Palo Alto Certifications Guide for 2025

Certifications from Palo Alto Networks have become a universal badge of standard for those aiming to progress in their cybersecurity professions.

Being a top supplier of network security solutions and next-generation firewalls, Palo Alto Networks provides certification and training programs to verify the abilities of IT specialists. Earning a Palo Alto certification will put you on the right track to becoming a respected expert in this rapidly evolving field.

Were you aware? Candidates will not be able to take the PCCET, PCNSA, and PCSFE exams after the retirement date of April 30, 2025. However, all active certifications will remain valid for two years from their date of issue.

This is a highly informative guide on the List of Palo Alto certifications. It includes the definition, reasons for choosing these certifications, and categories.

What are Palo Alto Certifications?

Palo Alto Networks certifications are a set of industry-standard credentials that authenticate the knowledge of information technology professionals in advanced network defense, cloud security, and cybersecurity.

These certifications aim at verifying that individuals are adequately prepared to deal with the complexities of new-generation security threats, coupled with managing the new-generation solution offerings of Palo Alto Networks.

Palo Alto Networks certifications are not just any certifications; they act as a powerful badge of honor so that you can differentiate yourself from among a sea of job hunters.

Palo Alto Certification TrainingCheck out our Palo Alto courses for the certification of your choice.Explore course

Why Pursue a Palo Alto Networks Certification?

Earning a Palo Alto Networks certification is an investment in your future. Here's why:

These certifications provide knowledge on the latest AI-driven solutions like Precision AI, Prisma Access Browser, and Cortex Cloud. It also guides you in understanding platform-based security for networks, cloud, and SOC, alongside Unit 42’s incident response services for breach management.

You can gain a deep understanding of all these topics, like network security that secures 95% of Fortune 100 companies with Zero Trust architecture. It also sheds light on Cloud Security and Cortex XDR (100% MITRE detection) which offer AI-driven protection for hybrid environments and SOC transformation.

You can join top companies that trust in Palo Alto Certifications, like Autodesk, Salesforce, Michelin, and Caesars. Overall, Palo Alto certifications help you advance in your career since you know how to secure and safeguard with next-generation solutions.

Palo Alto Certification List

Palo Alto Networks keeps on updating its certification track by adding and removing certifications. Currently, Palo Alto provides certifications in 3 domains: Network Security, Security Operations, and Cloud Security.

Below, we have compiled the latest valid Palo Alto certifications as of 2025.

Palo Alto Certs in Network Security

Palo Alto Certs in Security Operations

Palo Alto Certs in Cloud Security

There is only one certification in cloud security by Palo Alto.

Cloud Security Professional: It is a professional-level certification that Validates skills in securing cloud environments using the Cortex Cloud platform.

Palo Alto Networks certifications are valid for two to three years. To maintain your certification, you can participate in their continuing education programs, attend relevant courses, or retake the certification exams as needed to stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends and best practices in cybersecurity.

Palo Alto Certifications Update in 2025

Here are the latest updates about the Palo Alto certifications:

New Released Certifications

● Network Security Analyst – Released March 31, 2025

● XDR Analyst – Released April 29, 2025

● XDR Engineer – Released April 29, 2025

● Cloud Security Generalist – Released April 30, 2025

● Cloud Security Professional – Released May 30, 2025

Retired Certifications

● Detection and Remediation Analyst (PCDRA)

● PCNSA, PCCET, PCSF

● PCNSE, PCCSE, PCSAE

All of these certifications will no longer be valid.

Renamed Certifications

● Network Security Generalist has become Network Security Professional

● Security Operations Generalist has become Security Operations Professional

Jobs After Getting Palo Alto Certifications

Palo Alto Networks certifications open doors to a wide variety of cybersecurity roles. Here’s a table of some of the positions you can pursue:

What is the Salary of Palo Alto Certified Professionals?

Palo Alto Networks-certified professionals can expect competitive salaries in their respective roles. Here's a look at the average salaries for Palo Alto-certified positions:

Who Should Pursue Palo Alto Certifications?

Palo Alto Networks certifications are designed for professionals aiming to validate and enhance their cybersecurity skills. Network security engineers can pursue the Next-Generation Firewall Engineer certification to demonstrate expertise in deploying and managing modern firewall environments.

SOC analysts may consider the XDR Analyst certification to improve threat detection and response capabilities using Cortex XDR. Cloud security specialists can opt for the Cloud Security Professional certification to showcase proficiency in securing cloud environments with Cortex Cloud.

IT administrators responsible for firewall management might find the Network Security Analyst certification beneficial, as it focuses on policy creation and centralized management.

Additionally, individuals starting their cybersecurity careers can begin with the Cybersecurity Practitioner certification to build foundational knowledge

These certifications cater to various roles, equipping professionals with the skills needed to address evolving cybersecurity challenges through a role-based framework.