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 Network Security Architect
The Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Architect certification validates the skills and experience required to architect secure, highly available, and scalable systems using the Palo Alto Networks network security portfolio. Designed for experienced architects, it confirms your ability to translate technical and business requirements into complex security blueprints aligned with industry frameworks and compliance objectives. Earning this credential demonstrates your expertise in designing for Zero Trust across the network security platform.
Exam formatCertification
DeliveryPearson VUE
Free questions986
Content last reviewed 30 July 2026 · Up to date
The certification
What Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Architect 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.
10domains
45objectives
272concepts
$300.00exam fee
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 Network Security Architect certification validates experienced network security architects on their skills and abilities in understanding technical and business requirements and architecting secure, highly available, and scalable systems with network security portfolio solutions and relevant third-party integrations. This certification goes beyond technical knowledge to confirm a candidate's ability to design, develop, and oversee complex security blueprints using industry frameworks that align to compliance requirements and business objectives.
This advanced credential is designed for individuals with 5+ years of experience architecting for Zero Trust across the Network Security platform and 2+ years of Palo Alto Networks hands-on experience. It validates the skills and experience required of network security architects to understand technical and business requirements and architect secure, highly available, and scalable systems with Palo Alto Networks network security portfolio solutions, and to oversee complex security blueprints using industry frameworks.
Who it’s for
This certification is designed for network security architects and security experts responsible for understanding the business requirements for—and planning and designing of—Palo Alto Networks-based security solutions and integrations in both cloud and on-premises environments by using industry-standard frameworks and practices. It is designed for individuals with 5+ years of experience architecting for Zero Trust across the Network Security platform, and with 2+ years of Palo Alto Networks hands-on experience. Individuals who want to demonstrate skills and experience with architecting for Zero Trust across the network security portfolio.
Recommended experience
5+ years of experience architecting for Zero Trust across the Network Security platform, and 2+ years of Palo Alto Networks hands-on experience. 5+ years of experience architecting for Zero Trust across the Network Security platform; 2+ years of Palo Alto Networks hands-on experience; Understanding of the underlying Specialist-level exam topics
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
Zero Trust Enterprise
- 1.1 Design User-ID and device health, host information profile (HIP) and security posture, and Device-IDbased least privilege access Security policy controls
- 1.2 Design and differentiate between network segmentation and microsegmentation
- 1.3 Differentiate access to specific applications
- 1.4 Implement continuous security scanning of allowed traffic to stop malware and exploits
- 1.5 Implement continuous monitoring and analytics of zero trust environment
AI Security
- 2.1 Differentiate between and explain the specific Palo Alto Networks products that make up Prisma AI Runtime Security (AIRS) and AI Access
- 2.2 Determine recommended standard architectures for AI security
- 2.3 Identify and explain the classification and attributes of AI applications and apply security controls
Centralized Management and IAM
- 3.1 Architect Panorama and log collectors
- 3.2 Architect Strata Cloud Manager (SCM), Strata Logging Service, and Cloud Identity Engine
- 3.3 Recommend Cloud Identity Engine directory sync options
- 3.4 Recommend Strata Logging Service log forwarding methods and integrations (e.g., syslog over TLS, HTTP, email)
- 3.5 Recommend User identification and authentication methods (e.g., Cloud Identity Engine, CAS for SAML)
- 3.6 Evaluate Cloud Identity Engine use cases
SSE Private Application Access
- 4.1 Architect Prisma Access in regional and global deployments
- 4.2 Differentiate between on-ramp and off-ramp architectures
- 4.3 Determine private application access through Prisma Browser
Mobile User Security
- 5.1 Evaluate Prisma Browser, Prisma Access Agent, explicit proxy, and GlobalProtect use cases
- 5.2 Architect GlobalProtect connection methods: On-demand, User-logon (Always On), Pre-logon (Always On)
- 5.3 Architect Prisma Access Mobile Users
- 5.4 Design AI-Powered Autonomous Digital Experience Manager (ADEM)
Modernizing Branches
- 6.1 Compare and design branch architectures for SASE security and HA
- 6.2 Evaluate advanced security for Prisma SD-WAN
Data Security
- 7.1 Differentiate between SaaS Security Inline and SaaS API Security
- 7.2 Determine the most secure approach for SaaS application usage control
- 7.3 Analyze and architect to Enterprise DLP functionality
Securing IoT Environments
- 8.1 Architect Device Security
- 8.2 Differentiate between IoT sensor placement options
- 8.3 Explain visibility functionality (e.g., NGFW, virtual metadata collector, Prisma SD-WAN, PAN-OS SD-WAN)
- 8.4 Evaluate and design to Device-ID capabilities
- 8.5 Confirm and design to Device Security capabilities
Public Cloud
- 9.1 Explain NGFW standard integrations, including AWS, Azure, GCP, and OCI
- 9.2 Design for maintenance and security across CSP environments
- 9.3 Design to AWS NGFW standards
- 9.4 Design to Azure NGFW standards
- 9.5 Design to GCP NGFW standards
- 9.6 Justify VM-Series and Cloud NGFW solutions
Private Cloud (PA-Series, VM-Series, Hypervisors)
- 10.1 Assess private cloud scope and capacity requirements
- 10.2 Design VM-Series deployments across hypervisors (e.g., AHV, KVM, ESXi)
- 10.3 Evaluate SSL decryption versus performance trade-offs
- 10.4 Architect HA deployment for private cloud resilience
- 10.5 Explain Layer 3 deployment routing considerations
- 10.6 Evaluate systems management options and considerations
- 10.7 Evaluate new hardware deployment trending and scoping
- 10.8 Evaluate SSL inspection sizing requirements
On the day
The exam itself
Everything Palo Alto Networks publishes about sitting it, and nothing we inferred.
Prerequisites
5+ years of experience architecting for Zero Trust across the Network Security platform
CertificationPalo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Architect
Exam formatCertification
DeliveryPearson VUE
Pricing$300.00
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 Network Security Architect
Prerequisite5+ years of experience architecting for Zero Trust across the Network Security platform
Credential earnedPalo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Architect 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 this certification relate to the Specialist-level certifications in the Network Security track?
This is an advanced certification that assumes an understanding of the underlying Specialist-level exam topics. Palo Alto Networks recommends reviewing the learning paths for those exams as needed.
Do I need to earn a lower-tier certification before pursuing this Architect-level certification?
Palo Alto Networks does not publish mandatory prerequisites for this certification. However, it is designed for individuals with 5+ years of experience architecting for Zero Trust and 2+ years of Palo Alto Networks hands-on experience.
What is the cost of the exam voucher?
The exam voucher for the Network Security Architect certification is priced at $300.00 USD.
How long is the exam voucher valid?
All exam vouchers expire twelve (12) months after the date of purchase. You must schedule and take the applicable exam within twelve (12) months of purchase.
What job roles does this certification map to?
This certification is designed for network security architects and security experts responsible for understanding the business requirements for—and planning and designing of—Palo Alto Networks-based security solutions and integrations in both cloud and on-premises environments.
Is there a hands-on or lab component to this certification?
The certification validates skills and abilities in architecting secure, highly available, and scalable systems. The official page lists the format as 'Certification' and does not specify a separate hands-on lab component.
Information freshness · Content last reviewed on 2026-07-30 Up to date
Practice free questions 986 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.
10domains
45objectives
272concepts
215free 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
1Zero Trust Enterprise104 questions
1.1 Design User-ID and device health, host information profile (HIP) and security posture, and Device-IDbased least privilege access Security policy controls5 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →1.2 Design and differentiate between network segmentation and microsegmentation6 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →1.3 Differentiate access to specific applications5 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →1.4 Implement continuous security scanning of allowed traffic to stop malware and exploits7 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →1.5 Implement continuous monitoring and analytics of zero trust environment7 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →
2AI Security89 questions
2.1 Differentiate between and explain the specific Palo Alto Networks products that make up Prisma AI Runtime Security (AIRS) and AI Access11 concepts · 8 pagesOpen →2.2 Determine recommended standard architectures for AI security6 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →2.3 Identify and explain the classification and attributes of AI applications and apply security controls10 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →
3Centralized Management and IAM138 questions
3.1 Architect Panorama and log collectors8 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →3.2 Architect Strata Cloud Manager (SCM), Strata Logging Service, and Cloud Identity Engine5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →3.3 Recommend Cloud Identity Engine directory sync options8 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →3.4 Recommend Strata Logging Service log forwarding methods and integrations (e.g., syslog over TLS, HTTP, email)7 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →3.5 Recommend User identification and authentication methods (e.g., Cloud Identity Engine, CAS for SAML)5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →3.6 Evaluate Cloud Identity Engine use cases3 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →
4SSE Private Application Access59 questions
5Mobile User Security91 questions
5.1 Evaluate Prisma Browser, Prisma Access Agent, explicit proxy, and GlobalProtect use cases5 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →5.2 Architect GlobalProtect connection methods: On-demand, User-logon (Always On), Pre-logon (Always On)5 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →5.3 Architect Prisma Access Mobile Users6 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →5.4 Design AI-Powered Autonomous Digital Experience Manager (ADEM)8 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →
6Modernizing Branches45 questions
7Data Security77 questions
8Securing IoT Environments116 questions
8.1 Architect Device Security5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →8.2 Differentiate between IoT sensor placement options7 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →8.3 Explain visibility functionality (e.g., NGFW, virtual metadata collector, Prisma SD-WAN, PAN-OS SD-WAN)4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →8.4 Evaluate and design to Device-ID capabilities5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →8.5 Confirm and design to Device Security capabilities6 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →
9Public Cloud98 questions
9.1 Explain NGFW standard integrations, including AWS, Azure, GCP, and OCI4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →9.2 Design for maintenance and security across CSP environments4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →9.3 Design to AWS NGFW standards6 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →9.4 Design to Azure NGFW standards4 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →9.5 Design to GCP NGFW standards4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →9.6 Justify VM-Series and Cloud NGFW solutions3 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →
10Private Cloud (PA-Series, VM-Series, Hypervisors)169 questions
10.1 Assess private cloud scope and capacity requirements3 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →10.2 Design VM-Series deployments across hypervisors (e.g., AHV, KVM, ESXi)10 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →10.3 Evaluate SSL decryption versus performance trade-offs6 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →10.4 Architect HA deployment for private cloud resilience4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →10.5 Explain Layer 3 deployment routing considerations8 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →10.6 Evaluate systems management options and considerations8 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →10.7 Evaluate new hardware deployment trending and scoping3 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →10.8 Evaluate SSL inspection sizing requirements5 concepts · 4 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 Design User-ID and device health, host information profile (HIP) and security posture, and Device-IDbased least privilege access Security policy controls4 pagesOpen →
Free in front of it
16 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
986 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.
986questions
215pages
45objectives
Freealways
Browse by domain
Every objective, and every page range, is a link — so you can pick up exactly where you left off.
1Zero Trust Enterprise104 questions
2AI Security89 questions
3Centralized Management and IAM138 questions
4SSE Private Application Access59 questions
5Mobile User Security91 questions
6Modernizing Branches45 questions
7Data Security77 questions
8Securing IoT Environments116 questions
9Public Cloud98 questions
10Private Cloud (PA-Series, VM-Series, Hypervisors)169 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.
272concepts
986free 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.
6official links
272concepts mapped
The source
Palo Alto Networks’s own pages
We link to them rather than repeat them, so nothing here goes stale behind them.
Official certification page The exam, its objectives and its scoringPalo Alto Networks Certification Program issuerPalo Alto Networks - Network Security Architect Exam Voucher issuerPalo Alto Networks Certification Handbook issuerPalo Alto Networks Candidate Agreement issuerPalo Alto Networks Certification Program FAQs issuer
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 — 45 objectives, 272 concepts written under them, and free questions against every one. When Palo Alto Networks changes the outline, this page changes with it.
45objectives on the outline→272concepts written→986free 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.