You can see it againUnder pressure people bring back shapes and positions long after the wording has gone.
Picture superiority · Shepard 1967, Standing 1973
PALO ALTO NETWORKSPalo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice
The Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice certification validates foundational knowledge of cybersecurity, networking, endpoint security, cloud security, security operations, and identity security. Designed for students, career changers, and non-technical professionals, it provides a credible entry point into the cybersecurity field. Earning it demonstrates that you understand core security concepts and are ready to build on them.
Exam formatCertification
DeliveryPearson VUE
Free questions911
Content last reviewed 30 July 2026 · Up to date
The certification
What Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice proves, and what it asks of you
What this certification covers, who it is written for, and what the exam itself looks like on the day.
7domains
39objectives
201concepts
What it is
What this certification is
What it validates, who it is written for, and the experience it assumes.
About this certification
The Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice certification validates foundational knowledge and understanding of computer networks, cloud-based computing, security operations, identity security, and cybersecurity principles. It is designed for individuals who are starting or transitioning into the cybersecurity field, including high school and university students, career changers, and non-technical professionals such as those in marketing or sales roles.
This certification provides a structured entry point into the Palo Alto Networks certification program, confirming that you grasp the essential concepts needed to pursue more advanced role-based certifications. By earning it, you demonstrate a credible baseline of cybersecurity knowledge that can help you stand out as you begin or pivot your career in this field.
Who it’s for
This certification is designed for high school and university students, career changers, and non-technical professionals (e.g., marketing, sales) entering the cybersecurity industry. It is also suitable for individuals who want to demonstrate foundational networking and cybersecurity knowledge as they start or transition into the field. If you are new to cybersecurity and want a credential that validates your understanding of core concepts across networking, cloud, security operations, and identity security, this certification is your starting point.
Recommended experience
No specific experience is required, but reviewing the topics and subtopics in the datasheet and completing the digital learning path courses is recommended before taking the exam. Review the topics and subtopics in the official datasheet; Complete the courses found in the digital learning path as needed
The syllabus
What you’ll learn
Every domain and objective Palo Alto Networks measures, with the weight they carry on the exam.
The official Palo Alto Networks exam outline · checked 30 July 2026 · See the source
Cybersecurity
- 1.1 Identify and describe vulnerabilities and exploits
- 1.2 Identify and describe the stages of the cyber attack lifecycle
- 1.3 Identify and describe common attack types (e.g., malware, insider threat, command and control [C2], social engineering, AI-powered)
- 1.4 Identify and describe common threat detection systems (e.g., Intrusion Detection System [IDS], Host-Based Intrusion Detection System [HIDS], Network-Based Detection System [NIDS])
- 1.5 Identify and describe threat prevention systems and practices (e.g., end user awareness, security updates, antivirus, intrusion prevention systems, firewalls)
- 1.6 Explain the concept of Zero Trust
Network Fundamentals
- 2.1 Identify and describe types of area networks (e.g., WAN, LAN, SD-WAN)
- 2.2 Explain external (north-south) and internal (east-west) traffic flow patterns for environments
- 2.3 Explain the function of a default gateway
- 2.4 Explain the function of NAT, DNS, and DHCP
- 2.5 Explain routed protocols and routing protocols
- 2.6 Explain the TCP/IP model and the OSI model
- 2.7 Identify and describe devices that operate in Layer 1 through Layer 4 of the OSI model
Network Security
- 3.1 Identify and describe network segmentation methods (e.g., IP subnetting, VLAN, zone)
- 3.2 Explain the function of stateful firewalls and next-generation firewalls (NGFWs)
- 3.3 Explain the function of URL filtering, VPNs, and proxies
- 3.4 Identify and describe tunneling protocols (e.g., SSH, TLS, IKE)
- 3.5 Explain the function of data loss prevention (DLP)
- 3.6 Explain the function of enterprise browsers
Endpoint Security
- 4.1 Identify and describe internet of things (IoT) devices and endpoints
- 4.2 Explain the objectives of endpoint security
- 4.3 Identify and describe endpoint security components (e.g., security updates, antivirus, host-based firewalls)
Cloud Security
- 5.1 Identify and describe the four cloud-computing deployment models
- 5.2 Identify and describe common cloud service models (e.g., Software as a Service [SaaS], Platform as a Service [PaaS], Infrastructure as a Service [IaaS], Network as a Service [NaaS])
- 5.3 Explain the cloud shared responsibility model
- 5.4 Define common cloud terms (e.g., hosted, virtualization, virtual machine, container, microservice, API)
- 5.5 Explain the cloud native security platform (CNSP)
- 5.6 Explain the function of continuous integration and continuous delivery / deployment (CI/CD)
Security Operations
- 6.1 Explain security operations functions (e.g., Identify / Detect, Investigate, Mitigate, Improve)
- 6.2 Identify methods to optimize security operations center (SOC) performance (e.g., automation and AI, collaboration and information sharing, regular Security policy updates, security framework alignment)
- 6.3 Define common security operations terms (e.g., event, alert, SOC, DevSecOps, incident response plan, disaster recovery plan)
- 6.4 Explain the concepts of false positive alerts and false negative alerts
- 6.5 Explain the function of syslog
- 6.6 Explain security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) and security information and event management (SIEM)
- 6.7 Explain AI as it relates to alert analysis
Identity Security
- 7.1 Identify and describe identity and access management (IAM) components
- 7.2 Identify and describe privileged access management (PAM) components
- 7.3 Identify and describe public key infrastructure (PKI) components
- 7.4 Identify and describe the components of secrets management
On the day
The exam itself
Everything Palo Alto Networks publishes about sitting it, and nothing we inferred.
Prerequisites
No mandatory prerequisites — this certification has no required predecessor exam or credential.
CertificationPalo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice
Exam formatCertification
DeliveryPearson VUE
After you pass
Where this credential goes next
The path Palo Alto Networks lays out, how the credential is kept, and where to book.
Step-by-step path to Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice
Credential earnedPalo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Apprentice Certification Lifecycle status
This certification is currently active and available. Palo Alto Networks maintains this certification to validate current skills and industry relevance.
Exam status: ActiveMaintained by Palo Alto Networks
Exam registration
Register for the exam through Pearson VUE, Palo Alto Networks’s authorized testing partner.
Schedule your examVisit the official Palo Alto Networks certification page for exam policies and requirements.
View the official pageYour coach
And when you are serious, your coach Pip takes over
Your coach in the app reads what you have answered with the book closed and tells you one thing to do tonight. It will not count an answer you gave with the page open, and it will tell you when you are not ready.
See how the coach worksBefore you book
Questions people ask
How does the Cybersecurity Apprentice certification relate to the Cybersecurity Practitioner certification?
The Cybersecurity Apprentice is the Foundational-level certification, while the Cybersecurity Practitioner is also Foundational but focuses on basic application of the Palo Alto Networks portfolio. The Apprentice is designed for those starting or transitioning into the field, and the Practitioner is for those who want to demonstrate knowledge and basic application skills related to cybersecurity technologies and solutions.
Do I need to earn the Cybersecurity Apprentice before pursuing higher-level Palo Alto Networks certifications?
No, Palo Alto Networks does not require the Cybersecurity Apprentice as a prerequisite for any other certification. However, it is a recommended starting point for those new to cybersecurity.
Is there a hands-on or lab component in the Cybersecurity Apprentice exam?
The official materials do not specify a hands-on or lab component for this exam. The certification validates foundational knowledge, and the recommended preparation includes digital learning courses.
What job roles does the Cybersecurity Apprentice certification map to?
This certification is designed for individuals entering the cybersecurity field, including students, career changers, and non-technical professionals. It validates foundational knowledge that can support roles such as entry-level security analyst or IT support with a security focus.
Can I recertify by passing a different Palo Alto Networks exam?
Palo Alto Networks does not publish a renewal policy for this certification. Since it is a Foundational-level credential, it may not require renewal, but you should check the Certification Handbook for the most current information.
Information freshness · Content last reviewed on 2026-07-30 Up to date
Practice free questions 911 questions, free, no account needed.
The curriculum
The whole exam, mapped and written
Every domain, every objective, and every concept Palo Alto Networks measures — each one written out.
7domains
39objectives
201concepts
197free pages
The domains, and what sits inside them
Every objective below is a page you can open and practise now, without an account.
The official Palo Alto Networks exam outline · checked 30 July 2026 · See the source
1Cybersecurity141 questions
1.1 Identify and describe vulnerabilities and exploits6 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →1.2 Identify and describe the stages of the cyber attack lifecycle8 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →1.3 Identify and describe common attack types (e.g., malware, insider threat, command and control [C2], social engineering, AI-powered)5 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →1.4 Identify and describe common threat detection systems (e.g., Intrusion Detection System [IDS], Host-Based Intrusion Detection System [HIDS], Network-Based Detection System [NIDS])3 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →1.5 Identify and describe threat prevention systems and practices (e.g., end user awareness, security updates, antivirus, intrusion prevention systems, firewalls)6 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →1.6 Explain the concept of Zero Trust3 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →
2Network Fundamentals154 questions
2.1 Identify and describe types of area networks (e.g., WAN, LAN, SD-WAN)4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →2.2 Explain external (north-south) and internal (east-west) traffic flow patterns for environments7 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →2.3 Explain the function of a default gateway6 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →2.4 Explain the function of NAT, DNS, and DHCP6 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →2.5 Explain routed protocols and routing protocols5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →2.6 Explain the TCP/IP model and the OSI model5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →2.7 Identify and describe devices that operate in Layer 1 through Layer 4 of the OSI model4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →
3Network Security139 questions
3.1 Identify and describe network segmentation methods (e.g., IP subnetting, VLAN, zone)4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →3.2 Explain the function of stateful firewalls and next-generation firewalls (NGFWs)8 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →3.3 Explain the function of URL filtering, VPNs, and proxies3 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →3.4 Identify and describe tunneling protocols (e.g., SSH, TLS, IKE)3 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →3.5 Explain the function of data loss prevention (DLP)6 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →3.6 Explain the function of enterprise browsers5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →
4Endpoint Security67 questions
4.1 Identify and describe internet of things (IoT) devices and endpoints5 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →4.2 Explain the objectives of endpoint security4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →4.3 Identify and describe endpoint security components (e.g., security updates, antivirus, host-based firewalls)3 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →
5Cloud Security129 questions
5.1 Identify and describe the four cloud-computing deployment models5 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →5.2 Identify and describe common cloud service models (e.g., Software as a Service [SaaS], Platform as a Service [PaaS], Infrastructure as a Service [IaaS], Network as a Service [NaaS])7 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →5.3 Explain the cloud shared responsibility model4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →5.4 Define common cloud terms (e.g., hosted, virtualization, virtual machine, container, microservice, API)6 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →5.5 Explain the cloud native security platform (CNSP)5 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →5.6 Explain the function of continuous integration and continuous delivery / deployment (CI/CD)4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →
6Security Operations174 questions
6.1 Explain security operations functions (e.g., Identify / Detect, Investigate, Mitigate, Improve)4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →6.2 Identify methods to optimize security operations center (SOC) performance (e.g., automation and AI, collaboration and information sharing, regular Security policy updates, security framework alignment)4 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →6.3 Define common security operations terms (e.g., event, alert, SOC, DevSecOps, incident response plan, disaster recovery plan)6 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →6.4 Explain the concepts of false positive alerts and false negative alerts7 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →6.5 Explain the function of syslog6 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →6.6 Explain security orchestration, automation, and response (SOAR) and security information and event management (SIEM)7 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →6.7 Explain AI as it relates to alert analysis5 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →
7Identity Security107 questions
7.1 Identify and describe identity and access management (IAM) components7 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →7.2 Identify and describe privileged access management (PAM) components7 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →7.3 Identify and describe public key infrastructure (PKI) components5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →7.4 Identify and describe the components of secrets management3 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →
Not a table of contents
Every line on this map already opens
In front of every objective the practice pages are already there, free and without an account. This is one objective, opened.
1.1 Identify and describe vulnerabilities and exploits5 pagesOpen →
Free in front of it
25 questions on this objective, five to a page. Every range above is a real page, open now, with no account.
Reading the map is not the same as knowing the ground
The curriculum tells you what is on the exam. Proving you know it is a different job — and it is the one the closed-book run does.
Free questions
911 questions. No account, no card.
The whole bank is open. 5 questions to a page, every answer explained, and a discussion thread on each one.
911questions
197pages
39objectives
Freealways
Browse by domain
Every objective, and every page range, is a link — so you can pick up exactly where you left off.
1Cybersecurity141 questions
2Network Fundamentals154 questions
3Network Security139 questions
4Endpoint Security67 questions
5Cloud Security129 questions
6Security Operations174 questions
7Identity Security107 questions
What a practice page gives you
1Five to a page
Short enough to finish, long enough to matter.
2Every answer explained
Not only which one is right — why the others are wrong.
3A discussion on each
Ask, answer, and vote. Every question has its own thread.
A question, and the idea behind it
Every question comes from a concept
These are not trivia. Each one is written against a concept in the book, so when you get one wrong there is somewhere to go and find out why.
The visual book
See it once. Carry it into the exam.
The pages shown here come from our AI-900 book — an example of how each concept is written in plain language and, where the idea needs one, drawn as a full page you can take in at a glance.
201concepts
911free questions
Why a picture, and not another paragraph
Three reasons, and each one is a real finding rather than a slogan.
You can see it againThe whole idea at onceWhere it starts, what happens in the middle, what comes out, and the mistake to avoid.
Multimedia principle · MayerThe look-alikes sit togetherThe pairs the exam tests are drawn side by side, so the difference is seen, not told.
Dual coding · PaivioWhat one page is made of
You are never asked to read a poster here — only to see how one is built. After that, every other page is legible at a glance.
1A numbered strip on top
The idea as a sequence, followed with a finger before a word is read.
2Panels for the parts
What it is, how the machine learns it, when it is the right tool.
3The trap, framed
The distinction the exam tests, given its own box instead of buried in prose.
4One line at the bottom
The sentence to carry into the exam room.
Open book, on purpose
Answer it with the picture beside you
This is the part that teaches. The illustration and the written explanation stay where they are while you work, so a scenario stops being a memory test and becomes something you can simply look at.
It teaches · it does not count
A smartphone uses AI to unlock when the owner looks at the camera. Which AI capability is being used?
AImage classification
BFacial recognition
COptical character recognition
DObject detection
Look at the five steps. Detect finds a face, align straightens it, encode turns it into numbers, search compares it with a stored face, and decide answers one question: is this the same person? Classification would only say “a face”. Detection would only draw a box. Neither decides whose.
Then the page shuts, and it starts counting
The same questions come back with the book closed — that run is the one that counts. After it, your coach picks one thing for tonight, sized to the time you have, and brings pages back before you lose them.
Testing effect · Roediger & Karpicke 2006 · spacing effect · Cepeda et al. 2006
Official resources
Straight from Palo Alto Networks
Where the exam is defined, scheduled and scored.
5official links
201concepts mapped
The source
Palo Alto Networks’s own pages
We link to them rather than repeat them, so nothing here goes stale behind them.
Checked against the source
Every objective on the official Palo Alto Networks outline already has questions here
We build from the official skills outline, not from a summary of it — 39 objectives, 201 concepts written under them, and free questions against every one. When Palo Alto Networks changes the outline, this page changes with it.
39objectives on the outline→201concepts written→911free questions
An official page tells you what will be asked. It cannot tell you what you will get right.
That is the only question worth answering the night before, and no link answers it. You answer it by taking the questions with the book closed, and seeing what comes back.