The cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve rapidly, and with it, the demand for professionals who can manage, secure, and optimize enterprise networks using next-generation technologies. Recognizing this shift, Palo Alto Networks (PAN) has announced a major transformation in its certification program. The long-standing certifications—PCNSA (Palo Alto Certified Network Security Administrator) and PCNSE (Palo Alto Certified Network Security Engineer)—are being retired as the company transitions to a new role-based certification framework designed to better reflect current industry needs and job functions.
What’s Changing
Palo Alto Networks’ decision to restructure its certification framework marks a significant milestone. Under this new approach, the focus moves beyond purely product-based knowledge to encompass real-world, role-specific skills that professionals require in today’s hybrid, multi-cloud, and AI-driven security environments.
Here’s what’s happening:
PCNSE Retirement: The Palo Alto Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) certification, one of PAN’s flagship credentials, will officially retire on July 31, 2025. After this date, candidates will no longer be able to take the PCNSE exam.
PCNSA Retirement: The Palo Alto Certified Network Security Administrator (PCNSA) exam was retired earlier, with many sources citing January 31, 2025, as the last date for candidates to sit under the legacy certification track.
Validity of Existing Certifications: Any PCNSE or PCNSA certifications already earned will remain valid for their full two-year validity period from the date of achievement. However, recertification under these specific tracks will no longer be possible after retirement.
This change underscores Palo Alto’s commitment to ensuring its certifications remain relevant and aligned with real-world cybersecurity job roles.
What Replaces PCNSA & PCNSE
Rather than offering direct replacements, Palo Alto Networks has introduced a new role-based certification structure that categorizes credentials according to specific professional responsibilities. This shift ensures that certified individuals possess not only theoretical knowledge but also the hands-on skills required to protect complex network infrastructures.
The new certification paths include roles such as:
Network Security Generalist – Designed Paloalto Training for IT professionals who need a solid understanding of Palo Alto’s core technologies and general security operations.
Next-Generation Firewall Engineer – Tailored for professionals who design, deploy, and maintain Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW) and related platform services.
Network Security Analyst – Focused on professionals working in SOC environments, emphasizing threat analysis, incident response, and proactive security operations.
This new framework bridges the gap between traditional certification and real-world application, preparing professionals for modern enterprise demands across network security, cloud security, and automation domains.
Training at IP4 Networkers
At IP4 Networkers, we continue to offer industry-leading Palo Alto training programs in Bangalore for professionals seeking hands-on expertise in Palo Alto’s firewall and security technologies. Our specialized courses in PCNSA and PCNSE training have helped hundreds of learners build strong foundational and advanced skills in managing Palo Alto solutions.
Palo Alto PCNSA Training in Bangalore
Our PCNSA (Palo Alto Certified Network Security Administrator) training is designed to develop your administrative and operational skills on PAN-OS firewalls. This course includes:
In-depth coverage of firewall administration and device management
Designing and implementing robust security policies
Understanding and configuring traffic protection and threat prevention
Managing users, VPNs, and high availability configurations
Real-world hands-on lab sessions to simulate enterprise-level environments
Exam preparation including mock tests, question discussions, and strategies for success
This program remains valuable for those seeking to master Palo Alto Networks fundamentals and to transition smoothly into the new role-based certifications once fully launched.
Palo Alto PCNSE Training in Bangalore
For advanced professionals, IP4 Networkers also offers comprehensive PCNSE (Palo Alto Certified Network Security Engineer) training. This advanced-level course helps you gain deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience in deploying, configuring, and troubleshooting Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls and services.
Key learning outcomes include:
Planning and deploying Palo Alto Networks NGFW solutions
Advanced configuration and policy tuning
Network and Paloalto Training security troubleshooting on PAN-OS 11
Implementing user identification, URL filtering, and VPNs
Managing Panorama for centralized administration and reporting
Advanced threat detection and prevention techniques
Delivered by certified instructors with real-world industry experience, this program equips participants to manage Palo Alto’s solutions effectively in production environments.
Staying Ahead with IP4 Networkers
As Palo Alto Networks transitions to its new role-based certification structure, IP4 Networkers remains committed to ensuring that learners stay current with the latest certification paths and skill requirements. Our training center continues to adapt to evolving certification frameworks, integrating updated content, lab exercises, and real-world projects that match Palo Alto’s latest standards.
Whether you’re beginning your cybersecurity journey or advancing your expertise with enterprise firewall management, IP4 Networkers provides the right guidance, practical exposure, and mentorship to help you stay ahead in the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.
Stay connected with us for updates on the new Palo Alto role-based certifications, training schedules, and career-oriented learning paths designed to keep you competitive in the network security domain.
Enroll today at IP4 Networkers, Bangalore – where hands-on learning meets industry excellence.