Is the PCNSE Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer Training Certification Worth It Today? Costs, Salary & FAQ
If you work with next-generation firewalls or secure network architectures, you’ve likely heard of PCNSE for years it was the flagship certification for engineers deploying and managing Palo Alto Networks’ security platform. In 2025, Palo Alto Networks shifted to a role-based certification framework and officially retired the PCNSE exam on 31 July 2025. So, is PCNSE still worth pursuing, and what should Australians eyeing network security careers do next? Let’s unpack it, clearly and pragmatically.
What is the PCNSE Certification?
PCNSE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer) validates an engineer’s ability to design, deploy, configure, operate, and troubleshoot Palo Alto Networks’ platform, historically spanning PAN-OS, Panorama, GlobalProtect and related capabilities.
PCNSE holders were recognised for being able to make the most of Palo Alto’s Security Operating Platform in real-world environments skills that map directly to operating next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) and centralised management.
Why is the PCNSE Certification so Popular?
Platform relevance: Palo Alto Networks is a major security vendor. Validating hands-on ability to configure policies, objects, networking and Panorama management aligned closely with day-to-day roles.
Structured preparation: The vendor offered official study guides, instructor-led courses, digital learning, and community prep resources creating a clear pathway from training to certification.
Employer signal: Certifications from Palo Alto Networks aim to validate job-ready skills and boost confidence in implementation quality and operational consistency.
Is the PCNSE Certification Worth It Today?
If you already hold PCNSE, it still carries weight and remains valid for two years from your achievement date. If you were planning to sit PCNSE after July 2025, you should pivot to Palo Alto Networks’ role-based certifications (e.g., Network Security Generalist, Network Security Analyst, Next-Generation Firewall Engineer) because these now represent the current, officially supported pathway.
This shift reflects Palo Alto Networks’ move from product-versioned exams to job-role competency (what you can do on the job), which better matches how security teams hire and operate today.
Pros of PCNSE Certification
Job availability:
Networks still rely on NGFWs and SASE architectures, and Palo Alto Networks provides official training and certifications targeted at these roles. Even post-retirement, PCNSE demonstrates deep platform experience that hiring managers recognise; moving forward, the role-based certifications are tailored to the same job market.
PCNSE salary potential:
Vendor certifications help demonstrate capability, which can be valuable during hiring and progression discussions. Palo Alto Networks emphasises that certifications validate job-ready skills and can make candidates more competitive.
Global recognition:
Palo Alto Networks’ certification program is global and delivered via Pearson VUE, offering online proctored or test-centre options, contributing to consistent recognition across regions.
Career pathways:
The new portfolio maps to roles from foundational to specialist (e.g., NGFW Engineer), with structured digital learning and instructor-led training clear steps for building expertise and validating it.
Cons of PCNSE Certification
Cost considerations:
When PCNSE vouchers were offered, the voucher price listed on the Palo Alto Store was USD $175. Pearson VUE supports scheduling in Australia (test centre or online), but pricing was set in USD via the voucher store. If you’re switching to role-based certifications, note those vouchers are typically USD $200–$300 depending on the exam.
Evolving industry demands:
Palo Alto Networks retired the PCNSE exam in favour of role-based certifications that reflect modern operational responsibilities. This means PCNSE is no longer the current exam option for new candidates; the recognition now flows to the new credentials.
Certification difficulty:
Historically, PCNSE demanded solid hands-on knowledge scenario-based questions, naming conventions, licensing differences, and interface familiarity. Community guidance consistently encouraged practical, lab-based preparation.
Where to Begin to Get Your PCNSE Certification (and the Modern Equivalent)
If you already hold PCNSE: Keep your skills current with Palo Alto’s digital learning and instructor-led courses; consider earning one of the new role-based certifications as your next step.
If you intended to start now: Begin with Network Security Professional (overview of the platform) and progress to Next-Generation Firewall Engineer for deeper, hands-on specialist validation. Use official EDU-210 (Firewall Essentials) and related courses to build practical skills.
Key Topics Covered in PCNSE (Historically)
- PAN-OS configuration: interfaces, zones, virtual routers, NAT, and security policies.
- Panorama & centralised management: templates, device groups, rulebases, and operational tasks.
- GlobalProtect & remote access considerations within the platform.
- Best-practice deployment and troubleshooting fundamentals for NGFW environments.
For today’s path, the NGFW Engineer certification explicitly validates PAN-OS networking, device settings, integration/automation, object configuration, policy creation, and operations the same practical areas practitioners care about.
Is a PCNSE Enough to Get a Job?
It’s one strong signal but hiring teams also look for hands-on experience, troubleshooting ability, and familiarity with Strata Cloud Manager/Panorama operations. Palo Alto’s move to role-based certifications underscores that skills application is key. Pair certification with lab practice and real projects.
Is PCNSE Worth It in Australia?
If you already have PCNSE, it’s still a respected credential and remains valid for two years from your achievement date.
If you’re starting now in Australia, target the role-based certifications (e.g., NGFW Engineer) they’re the current and supported pathway recognised by employers and partners, delivered via Pearson VUE locally or online.
Does Having a PCNSE Certification Pay Well?
Palo Alto Networks emphasises that certification validates job-ready skills and can make professionals more competitive; however, the vendor does not publish salary figures. Treat the certification (or its role-based successor) as part of a broader skills and experience package that influences compensation.
Is the PCNSE Very Difficult?
Candidates commonly note the need for hands-on familiarity (interfaces, licensing, hardware differences) and scenario-based problem solving. Expect straightforward question types (multiple choice, matching, ordering) but focused on practical deployment and best practices.
Is the PCNSE Certification Stressful?
Any proctored exam can be stressful. Palo Alto Networks’ official resources study guides, digital learning, and instructor-led training exist to reduce exam anxiety and structure your preparation. Hands-on practice is the best antidote.
How Many Fail PCNSE?
Palo Alto Networks does not publish pass/fail rates. Some community anecdotes mention confusion around scoring, but official statistics are not provided; rely on preparation quality rather than pass-rate rumours.
The Future of Networking Jobs in Australia
Australian organisations are scaling zero-trust, SASE, and cloud-connected architectures while maintaining robust NGFW controls. Palo Alto Networks’ role-based certifications align to these operational realities validating the exact competencies employers expect on day one. For Australian learners, combining official training (e.g., EDU-210 Firewall Essentials) with NGFW Engineer or Network Security Professional certification is a practical way to show capability, currency, and commitment to the craft.