alto Networks Certifications significantly boost your career by demonstrating your expertise to employers, making you a more competitive candidate for advanced roles and promotions in IT security, network security, and cybersecurity.

Q21: Are there any prerequisites for Palo Alto Networks Certification Exams?

A: Some exams may have prerequisites, such as foundational knowledge or prior experience with Palo Alto Networks products. Check the specific requirements for each certification path on the Palo Alto Networks certification website.

Q22: How often do I need to recertify for Palo Alto Networks Certifications?

A: Palo Alto Networks Certifications typically require recertification every two years to ensure that certified professionals stay updated with the latest cybersecurity technologies and industry practices.