Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator
Course Summary
The PCNSA course is designed for IT professionals who want to develop hands-on skills in configuring, managing, and securing network environments using Palo Alto Networks’ Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs). It provides a solid foundation in PAN-OS operations, enabling learners to apply security policies, manage traffic flow, and utilize key features such as App-ID, Content-ID, User-ID, and Threat Prevention.
This course is highly practical, featuring instructor-led labs and real-time simulations that prepare learners for real-world security administration tasks in enterprise or data center environments.
Why Choose This Course
Today’s organizations need administrators who can go beyond basic firewall tasks and deliver effective security at the network perimeter and core. The PCNSA course offers:
Structured, hands-on training in Palo Alto’s core security technologies
Exposure to real-world use cases across enterprises and service providers
Curriculum aligned with modern zero-trust and segmentation practices
Ideal preparation for stepping into advanced roles or higher certifications (PCNSE, PCCSE)
Delivered by experienced professionals, this course combines Palo Alto firewall configuration with a deep understanding of network behavior, policy enforcement, and threat mitigation.
Who Should Enroll
This course is ideal for:
Network and system administrators managing firewall deployments
IT support engineers and junior security analysts
Professionals working in NOC/SOC environments
Individuals preparing for roles in network security administration
Students or graduates looking to build cybersecurity careers through Palo Alto technologies
What You Will Learn
Upon completing the course, you will be able to:
Understand the role and capabilities of Palo Alto Networks NGFWs
Deploy and manage basic firewall features on PAN-OS
Configure and verify zone-based security policies
Utilize App-ID to identify and control applications at the firewall
Use Content-ID for threat prevention (URL filtering, file blocking, anti-virus)
Integrate User-ID for identity-aware access control
Manage NAT, routing, logging, and alerting in secure environments
Perform basic monitoring and troubleshooting via GUI and CLI
Skills You Will Gain
Strong knowledge of PAN-OS interface and configuration
Application and content-based policy enforcement
Threat prevention strategies using built-in firewall tools
Zone, interface, and routing configuration
Identity-based access control implementation
Firewall logging, analysis, and rule refinement
Career Benefits
After completing this course, you’ll be positioned to:
Take on roles such as Firewall Administrator, Network Security Associate, or Security Operations Technician
Secure enterprise networks using modern, best-in-class firewall technologies
Move forward confidently to PCNSE and other advanced cybersecurity certifications
Build a resume that reflects hands-on security skills, highly sought in both Indian and international markets
Strengthen your profile for careers in IT infrastructure, cloud security, and managed security services
Start Your Journey in Network Security Today
The PCNSA course is the perfect launchpad into professional cybersecurity. With strong practical training and industry-recognized content, you’ll be equipped to manage real-world network threats using Palo Alto’s leading firewall solutions.
Enroll now and become a next-gen network security administrator.
Course Syllabus
Modules
INTRODUCTION:
- Identify the components of the Palo Alto Networks Security Operating Platform.
-identify the components and operation of single‐pass parallel processing architecture.
- Given a network design scenario, apply the Zero Trust security model and describe horelates to traffic moving through your network.
- Identify stages in the Cyber‐Attack Lifecycle and firewall mitigations that can prevent attacks.
Simply Passing Traffic- Identify and configure firewall management interfaces.
- Identify how to manage firewall configurations.
- Identify and schedule dynamic updates.
- Configure internal and external services for account administration.
- Given a network diagram, create the appropriate security zones.
- Identify and configure firewall interfaces.
- Given a scenario, identify steps to create and configure a virtualrouter.
- Identify the purpose of specific security rule types.
- Identify and configure security policy match conditions, actions, and logging options.
- Given a scenario, identify and implement the proper NAT solution.
Traffic Visibility
- Given a scenario, select the appropriate application‐based security policy rules.
- Given a scenario, configure application filters or application groups.
- Identify the purpose of application characteristics as defined in the App‐ID database.
- Identify the potential impact of App‐ID updates to existing security policy rules.
- Identify the tools to optimize security policies.
Securing Traffic:
- Given a risk scenario, identify and apply the appropriate security profile.
- Identify the difference between security policy actions and security profile actions.
- Given a network scenario, identify how to customize security profiles.
- Identify the firewall's protection against packet‐ and protocol‐ based attacks.
- Identify how the firewall can use the cloud DNS database to control traffic based on domains.
- Identify how the firewall can use the PAN‐DB database to control traffic based on websites.
- Discuss how to control access to specific URLs using custom URL filtering categories.
Identifying Users
- Given a scenario, identify an appropriate method to map IP addresses to usernames.
- Given a scenario, identify the appropriate User‐ID agent to deploy.
- Identify how the firewall maps usernames to user groups.
- Given a graphic, identify User‐ID configuration options.
Deployment Optimization
- Identify the benefits and differences between the Heatmap and the BPA reports.
- Heatmap Component
- Zone Mapping Feature Section
