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Palo Alto Networks · Cybersecurity · Professional

Palo Alto Networks Certified NGFW Engineer exam guide

Exam Next-Generation Firewall Engineer (Specialist)

The Next-Generation Firewall Engineer certification validates deploying and configuring PAN-OS firewalls: networking, device settings, integration and automation, and centralized management with Panorama. It is the core Palo Alto credential for firewall engineers in the role-based program used in 2026.

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

Network and security engineers with 2-3 years in IT security, including about 2 years on Palo Alto Networks NGFWs.

What the exam covers

PAN-OS Networking Configuration40%
PAN-OS Device Setting Configuration40%
Integration and Automation20%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None formally. Palo Alto recommends Network Security Professional and Network Security Analyst first.

Recommended: About 2-3 years in IT security including about 2 years with Palo Alto Networks NGFWs; follow the official learning path (Firewall Essentials EDU-210 and Panorama EDU-220 content).

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

  • PAN-OS interfaces, zones, virtual routers and routing
  • HA configuration
  • Panorama templates and device groups
  • Certificate management and decryption setup
  • User-ID and App-ID integration
  • API and automation with Terraform/Ansible

Job roles

Firewall EngineerNetwork Security EngineerSecurity AdministratorNetwork EngineerSecurity 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. Weeks 1-2: PAN-OS networking: interfaces, zones, routing (including advanced routing engine), NAT, HA; build in a lab or Palo Alto's virtual labs.
  2. Weeks 3-4: Device settings: certificates, decryption, authentication, logging, Panorama templates and template stacks.
  3. Week 5: Integration and automation: XML/REST API, Terraform, Ansible, User-ID sources, log forwarding.
  4. Week 6: Review the datasheet blueprint line by line; drill weak topics 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

  • Networking and device settings are 80% of the exam; HA, routing and certificate questions are worth extra review.
  • Know Panorama push behaviour, template precedence and device group hierarchy.
  • Expect ordering items (for example packet flow or configuration steps); memorise the PAN-OS packet flow.
  • Use the datasheet blueprint as your checklist; Palo Alto writes items directly to it.

Key terms for this exam

All 9 terms Study with thinQcards™

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Next-Generation Firewall Engineer 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 NGFW Engineer the replacement for PCNSE?

Palo Alto moved to role-based certifications; NGFW Engineer is the specialist exam for PAN-OS firewall deployment and configuration.

What should I know before NGFW Engineer?

Palo Alto recommends Network Security Professional and Network Security Analyst plus around 2 years of hands-on NGFW work.

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.