Palo Alto Networks
PSE Cortex Professional
Data Sheet
July 2024
Palo Alto Networks | PSE Cortex Professional | Data Sheet 1
Audience and Qualifications
Target Audience
This exam is designed for the individuals with the following job roles:
● Presales Engineers
● Systems Engineers
● Customer Success Managers
● Customer Success Engineers
Skills Required
The successful candidate can:
● integrate and discuss third-party logs and how they work
● investigate and interpret relevant data
● explain all aspects of an SLR, including best practices
● explain the Capture the Flag (CTF) experience and capabilities
● explain the value of, and differentiate between, offerings in the Marketplace
Exam Format
The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions, some of which will have one correct answer, while
others will have multiple correct answers. Candidates will have five minutes to read and agree to the
Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), 80 minutes (1 hour, 20 minutes) to complete the exam questions, and
five minutes to complete an exit survey.
How to Take This Exam
The exam is available through the third-party Pearson VUE testing platform.
To register for the exam, visit: https://home.pearsonvue.com/paloaltonetworks.
To register for any PSE Professional exam on the Pearson VUE website, candidates must add a Private
Access Code:
● PSE-PAC-2024 (for taking the exam at a testing center)
● PSE-OP-2024 (for taking the exam at home or in the office)
Full instructions for scheduling the exam can be found at:
https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/content/dam/pan/en_US/partners/marketing/docs/pse-exam-instructions.pdf.
This guide is intended to provide information about the objectives covered by this exam, as well as
related resources and recommended courses. The material contained within this guide is not intended
to guarantee that a passing score will be achieved on the exam. Palo Alto Networks recommends that
candidates thoroughly understand the objectives provided in this guide and use the resources and
recommended courses where needed to gain that understanding.
Palo Alto Networks | PSE Cortex Professional | Data Sheet 2
Blueprint
The blueprint table lists the domains covered and includes domain weighting. The percentage
weights represent the portion of the exam score that is attributed to each domain. Many
candidates find the table provides focus for studies during exam preparation. Also included in the
blueprint table are the more specific tasks associated with each domain. Pay particular attention
to these tasks, as they provide more targeted areas of study within the domains.
Exam Domain Weight (%)
1. Business Value and Competitive Differentiators 27%
1.1 Explain to customers the return on investment (ROI) the Cortex platform provides
1.2 Identify market differentiators for Cortex XDR
1.3 Identify market differentiators for Cortex XSOAR
1.4 Identify market differentiators for Cortex Xpanse
1.5 Identify market differentiators for Cortex XSIAM
2. Architecture and Planning 38%
2.1 Plan and architect a Cortex XDR deployment
2.2 Plan and architect a Cortex XSOAR deployment
2.3 Plan and architect a Cortex Xpanse deployment
2.4 Plan and architect a Cortex XSIAM deployment
3. Demonstration and Evaluation 20%
3.1 Identify common use cases
3.2 Identify pre-sales tools and strategies
3.3 Assess for qualification and readiness
3.4 Scope and plan proof of value (PoV)
4. Deployment / Implementation Best Practices 15%
4.1 Identify available resources
4.2 Determine processes to facilitate a smooth hand-off
TOTAL 100%
Learning Path
Digital Learning
A library of free digital learning is available. These on-demand, self-paced digital-learning classes are a
helpful way to reinforce the key information for those who have been to the formal hands-on classes. They
also serve as a useful overview and introduction to working with our technology for those unable to attend
a hands-on, instructor-led class.
Palo Alto Networks | PSE Cortex Professional | Data Sheet 3
Palo Alto Networks employees, go to FlexLearn, where you have access to our digital-learning portfolio:
https://paloaltonetworks.exceedlms.com/student/catalog/list?category_ids=34004-flight-manual-cortex.
These online classes cover foundational material and they contain narrated slides, knowledge checks, and
accessible demos (where applicable). In addition, employees can participate in SE bootcamp and access
the Beacon courses found in the links noted below for partners.
Palo Alto Networks partners, access Beacon Security Operations at: https://beacon.paloaltonetworks.com/sl/54d9f069.
There you will find information and education resources for the PSE certifications, including Cortex-specific
information at:
● https://beacon.paloaltonetworks.com/sl/720e54cb
● https://beacon.paloaltonetworks.com/sl/9af87279
● https://beacon.paloaltonetworks.com/sl/dc4004c4
New courses are being added often, so check the digital library when looking for new available curriculum.
Instructor-Led Training
Looking for a hands-on, instructor-led course in your area?
Palo Alto Networks ATPs are located globally and offer a breadth of solutions from onsite training to
public, open-environment classes. Authorized training centers are delivering online courses in 14
languages and at convenient times for most major markets worldwide. For class schedule, location, and
training offerings, go to: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/services/education/atc-locations.
Learning Through the Community
You also can learn from peers and other experts in the field. Check out our communities site at
https://live.paloaltonetworks.com, where you can find:
● reference material
● best practices
● trending topics
Palo Alto Networks | PSE Cortex Professional | Data Sheet 4
