Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) certification exam is like a badge that proves you’re really good in this area. But getting ready for it is a big job. You’ll need the right tools, and we’ve made a great study guide to help you learn and get ready for the exam. This guide is set up in a step-by-step way to make it easier for you to get ready. But before we dive into getting ready, let’s go over the basics of the test.
About Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator
Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator certification helps the network security administrator to develop the knowledge required for deploying and operating the Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewall(NGFWs). It helps candidate to acquire the skills required to work in preventing cyberattacks. The PCNSA targets people who operate Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls to protect networks from cutting edge cyberthreats.
Who should take the exam?
This examination will help the network security administrator and the candidates working in the IT profession. It is a suitable addition for those seeking advancement in the field of IT security.
Exam Prerequisites:
- There is no official prerequisite required for this examination. However, it is suggested that the candidate should complete Firewall Essentials: Configuration and Management (EDU-210) course to get a better insight and in-depth knowledge of the Palo Alto Network Certified Network Security Administrator certification.
Study Guide for Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator
One of the most important certificates to have in your academic record is the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator test. Obtaining this qualification will greatly enhance your employment options. As a result, it’s critical to get a head start on your preparations and be familiar with all available resources. Don’t worry, we’ve taken care of the arduous process of summarising the necessary materials and have prepared a study guide for you. As a result, to succeed in this exam, follow the step-by-step instructions.
Step 1 – Refer the Exam Guide
Before starting any journey, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. So, the most crucial part of your preparation is to carefully go over each and every exam goal. Make sure to visit the Official exam website for a clear view. Taking a closer look at each part of the exam can also give you a better idea of what the exam is all about. Here is a breakdown of the different areas this exam covers:
Domain 1 – Palo Alto Networks Security Operating Platform Core Requirements
Firstly, this domain covers the concepts to identify the components of the Palo Alto Networks Security Operating Platform. Then, identify the components and operation of a single-pass parallel processing architecture. Also, given a network design scenario, apply the Zero Trust security model and describe how it relates to traffic moving through your network. Further, identify stages in the Cyber-Attack Lifecycle and firewall mitigations that can prevent attacks.
Domain 2 – Simply Passing Traffic
Secondly, it covers the topics to identify and configure firewall management interfaces. Then, identify how to manage firewall configurations. Also, display and schedule dynamic updates. Moreover, configure internal and external services for account administration. Furthermore, given a network diagram, create the appropriate security zones. Identify and configure firewall interfaces. Additionally, given a scenario, identify steps to create and configure a virtual router. Identify the purpose of specific security rule types. Subsequently, identify and configure security policy match conditions, actions, and logging options. Lastly, given a scenario, identify and implement the proper NAT solution.
Domain 3 – Traffic Visibility
This domain focuses on given a scenario, select the appropriate application-based security policy rules. Given a scenario, configure application filters or application groups. Then, identify the purpose of application characteristics as defined in the App-ID database. Search the potential impact of App-ID updates to existing security policy rules. Also, find the tools to optimize security policies. Identify features used to streamline App-ID policy creation. Moreover, find the benefits of using DUGs in policy rules. Further, identify the requirements to support dynamic user groups.
Domain 4 – Securing Traffic
This domain includes the topics of given a risk scenario, identify and apply the appropriate security profile. Identify the difference between security policy actions and security profile actions. Then, given a network scenario, identify how to customize security profiles. Further, identify the firewall’s protection against packet- and protocol-based attacks. Also, identify how the firewall can use the cloud DNS database to control traffic based on domains. Find how the firewall can use the PAN-DB database to control traffic based on websites. Furthermore, discuss how to control access to specific URLs using custom URL filtering categories.
Domain 5 – Identifying Users
Subsequently, this domain covers given a scenario, identify an appropriate method to map IP addresses to usernames. Then, given a scenario, identify the appropriate User-ID agent to deploy. Also, identify how the firewall maps usernames to user groups. Further, given a graphic, identify User-ID configuration options.
Domain 6 – Deployment Optimization
Lastly, this domain is much focused on the concepts to identify the benefits and differences between the Heatmap and the BPA reports.
Step 2 – Enroll for Official Palto Alto Training
Palto Alto provides training for the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) examination. This official training will help you to learn all the domains and modules that are important for clearing the examination. It is advised to practice this training to successfully complete the examination. Moreover, training provides hands on experience which is very essential to crack the exam.
Step 3 – Join Study groups
Being part of study groups is a great idea when you’re preparing for your certification exam. These groups help you stay informed about any new updates or changes to the exam. Study groups have people at different levels, from beginners to experts. You can ask questions about the exam or discuss it freely. It’s a good place to start conversations about exam-related topics or any questions you have. This way, you can get the best answers to your queries. Plus, forums are a great way to create a community where you can learn from others.
Step 4 – Evaluate with Practice Tests
No matter how you get ready for the Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator Exam, doing practice tests can be really helpful. They can make your study approach more varied and improve your chances of doing well in the real exam. When you check your answers, you can figure out which areas need more focus, and see if you’re matching the exam goals. It’s a good idea to start doing practice tests after finishing a whole topic, as it can also serve as a review. Start Practising Now to Self Evaluate your preparations!
