Education Services Articles

Check out the recent Digital Learning courses launched this month! From fundamentals to specialized, role-based learning, Palo Alto Networks Education Services is excited to announce offerings on all elements of our technologies.   Firewall Deployment 10.0 and Panorama Deployment 10.0 courses have been updated to 10.0. With the newest features, both Firewall 10.0 and Panorama 10.0 are equipped with the latest and greatest training in Palo Alto Networks Next-Generation Firewalls.   You asked and we delivered! While Firewall Deployment 10.0 and Panorama Deployment 10.0 were originally designed to be single courses with hours of information, we have now upgraded them to be course collections. Each course collection has been broken down into individual courses and learners can sign up with one registration link to access the entire collection. Dividing our courses and putting them into course collections enables bite-sized learning and encourages self-paced, scheduled training. We understand that our learners consume digital learning in bites and are excited to release the same great technical learning, now with added ease of consumption and convenience of time!   Browse the links below for more course information and registration!   Digital Learning Launches, October 2020 Beacon LevelUp Cortex XSOAR: Threat Intel Management Registration Link Registration Link Firewall Deployment 10.0 Registration Link Registration Link Next-Generation Firewall Setup and Management Connection     Zone Security, Security and NAT Policies     Protection Profiles for Zones and DoS Attacks     App-ID to Block Threats     WildFire Versus Malware     Security Profiles and Security Policies     Device-ID to Block Threats     Security Policies and User-ID for Increased Security     Threat and Traffic Information     Fundamentals of Network Security Registration Link Registration Link Panorama Deployment 10.0 Registration Link Registration Link Panorama Setup and Configuration     Panorama to Manage Next-Generation Firewalls     Panorama Templates and Device Groups     Panorama Log Collector and Log Forwarding     Panorama Management and Administration     Panorama Comprehensive Reporting     Panorama Troubleshooting Techniques     Prisma Access for MSSP: Business Overview and Solution Use Cases Registration Link Registration Link

New Palo Alto Networks Certifications: PCCSE and PCSAE   With the cybersecurity industry evolving rapidly, adapting to new technologies and being proactive with security developments has become more important than ever. Palo Alto Networks, a global cybersecurity leader, produces technologies at the forefront of securing the cloud and the future. We are excited to announce our latest certifications, Palo Alto Networks Certified Cloud Security Engineer (PCCSE) and Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation Engineer (PCSAE). Earn one of these industry recognized certifications to augment your cybersecurity credentials in these cutting edge spaces.   Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud platform offers the industry’s broadest security and compliance coverage for applications, data, and the entire cloud native technology stack. The PCCSE certification validates the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to onboard, deploy, and administer all aspects of Prisma Cloud. The PCCSE certified individual demonstrates in-depth knowledge of Palo Alto Networks Prisma Cloud technology and resources.   Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSOAR orchestrates actions across the entire security product stack for faster and more scalable incident response. The PCSAE certification validates the knowledge and skills required to develop, analyze, and administer our Cortex XSOAR security orchestration, automation, and response platform with native threat intelligence management. The PCSAE certified individual demonstrates understanding of the utility of out-of-the-box and custom playbooks and integrations while identifying customer processes automated and customized through XSOAR.   The PCCSE Blueprint and PCSAE Blueprint are available to showcase the high level domain, tasks, and subtasks covered in the examinations.   Check out the Palo Alto Networks Education Services site for more information on our certification release dates, additional exam preparation material, and information about how you can be selected to take the beta version of these two new certifications.   PCCET   The Palo Alto Networks Education Services team is excited to announce the new and improved foundational certification, the Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Entry-level Technician (PCCET). This certification is designed for students, technical professionals, and non-technical professionals interested in validating comprehensive knowledge on current cybersecurity tenets. The PCCET will replace the Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate (PCCSA). The PCCSA will be delivered until January 31, 2021. The PCCET will include next-level upgrades to encompass knowledge of the various cutting-edge advancements across all Palo Alto Networks technologies. PCCET registration opens January 1, 2021 and is available January 31, 2021.    PCCSA certified individuals will have their credentialing status grandfathered into the upgraded PCCET certification framework. When their current PCCSA certification expires, individuals will need to take and pass the new exam to recertify as a PCCET or take a higher level certification exam.   As we grow our portfolio, it’s essential that our foundational certification reflect changes in technology. The renamed PCCET is a knowledge-based certification on the fundamentals of cybersecurity that will stand as the entry point in accessing the entire Palo Alto Networks credentialing portfolio. While the previous version was focused solely on Strata (Firewall), this upgraded certification will assess the individual’s knowledge of firewalls as well as the cloud and automation functionalities of Prisma and Cortex. Additionally, as the cybersecurity landscape gets more complex, Cybersecurity Academy (one of the pillars of Palo Alto Networks Education Services) has created 4 new courses (from the original 3-course series) to align with the PCCET certification, and has also the NIST/NICE (National Institute of Standards and Technology/National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education) workforce framework.    To start preparing for the exam today individuals can:  Review the PCCET Blueprint   Take the Digital Learning available to prepare for PCCET Introduction to Cybersecurity - www.paloaltonetworks.com/EDU-001 Fundamentals of Network Security - www.paloaltonetworks.com/EDU-010 Fundamentals of Cloud Security - www.paloaltonetworks.com/EDU-040 Fundamentals of Security Operations Center (SOC) - www.paloaltonetworks.com/EDU-070 Review the Cybersecurity Survival Guide Register for the exam starting January 1  The current PCCSA exam will only be delivered through January 31   The PCCET will be launching on January 31, 2021. Individuals will be able to register to take the exam on January 1, 2021. New educational resources will be made available in November with more information on how to prepare for the updated exam.   We recognize the critical importance of updating our certifications for candidates and employers to reflect the latest technologies. Upgrading our foundational certification allows us to keep up with the needs of the changing market.

Our certification portfolio is growing! The Palo Alto Networks certification portfolio currently includes Assessment-Based Certificates (ABCs) and Certifications. We are responding to a clear need in the market for more credentialing options. Micro Credentials represent the middle ground between assessment-based certificates and certifications, maintaining a smaller size but built with the same integrity as our certification portfolio. Please see the table below for comparisons.   Palo Alto Networks Credentialing offerings   ABC Micro Credential Certification Intended for Study of a topic Upskilling/reskilling in a focused area   Comprehensive upskilling/reskilling   Scope   1-2 areas of expertise Broad coverage Tests  Knowledge Knowledge & skills Knowledge & skills Fully online ✔ ✔ ✔ In-person testing available Availability 24-7 globally 24-7 globally Scheduled testing Timed test No ✔ ✔ 2 year validity Unlimited ✔ ✔ Platform for test Beacon/Level Up Beacon/Level Up Pearson Vue Price Free Free $100+ Unique digital badge No ✔ ✔   The Palo Alto Networks Education Services team is excited to announce the newest additions to our credentialing portfolio: Micro Credentials! We will now be offering seven Micro Credentials focused on testing for a variety of learning objectives and skill sets. The Micro Credentials will launch in November and serve specialized areas of learning regarding the latest Palo Alto Networks Prisma and Cortex speedboats.   With their shortened length and specialized topics of study, our Micro Credentials are designed to offer quick and efficient learning paths. Individuals may use chunk learning, topic-based studying, as a methodical approach to earn these Micro Credentials. Our Micro Credential exams have an average of 30 questions and are delivered through the Learning Management Systems, Beacon and LevelUp, 24 hours a day. They can be accessed on a personal computer or mobile device.   These Micro Credentials are open to employees, customers, and partners. Once each Micro Credentials is successfully obtained, individuals earn Digital Badges that can be showcased on resumes or sites like LinkedIn, to demonstrate value in the market.   Logo Acronym Name Audience   PMXdC Palo Alto Networks Micro Credential Cortex XDR Consultant Certified Professional Services Partners   PMXrC Palo Alto Networks Micro Credential XSOAR Consultant Certified Professional Services Partners   PMRC Palo Alto Networks Micro Credential Remote-Security Consultant Certified Professional Services Partners   PMCC Palo Alto Networks Micro Credential Prisma Cloud Consultant  Certified Professional Services Partners   PMXdS Palo Alto Networks Micro Credential Cortex XDR Support-Engineer Authorized Support Center   PMRS Palo Alto Networks Micro Credential Remote-Security Support-Engineer Authorized Support Center   PMSA Palo Alto Networks Micro Credential Cyber Security Analyst PS and Support Team Members   The constant evolution of technology requires cybersecurity professionals to stay agile and updated in all security advancements, which takes time and dedication. Our Micro Credentials allow individuals to adapt to the changes in technology quickly and accurately. The specialized learning paths, shortened content length, flexible testing administration, and overall ease of accessibility all come together to ensure that individuals can demonstrate updated knowledge. For more information about Micro Credentials, please refer to Beacon .

Beacon is the center of knowledge and resources for Palo Alto Networks Education Services . We are excited to announce that our current Learning Center has migrated onto Beacon. With the comprehensive inventory of educational resources available in Beacon, learning about cybersecurity and navigating the technologies offered by Palo Alto Networks has never been easier. With the learning center fully migrated and ready to use, Beacon is the one stop shop for learners to access content such as Digital Learning , Instructor-Led Training , and Certifications , alongside resources from technical assets.   With ease of accessibility, anyone is able to register for Beacon with SSO through Palo Alto Networks credentials. Beacon was initiated as a direct result of continuous customer feedback. You asked and we delivered: a one-stop place for all things Palo Alto Networks! Users are able to easily utilize our inventory of technical assets and have access to a substantial amount of resources in a centralized location. Our inventory includes technical assets developed by the Global Enablement team as well as resources such as TechDocs, LIVEcommunity, and FUEL User Group.   Beacon is proud to host an array of Digital Learning, Instructor-Led Training, and Certifications as it enables users on their learning journey. Digital Learning consists of a variety of courses on each of our technologies, as well as fundamental courses that set the foundation for learning about cybersecurity as a whole. With bite-sized training and test-out capabilities, Digital Learning allows users to go through these courses on their own speed. Instructor-Led Training provides expert training courses and hands-on labs with classroom and virtual delivery formats. Learners can browse through a catalog of courses and register for classes through our Authorized Training Partners. Our Certification program delivers role based certifications for cutting-edge cybersecurity technology as well as assets for preparations. Learners may utilize resources such as Study Guides, Exam Blueprints, and practice exams to successfully attempt certification. Alternatively, learners can select the Self-Service Roadmaps topic to better understand different Palo Alto Networks capabilities and functions.   The need for cybersecurity trained and certified professionals is rapidly increasing. Beacon allows learners to update their skills and keep up with the dynamic changes in cybersecurity technology through an easy-to-use, self-service learning platform. With the goal of making cybersecurity education more accessible for novice learners and experienced learners alike, Palo Alto Networks Education Services hopes to be a consistent and reliable source for all cybersecurity education.

Hear from our Head of Global Enablement, Prameet Chhabra, about how to get up to speed quickly and keep pace with the rapid changes in cybersecurity technology through easy-to-use, self-service learning with Beacon, a free, comprehensive learning resource for all Palo Alto Networks customers and partners.   The future of work requires learning to be dynamic, virtual, relevant and available on demand. Our customers and partners need to be able to get up to speed quickly and keep pace with the rapid changes in cybersecurity technology through easy-to-use, self-service learning. Beacon is just that – a free, comprehensive learning resource for all Palo Alto Networks customers and partners.   When we  launched Beacon  a little more than a year ago, we envisioned it as an interactive, engaging, one-stop site gathering all Palo Alto Networks resources in one location. Most recently, we moved all customer and partner learning onto Beacon to make it a truly centralized location to access digital learning, instructor-led training and certification, alongside content from our technical assets.     We know customers have individual learning needs, so while we provide recommendations and learning roadmaps, you can select any topic, course or asset on Beacon at any time via the search or browse function. Topics are broken up and organized in alignment with Palo Alto Networks core technologies – Strata, Prisma and Cortex – and further segmented to help you quickly get the most relevant information. Information is available to you via digital learning, instructor-led training, certifications, and technology- and feature-specific resources. Learning roadmaps can also be tailored to your desired outcome, needs, role and expertise. Whether you want to complete an initial deployment, optimize configurations, or anything in between, there’s a way to make Beacon work for you.     What Beacon Offers New Palo Alto Networks Customers For new customers, we recommend starting with our  Onboarding and Initial Configuration  topic. Here, you can find additional information on Registration, Deployments, Tools and Best Practices, Need to Know Resources, Communities and more. You can find step-by-step guides on how to register your products and services, and recommended next steps.   Continuing your learning journey, you have access to an array of  Digital Learning ,  Instructor-Led Training  and Certifications.  Digital Learning  consists of a variety of courses on each of our technologies, as well as fundamental courses that dive deeper into cybersecurity as a whole. With bite-sized training and test-out capabilities, Digital Learning allows users to go through these courses at their own speed.  Instructor-Led Training  provides expert training courses with both classroom and virtual delivery formats. Learners can browse through a catalog of courses and register for classes through our global network of Authorized Training Partners. Our  Certification  program delivers role-based certifications for cutting-edge cybersecurity technology as well as assets for preparation. Learners may utilize resources such as study guides, blueprints and practice exams to successfully attempt certifications.     Other Ways to Make Beacon Work for You Alternatively if you just want to better understand different Palo Alto Networks capabilities and functions, select the  Self-Service Roadmaps  topic. Here you can scroll through the capabilities currently available on Beacon and select those most relevant – for example, Zero Trust for Network Engineers. Use Cases is another great feature that allows you to match learning to your organization’s situation. For example,  Secure Your Remote Workers  is a topic covering how you can deploy and manage your technology to secure your remote workforce.   If you’re looking for best practices, Beacon also provides you with powerful resources, including how to run a Best Practice Assessment (BPA) to measure adoption of capabilities, join professional communities and user groups, connect with experts, and more.   Sample the Learning Resources Palo Alto Networks Has to Offer Within each Beacon roadmap, you will find information from across many of the resources Palo Alto Networks maintains, including TechDocs, LIVEcommunity, the Customer Support Portal (CSP), our website, Knowledge Base and more than five other sites. This way, you don’t need to search through a variety of locations individually to find the information you need – and by becoming familiar with what various Palo Alto Networks resources have to offer, you’ll also learn where you personally might find to be the most rewarding information.  Expand your cybersecurity skills today and kickstart your learning on  Beacon !