Preloader spinner

Which Palo Alto Networks Certification Is Right for You?

An icon of a calendar
October 3, 2026
Cyber security analysts monitoring systems in a security operations centre

Palo Alto Networks offers certification routes across network security, secure access, SD-WAN and security operations. Choosing the right certification is largely a question of the technology you work with and the responsibilities of your role.

Some certifications validate broad knowledge across the Palo Alto Networks portfolio, while others focus on a specific platform such as next-generation firewalls, Prisma Access, Prisma SD-WAN, Cortex XDR or Cortex XSOAR.

How is the Palo Alto Networks certification portfolio structured?

Palo Alto Networks uses role-based certifications to validate practical, job-ready skills. The current portfolio includes broader professional credentials as well as specialist certifications aligned to particular products and technologies.

Next-Generation Firewall Engineer

The Palo Alto Networks Certified Next-Generation Firewall Engineer certification is designed for engineers and administrators responsible for deploying, operating and administering Palo Alto Networks next-generation firewalls.

Palo Alto Networks recommends Firewall Essentials: Configuration and Management (EDU-210) and Panorama NGFW Management as instructor-led preparation.

Security Service Edge Engineer

The Security Service Edge Engineer certification focuses on planning, deploying, configuring, managing and troubleshooting Prisma Access SSE environments.

The relevant course is Prisma Access SSE: Configuration and Deployment (PASSECD).

SD-WAN Engineer

The SD-WAN Engineer certification validates skills across the Prisma SD-WAN lifecycle, from planning and architectural design through deployment, operation and troubleshooting.

The aligned course is Prisma SD-WAN: Design and Operation (EDU-238).

XDR Engineer

The XDR Engineer certification is aimed at security operations professionals working with Cortex XDR.

The associated course is Cortex XDR Security Operations and Integration.

XSOAR Engineer

The XSOAR Engineer certification focuses on security orchestration, automation and response using Cortex XSOAR.

The relevant course is Cortex XSOAR Engineering Security Automation Solutions.

Which certification should you choose?

  • Next-generation firewalls and Panorama: Next-Generation Firewall Engineer
  • Prisma Access: Security Service Edge Engineer
  • Prisma SD-WAN: SD-WAN Engineer
  • Cortex XDR: XDR Engineer
  • Cortex XSOAR: XSOAR Engineer

Do Palo Alto Networks training courses include the exam?

No. Certification exams are not included in the ExperTrain course fee and can be purchased separately where available.

Explore Palo Alto Networks certification training

Visit our Palo Alto Networks Certifications page or browse all Palo Alto Networks training courses.

Explore Palo Alto Networks training. Compare our instructor-led Palo Alto Networks courses and view the Palo Alto Networks certification pathways.

Keep ExperTrain in your Google results

Found this article useful? Add ExperTrain as a Preferred Source on Google to help surface more of our training guides, articles and learning resources.

Join our mailing list

Receive details on our new courses and special offers

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.