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.