Software Firewall Engineer Certification by Palo Alto

The Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE) certification validates expertise in deploying, managing, and troubleshooting Palo Alto’s software firewalls, including VM-Series, CN-Series, and cloud-native firewalls. Designed for IT professionals working with cloud and virtualization technologies, this certification emphasizes securing modern environments using Palo Alto’s AI-driven solutions. 

In late January 2023, the Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE) certification was retired, and two additional specialist-level certifications, the Palo Alto Networks Certified Next-Generation Firewall Engineer and the Palo Alto Networks Certified XSIAM Engineer, were released. 

This guide covers the Palo Alto Software Firewall Engineer certification details. We have also covered the certification cost, syllabus, recommended training, and exam structure.

Furthermore, if you are interested in getting the Palo Alto certification training, you can check out our Palo Alto courses.

What is the PCSFE Certification? 

The PCSFE certification equips professionals to secure hybrid and multi-cloud environments using Palo Alto’s software firewalls. It focuses on practical skills like deploying VM-Series firewalls in AWS/Azure, managing CN-Series in Kubernetes, and integrating automation tools like Terraform and Ansible.  

Unlike traditional firewall certifications, PCSFE emphasizes cloud-native security and automation, addressing modern challenges such as east-west traffic control and hyperscale deployments. Candidates learn to streamline threat detection, reduce false positives, and optimize traffic flow in virtualized data centers. 

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Exam Details 

● Cost: $175 USD  

● Duration: 90 minutes  

● Questions: 60  

● Passing Score: 860/1000  

● Format: Multiple-choice, scenario-based. 

Target Audience:  

The Palo Alto Networks Certified Software Firewall Engineer (PCSFE) certification is designed for professionals involved in deploying and managing Palo Alto Networks' software firewalls across various environments. Ideal candidates include network engineers specializing in cloud or virtualization, security architects overseeing hybrid infrastructures, etc. 

DevOps professionals integrating security into CI/CD pipelines and IT personnel also require this. This certification validates skills in areas such as deployment, automation, management plugins, and troubleshooting, ensuring that certified individuals are well-equipped to handle complex security scenarios in modern IT landscapes. 

Exam Syllabus  

Here is a table explaining various domains in detail 

1. Software Firewall Fundamentals(14%)

This domain focuses on differentiating between various Palo Alto Networks software firewalls, including VM-Series, CN-Series, and Cloud NGFWs. It also covers licensing models such as Flex, Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG), and Enterprise License Agreements (ELA), enabling professionals to understand and choose appropriate licensing options  

2. Securing Environments with Software Firewalls (16%) 

This section addresses methodologies for securing data centers through segmentation, virtualization, application visibility, and VPN connectivity controls. It also emphasizes securing traffic flows in public cloud and virtualized branch environments, covering inbound, outbound, and east-west traffic controls to ensure comprehensive security  

3. Deployment Architecture (18%) 

 It includes common VM-Series deployment models, distinguishing between centralized and distributed architectures.   The use of VM-Series firewalls in places such as Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Azure, and AWS highlights features like high availability, autoscaling, and integration with Azure Gateway Load Balancer (GWLB).  

4. Automation and Orchestration (16%) 

This section explores tools and methodologies for automating and orchestrating software firewall deployments and management. It includes the use of Panorama for centralized management, as well as automation tools like Terraform, AWS CloudFormation templates, and Ansible, facilitating efficient and scalable firewall operations.  

5. Technology Integration (13%) 

 This domain focuses on integrating Palo Alto Networks software firewalls with other technologies. It covers Intelligent Traffic Offload (ITO) and the deployment of firewalls through third-party marketplaces such as GCP, Azure, AWS, and Alibaba Cloud, ensuring seamless integration into diverse IT ecosystems.  

6. Troubleshooting (13%) 

This section emphasizes the skills required to troubleshoot various aspects of software firewall deployments. It includes diagnosing and resolving issues related to CN-Series and VM-Series firewalls, Cloud NGFW deployments, and Panorama plugins, ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of security operations.  

7. Management Plugins and Log Forwarding (10%) 

 This domain covers the configuration and use of management plugins for platforms like AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, VMware vCenter, and NSX. It also addresses log forwarding to destinations such as AWS S3, Kinesis, CloudWatch, Azure Application Insights, and Google Stackdriver, facilitating comprehensive monitoring and analysis of the firewall. 

Prerequisites for PCSFE Certification

The following are the important prerequisites for PCSFE 

1. Candidates should possess a foundational understanding of networking concepts, including TCP/IP protocols, routing mechanisms, and VPN technologies. 

2. Familiarity with major cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform is also essential, as the certification encompasses deployment and management of software firewalls in diverse cloud environments. 

3.  While not mandatory, hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls is highly recommended to grasp the practical aspects of configuration and troubleshooting.  

4.  Additionally, undertaking training courses like EDU-210 (Firewall Essentials), EDU-220 (Panorama: Managing Firewalls at Scale), and EDU-330 (Firewall: Troubleshooting) can provide structured learning and enhance preparedness for the certification exam. 

Comparison with Competitors 

The following is a comparison with competitor and their certification 

Certification Job Roles 

The following is a list of job roles and responsibilities that require PCSFE skills 

Is It Worth It? 

The PCSFE certification is ideal for professionals working in cloud/hybrid environments, managing Palo Alto’s VM/CN-Series firewalls, or specializing in automation/AI-driven security. However, it may not be necessary if your focus is exclusively on traditional, on-premises hardware firewalls. This certification prioritizes modern, cloud-native security expertise over legacy infrastructure skills. 

PCSFE Retirement Impact 

The PCCSE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Cloud Security Engineer) has effectively replaced PCSFE, with a stronger focus on cloud-native security and modernized skill sets: 

Conclusion 

Palo Alto Networks retired the PCSFE (Certified Software Firewall Engineer) in 2023 as part of its certification portfolio realignment. PCSFE offers both credibility and a competitive edge.

While PCSFE is retired, the PCCSE certification ensures professionals stay ahead in cloud security, aligning with Palo Alto’s shift toward AI/ML-driven platforms like Cortex and Prisma. Existing PCSFE holders should transition to PCCSE to maintain competitive relevance. 

Similar Read: PCNSE Certification Guide.