Palo Alto PCCSE & PCSAE Certifications Guide

Palo Alto Networks has introduced two new certifications: PCCSE (Prisma Certified Cloud Security Engineer) and PCSAE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation Engineer). These newly launched certifications are now available for qualification exams. While the exam structure is similar to the PCNSE, the objectives differ significantly.

PCCSE focuses on validating expertise in securing cloud environments using Prisma Cloud, covering topics like security posture management and compliance automation. PCSAE emphasizes security automation and orchestration skills, particularly using Palo Alto Networks' Cortex XSOAR platform.

Both of these Palo Alto certifications aim to equip professionals with specialized skills in their respective domains, addressing the growing demand for cloud security and automation expertise. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, obtaining these certifications can enhance your career prospects and demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the field.

In this article, we will understand the exam syllabus, cost, and career opportunities after PCCSE and PCSAE certification. This guide will help you in preparing for the PCCSE and PCSAE exams and make decisions on your career future.

Previous Palo Alto Certifications

Before these two new certifications, Palo Alto Networks already had 3 certifications. These certifications were categorised in 3 levels.

1 Entry-level

PCCET: Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity entry-level Technician.

2 Administrator

● PCNSA: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator

3 Engineer

● PCNSE: Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer

All these certifications are well-known and demanded certifications. After the adding of new certifications, now there are total 5 Palo Alto certifications in 2024.

Newly Launched Palo Alto Certifications

Palo Alto Networks has launched the new certifications at the end of November 2020. The certifications belong to the cybersecurity domain but validate different skills and knowledge.

The two certifications are:

1. PCCSE: Prisma Certified Cloud Security Engineer

2. PCSAE: Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation Engineer

Both the certifications fall in the expert category hence certifies you as a highly-skilled and professional cybersecurity expert.

Even though being a new certification, it has gained great credibility and trust in the IT industry and eventually, it leads to great career opportunities. Both the certifications validate the ability to work, handle and knowledge of Prisma cloud and Cortex XSOAR respectively. And both the technologies are highly in demand these days.

Prerequisites of PCCSE & PCSAE certification

Like the older certifications, these new Palo Alto Certifications do not have any prerequisites to be completed. However, having hands-on experience in the same field or getting trained is strongly recommended before appearing in the exam.

The training could be self-studied or by joining an institute. As mentioned earlier, Palo Alto Networks does not pop-up any conditions. The only factor which matters is the knowledge you have.

PCCSE Exam Format

The Palo Alto Networks Certified Cloud Security Engineer (PCCSE) certification exam is designed to assess a candidate's expertise in securing cloud environments using Palo Alto Networks' Prisma Cloud. Here are the key details regarding the PCCSE exam format:

● Exam Type: Onsite and Online Proctored

● Number of Questions: 75-85 multiple-choice questions

● Exam Duration: 90 minutes (with approximately 80 minutes for the actual exam)

● Passing Score: Typically around 70%

● Exam Fee: $175 USD

● Language Options: Available in English

PCCSE certification mainly covers the following domains:

● Cloud workload protection platform

● Visibility, security and compliance

● Install & upgrade

● Prisma Cloud Administration (inc. compute)

● Dev SecOps Security

● Data loss prevention

 ● Web Application and API security

PCSAE Exam Format

The Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation Engineer (PCSAE) certification exam is designed to validate your skills in security automation and orchestration using Palo Alto Networks' Cortex XSOAR platform. Here are the key details regarding the PCSAE exam format:

● Exam Type: Onsite and Online Proctored (OP)

● Number of Questions: 75-85 multiple-choice questions

● Exam Duration: 90 minutes (with approximately 80 minutes for the actual exam)

● Passing Score: Typically around 70%

● Exam Fee: $175 USD

● Language Options: Available in English

Where to Learn PCSAE and PCCSE

Uninets provide various live courses and study material for Network Security training. If you're looking to prepare for PCSAE or PCCSE certifications exam, we have various courses and training videos from industry experts. Talk to a learner advisor for better guidance. 

Contact learner advisor

Career Options with PCCSE & PCSAE Certification

While talking about career options after Palo Alto Certifications as a whole, there are a lot. But, talking precisely for these certifications then you have the following options.

The PCCSE & PCSAE certified professionals can join the following job roles:

● AppSec Engineers

● Cybersecurity Architects

● Cortex XSOAR administrator

● Analysts

● Administrators

● System engineers

● Team leads

One thing to clear, these are not the only positions and designations, as a PCCSE & PCCSAE certified professionals there are endless opportunities one can acquire depending on the skills and knowledge.

Salary Expectations After the PCCSE & PCSAE Certification

Since they are new technology-based certifications, they can provide you with a high amount of salary. The IT industry works on the law of development and hence every new skill is appreciated here with gratitude and of course high salary. The same is with PCCSE & PCCSAE certified person

Qualifying these certifications can help you get jobs with an annual salary of around 98,000 USD and even more. However, it is important to note that one’s knowledge and acquired skills play an important role in getting a highly-paid job. Just qualifying would not be enough if you haven’t learnt the skills honestly and attained the expertise on it.

PCSAE and PCCSE Certification - Summing Up

Palo Alto Networks has expanded its certification offerings with the introduction of PCCSE (Prisma Certified Cloud Security Engineer) and PCSAE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation Engineer). These certifications validate specialized skills in cloud security and security automation, respectively.

While the exam structure resembles that of the PCNSE, their objectives differ significantly, focusing on securing cloud environments and automating security processes. Earning these certifications can enhance career prospects in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.