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Palo Alto Networks · Cybersecurity · Entry

Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice exam guide

Exam Cybersecurity Apprentice

The Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice is the vendor's entry-level foundational certification. It validates basic knowledge of cybersecurity, networking, endpoint, cloud, security operations and identity security, and leads to Cybersecurity Practitioner and the professional-level certifications.

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

Students and people starting or transitioning into cybersecurity who want a vendor-backed first credential.

What the exam covers

Cybersecurity fundamentals—
Network security—
Endpoint security—
Cloud security—
Security operations—
Identity security—

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

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: None; free Palo Alto Networks Beacon learning is the intended preparation.

Keeping it active

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

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Describing common attacks and threat actors
  • Basic networking and firewall concepts
  • Endpoint protection fundamentals
  • Cloud security basics
  • SOC processes and tools
  • Identity and access concepts

Job roles

SOC Analyst (entry level)IT Support SpecialistJunior Security AnalystNetwork TechnicianCybersecurity Intern

Where it fits in your path

Take before

No prerequisite certification needed.

You are here

Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice

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

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Complete the free foundational cybersecurity learning path on Palo Alto Networks Beacon.
  2. Week 2: Networking and endpoint security modules; build a small home lab with a free firewall VM.
  3. Week 3: Cloud, SecOps and identity modules.
  4. Week 4: Review the exam blueprint in the certification handbook and take practice questions.

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 the blueprint's six areas - questions are broad rather than deep.
  • Learn Palo Alto product family names (Strata, Prisma, Cortex) and what each protects.
  • Understand zero trust concepts; they appear throughout Palo Alto exams.
  • Read the certification handbook for exam rules before booking.

Frequently asked questions

Who is the Apprentice certification for?

People starting or transitioning into cybersecurity.

What comes after Apprentice?

Cybersecurity Practitioner, then professional or specialist certifications such as NGFW Engineer.

How much does it cost?

Confirm the current fee in the Palo Alto Networks certification handbook or on Pearson VUE.

Apprentice vs Security+?

Security+ is vendor-neutral and widely required by employers; Apprentice is a vendor foundation that complements it.

Is it worth it?

It is a good structured first step if you plan to work with Palo Alto Networks products.

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.