Palo Alto Networks PCNSE, PCCSE, and PCSAE Certification Exams will be Retired on July 31, 2025
Palo Alto Networks has announced the retirement of its three remaining legacy certification exams – PCNSE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer), PCCSE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Cloud Security Engineer), and PCSAE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Automation Engineer) – effective July 31, 2025. This strategic move underscores Palo Alto Networks’ shift from product-focused certifications to a modern framework that emphasizes job-ready, role-based skill validation. While these legacy certifications have long stood as benchmarks for expertise in Palo Alto Networks technologies, the transition represents a more dynamic approach to validating cybersecurity competencies aligned with current industry demands.
Key Retirement Details
PCNSE Exam Retirement:
Retirement Date: July 31, 2025
Certification Validity: Individuals who earn the PCNSE before the retirement date will retain their certification status for two years from the date of achievement.
Replacement: There is no direct one-to-one replacement. However, candidates are encouraged to explore the new role-based certifications such as:
- Network Security Generalist
- Network Security Analyst
- Next-Generation Firewall Engineer
PCCSE and PCSAE Exam Retirement:
Retirement Date: July 31, 2025
Certification Validity: Certifications earned before the retirement date will remain valid until their standard expiration.
Future Direction: Palo Alto Networks is expected to release new role-based certifications focused on Cortex XSOAR and Cloud Security in the near future.
Transition to Role-Based Certifications
Unlike the legacy exams, which primarily validated product knowledge, the new certification framework centers on practical, role-specific skills that better reflect real-world job functions in network security and automation.
Palo Alto Networks encourages all professionals and partners to begin aligning their learning paths with the new certification tracks. These tracks aim to better equip cybersecurity professionals with validated expertise that meets modern enterprise and security operations needs.
For Partners: Check NextWave Guidelines
For those in Palo Alto Networks’ NextWave Partner Program, it’s critical to stay up to date with any changes to certification requirements. Partners should refer directly to the NextWave program guidelines to ensure continued compliance.
The retirement of PCNSE, PCCSE, and PCSAE marks the end of an era – but also the beginning of a more adaptive, skills-based certification model. Professionals currently holding or pursuing these certifications should plan accordingly and consider transitioning to Palo Alto Networks’ role-based paths to remain competitive and relevant in the cybersecurity landscape.
