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Palo Alto Networks · Cloud · Professional

Palo Alto Networks Certified Cloud Security Professional exam guide

Exam Cloud Security Professional

The Palo Alto Networks Certified Cloud Security Professional validates the skills to secure cloud environments with the Cortex Cloud platform, covering posture management, application security, runtime protection and cloud SOC processes. It suits engineers consolidating CNAPP and SOC tooling on Palo Alto Networks.

QuestionsSee official page
Time limitSee official page
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam feeSee official page
Valid forSee official page
DeliveryPearson VUE

Format: Multiple choice. Fee note: Confirm current price in the Palo Alto Networks certification handbook/Pearson VUE.

Who it's for

Cloud security engineers, DevSecOps practitioners and SOC analysts working with Cortex Cloud (formerly Prisma Cloud) in AWS, Azure or Google Cloud.

What the exam covers

Cloud posture security (CSPM)—
Application security (code to cloud)—
Runtime security (CWP)—
Cloud detection and response / SOC processes—
Cortex Cloud platform administration—

A dash means the vendor does not publish a weight for that domain.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: Technical knowledge of Cortex Cloud, runtime, application and posture security, and SOC processes.

Keeping it active

See the Palo Alto Networks certification handbook for current validity and recertification rules.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Onboarding cloud accounts to Cortex Cloud
  • Prioritizing posture and compliance findings
  • Scanning IaC, images and pipelines
  • Deploying runtime protection agents
  • Investigating cloud alerts and incidents
  • Writing and tuning policies

Job roles

Cloud Security EngineerDevSecOps EngineerCloud SOC AnalystCloud Security ArchitectSecurity Consultant

Where it fits in your path

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Read the exam blueprint and complete the Cortex Cloud learning path on Beacon.
  2. Week 2: Onboard a test AWS or Azure account; review posture findings and compliance reports.
  3. Week 3: Application security - IaC and image scanning integrated with a CI pipeline.
  4. Week 4: Runtime protection and cloud detection; investigate sample incidents.
  5. Week 5: Practice questions and blueprint review.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Know where Prisma Cloud capabilities landed in Cortex Cloud; product naming changed.
  • Understand shared responsibility and how each module maps to it.
  • Expect scenario questions asking which module or policy type fits a requirement.
  • Be comfortable with RQL-style queries and alert triage workflows.

Key terms for this exam

All 5 terms Study with thinQcards™

Frequently asked questions

What platform does the exam cover?

Cortex Cloud, Palo Alto Networks' cloud security platform.

Is there a prerequisite?

No formal prerequisite.

How much does it cost?

Confirm in the certification handbook or on Pearson VUE.

Cloud Security Professional vs CCSP?

CCSP is vendor-neutral and senior; this exam is product-focused on Cortex Cloud.

What should I take next?

CCSP or a cloud provider security specialty, or XSIAM Engineer for SOC depth.

Official page: www.paloaltonetworks.com. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.