• Exam Breakdown
  • Domain Breakdown
  • Access Breakdown

Exam Format

  •  Exam Code: PCCSA
  •  Certification Level: Foundational / Entry-Level
  •  Exam Duration: 90 minutes
  •  Passing Score: Approximately 860 on a scale of 300–1000 (not officially confirmed by Palo Alto Networks)
  •  Unscored Content: The exam may include unscored questions used for exam development and research purposes. These questions do not affect your final score.

Exam Details

  •  Question Types: Multiple choice and scenario-based questions
  •  Number of Questions: Approximately 50 questions
  •  Hands-On Questions: The exam evaluates foundational cybersecurity knowledge including threat detection, network fundamentals, endpoint security, and security operations concepts.

Exam Policies

  •  Offline Proctoring: Must be rescheduled or canceled at least 48 hours before the scheduled exam time.
  •  Waiting Period: Candidates must wait 5 days after a failed attempt before retaking the exam.
  •  Retake Fee: Full exam fee must be paid for each retake.

Certification Validity and Renewal

  •  Validity: 2 years
  •  Renewal Options: Recertify by passing a current Palo Alto Networks certification exam before expiration.

Exam Fee

  •  Base Fee: $150 USD (excluding taxes)
  •  Taxes: Country-specific VAT may apply
  •  Example: In India, 18% tax applies, making the total $177 USD ($150 + $27 tax)

Prerequisites

There are no strict prerequisites for taking the Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice exam. However, it is recommended to have:
  •  Basic understanding of networking concepts
  •  Awareness of cybersecurity fundamentals and threats
  •  Interest in security operations and modern cybersecurity technologies

Exam Topics

  •  Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Threat types, vulnerabilities, cyber attack lifecycle
  •  Network Fundamentals: TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, network devices, OSI model
  •  Network Security: Firewalls, VPNs, segmentation, security policies
  •  Endpoint Security: Endpoint protection, authentication, identity management
  •  Cloud Security: Cloud models, shared responsibility model, virtualization
  •  Security Operations: SOC concepts, alerts, logging, SIEM and incident response fundamentals

Intended Audience

The Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice certification is ideal for individuals beginning a cybersecurity career, including roles such as:
  •  Cybersecurity Intern
  •  Entry-Level Security Analyst
  • IT Support Technician
  •  Students or professionals transitioning into cybersecurity

Career Impact

 Jobs You Can Get:
  • Junior SOC Analyst, IT Security Support, Cybersecurity Technician, Security Operations Intern, etc.
Average Salary:
  • Varies by country — U.S.: $55,000–$80,000 USD,
  • India: ₹3,50,000–₹7,50,000 INR,
  • United Kingdom: £25,000–£40,000 GBP,
  • UAE: 70,000–120,000 AED per year.
Why It’s Valuable:
  • Validates entry-level cybersecurity knowledge and demonstrates readiness for foundational security roles in networking, cloud security, and SOC environments.

Exam Mode

The exam is proctored and can be taken either:
  •  In-person at authorized Pearson VUE test centres

Exam Booking Link

Once you pass the exam

  •  Download your certification from the Palo Alto Networks Certification Portal
  •  Processing Time: Certificate typically available within 24 to 48 hours after passing the exam
  •  Log in to the Palo Alto Networks Certification Portal https://certification.paloaltonetworks.com
  •  Navigate to the Certifications section
  •  Download your certificate (PDF format)

Offers

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    • Atmic Networks is a trusted global provider of professional IT training and certification mentorship.
    • We deliver regularly updated, industry-relevant content tailored to real-world demands.
    • Our expert mentors bring hands-on experience to guide your learning journey.
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    Top Reasons to Choose
    Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Apprentice

    Entry-Level Certification for Cybersecurity Careers

    This certification provides a strong foundation in cybersecurity concepts, networking, and security operations, making it an excellent starting point for students and professionals transitioning into cybersecurity roles.

    Covers Core Security Domains Used in Real Environments

    The exam introduces practical security concepts including threat detection, network security controls, endpoint protection, and cloud security, helping learners understand how modern cybersecurity defenses operate across enterprise environments.

    Pathway to Advanced Palo Alto Security Certifications

    The Cybersecurity Apprentice certification serves as an entry point to the Palo Alto certification track, helping candidates progress toward advanced roles such as Cybersecurity Practitioner, Security Operations Professional, and specialized security engineering certifications.

    Top Certifications

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    FAQ

    • Who should take the Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice exam?

      The Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice exam is designed for students, entry-level IT professionals, and individuals transitioning into cybersecurity careers. It is suitable for candidates who want to demonstrate foundational knowledge of cybersecurity concepts, networking fundamentals, and basic security operations used in modern enterprise environments.

    • How difficult is the exam?

      The exam is considered beginner-level and focuses on fundamental cybersecurity concepts rather than advanced technical skills. Candidates are expected to understand topics such as network security basics, threat types, endpoint protection, and cloud security principles. With basic networking knowledge and preparation, most candidates can successfully pass the exam.

    • Why does Palo Alto Networks offer the Cybersecurity Apprentice certification?

      Palo Alto Networks created the Cybersecurity Apprentice certification to help build the cybersecurity workforce by validating foundational security knowledge. The certification enables students and professionals from both technical and non-technical backgrounds to demonstrate basic cybersecurity skills required to begin careers in security operations or IT security roles.

    • What tools and resources can be used to prepare for the exam?

      Candidates can prepare for the exam using Palo Alto Networks official learning resources including the Cyberpedia knowledge base, Palo Alto Networks training courses, digital learning paths, and cybersecurity fundamentals training programs. Hands-on practice with networking concepts and security tools also helps reinforce exam topics.

    • Is the Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice certification still valuable in 2026?

      Yes, the certification remains valuable in 2026 because organizations continue to face increasing cybersecurity threats and require skilled professionals with foundational security knowledge. The certification helps individuals demonstrate basic cybersecurity competency and serves as a stepping stone toward more advanced cybersecurity certifications and roles.