Are you considering becoming a certified cybersecurity professional? If so, you’re probably familiar with the two most popular certifications: the Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Administrator (PCNSA) and the Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate (PCCSA).
Both of these certifications are well-regarded and widely recognized by employers in the cybersecurity industry.
But which one is right for you?
In this article, we’ll compare the two certifications and discuss the benefits of each one. We’ll also help you decide which one is best suited to your career goals and experience level.
With this information, you can make an informed decision on which Palo Alto Networks certification to pursue.
Overview of the PCNSA and PCCSA certifications
Both certifications are valid for three years and require solid training and hands-on work experience in security. The PCNSA certification requires one year of work experience in cybersecurity, whereas the PCCSA certification requires one year of experience in networking.
Candidates for both certifications must also pass a proctored exam, which is proctored by Pearson VUE. The cost of the PCNSA certification is $140, and $100 for the PCCSA.
The PCNSA certification is designed for individuals who have a minimum of five years of experience in network security. It requires a high level of expertise in network security, including firewall and VPN technologies, threat detection and prevention, VPN architecture, and more.
The PCCSA is designed for individuals specializing in security management and administration, emphasizing network security. It requires a basic level of knowledge in network security and a broad understanding of the Palo Alto Networks security architecture.
Role of PCNSA certification
The PCNSA certification is the industry-recognized certification for network security administrators working with the Palo Alto Networks firewall. It is ideal for network security administrators who manage the firewalls and implement the network security policy.
The PCNSA certification is recommended for security professionals who manage and enforce network traffic policies and protect data from external threats.
Role of PCCSA certification
The PCCSA certification is the industry-recognized certification for security professionals who manage Palo Alto Networks security devices.
It is recommended for security professionals who perform regular maintenance on their security devices to ensure their devices are up-to-date with the latest security patches and firmware revisions and troubleshoot issues with their security devices.
Exam Modules
Domain 1: Device Management and Services - 22%
- Demonstrate knowledge of firewall management interfaces
- Provision local administrators
- Assign role-based authentication
- Maintain firewall configurations
- Push policy updates to Panorama-managed firewalls
- Schedule and install dynamic updates
- Create and apply security zones to policies
- Identify and configure firewall interfaces
- Maintain and enhance the configuration of a virtual or logical router
Domain 2: Managing Objects - 20%
- Create and maintain address and address group objects
- Create and maintain services and service groups Create and maintain external dynamic lists
- Create and maintain external dynamic lists
Domain 3: Policy Evaluation and Management - 28%
- Develop the appropriate application-based Security policy
- Differentiate specific security rule types
- Configure Security policy match conditions, actions, and logging options
- Identify and implement proper NAT policies
- Optimize Security policies using appropriate tools
Domain 4: Securing Traffic - 30%
- Compare and contrast different types of Security profiles
- Create, modify, add, and apply the appropriate Security profiles and groups
- Differentiate between Security profile actions
- Use the information available in logs
- Enable DNS Security to control traffic based on domains
- Create and deploy URL-filtering-based controls
- Differentiate between group mapping and IP-to-user mapping within policies and logs
PCNSA vs. PCCSA: Which one is right for you?
Which certification is right for you depends on your career goals and experience. Both credentials are valid for three years and enhance the security experience, so you don’t have to choose and abandon the other.
If you don’t have much experience in networking, however, you may find it more challenging to pass the PCCSA exam. If you have a great deal of experience in networking, you may find it easier to pass the PCCSA exam.
Each certification has its advantages, but the PCNSA certification may be a better fit for those with more experience in the cybersecurity industry.
Job opportunities with the PCNSA and PCCSA certifications
If you’re certified by Palo Alto Networks, you’ll likely find a job as a cybersecurity professional. Employers are increasingly looking for cybersecurity professionals with the right certifications, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find a job in your area of expertise.
Your certification will likely determine how much you earn, and you may increase your earning potential as your career progresses.
The PCNSA and PCCSA certifications are in high demand, so you’ll likely find a job as a cybersecurity professional.
To sum it up
Undoubtedly, becoming a certified cybersecurity professional has many benefits and opportunities. With a certification, you can demonstrate your expertise in the field and your commitment to the industry.
With greater job security and better pay, a well-known certification is an excellent investment for your future.
Choosing the right certification is essential if you’re interested in becoming a certified cybersecurity professional. It is the right time to take the Palo Alto certification exams.
Also, if you want to earn the PCNSA or PCCSA certification with the help of a proxy, CBT Proxy can help you pass the exam in a single attempt only. Plus, taking the exam with us also benefits you in many ways; one of them is that you can pay the fee when you pass the exam.
