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Palo Alto Networks · Cybersecurity · Associate

Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Analyst exam guide

Exam Network Security Analyst (Specialist)

The Network Security Analyst certification validates day-to-day operation of Palo Alto Networks firewalls through Strata Cloud Manager: creating objects, building and applying security policy, centralized management, logging and troubleshooting. It suits the analysts and administrators who keep NGFW policy accurate and secure.

QuestionsSee official page
Time limitSee official page
Passing score860 (300-1000 scale)
Exam fee$250 USD
Valid for2 years
DeliveryPearson VUE test center; online proctoring (OnVUE) where offered

Format: Multiple choice, matching and ordering items.

Who it's for

Security analysts and firewall administrators who manage Palo Alto Networks policy and operations.

What the exam covers

Object Configuration Creation and Application30%
Policy Creation and Application30%
Management and Operations26%
Troubleshooting14%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None.

Recommended: Hands-on time administering Palo Alto NGFWs, ideally with Strata Cloud Manager and Strata Logging Service; follow the official learning path.

Keeping it active

Valid 2 years from passing. Renew by retaking the current exam before expiry; passing a higher-level certification in the same track also extends active lower-level certifications by 2 years.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Address, service, application and tag objects
  • Security, NAT and decryption policy
  • Security profiles and profile groups
  • Strata Cloud Manager operations
  • Log analysis in Strata Logging Service
  • Policy troubleshooting and optimization

Job roles

Network Security AnalystFirewall AdministratorSOC AnalystSecurity Operations EngineerNetwork Administrator

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: Objects: addresses, groups, services, applications, tags, external dynamic lists, custom URL categories.
  2. Week 2: Policy: security rule design, NAT, security profiles, decryption policy, policy optimizer.
  3. Week 3: Strata Cloud Manager: configuration scopes, snippets, push workflows, monitoring and Strata Logging Service.
  4. Week 4: Troubleshooting with logs, policy match tests and session details; review the datasheet and practise.

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

  • Objects and policy are 60% of the exam; know rule evaluation order and shadowing.
  • Strata Cloud Manager is central; know how its configuration hierarchy differs from Panorama.
  • Expect questions on which profile blocks a given threat (antivirus, vulnerability, URL, WildFire, DNS).
  • Troubleshooting is only 14% but often uses log screenshots or outputs; practise reading them.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Network Security Analyst exam cost?

$250 plus applicable taxes; vouchers are sold through the Pearson VUE voucher store.

What score do I need to pass?

Palo Alto Networks sets the converted passing score at 860 on a 300-1000 scale.

How long is the certification valid?

Two years. Retake the exam before it expires, or earn a higher-level certification in the same track to extend it.

Is Network Security Analyst entry level?

It is a specialist-level exam focused on operations rather than deployment; it is a common first step before NGFW Engineer.

Does it use Panorama or Strata Cloud Manager?

Palo Alto describes it as centred on Strata Cloud Manager and Strata Logging Service.

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.