Overview
Apprentice: Cybersecurity Apprentice is a Palo Alto Networks credential. The entry point. Cybersecurity, networking, identity and cloud basics for new and non-technical learners. This PathKey™ guide summarizes the domains, format, cost signals, eligibility, and renewal pattern so you can decide before you book. Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. We teach preparation for the Palo Alto Networks exam. Palo Alto Networks sets exam content, fees, and policies.
Accumentum is an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. We teach preparation for the Palo Alto Networks exam. Palo Alto Networks sets exam content, fees, and policies.
Who it is for
- Students in high school or college who want a first security credential.
- People moving into cybersecurity from another career.
- Technical and non-technical IT staff who work alongside security teams.
Exam domains
Weights follow the official outline.
- 01
Cybersecurity
16%Identify and describe vulnerabilities and exploits, Identify and describe the stages of the cyber attack lifecycle, and Identify and describe common attack types.
- 02
Network Fundamentals
16%Identify and describe types of area networks, Explain external (north-south) and internal (east-west) traffic flow patterns for environments, and Explain the function of a default gateway.
- 03
Network Security
14%Identify and describe network segmentation methods, Explain the function of stateful firewalls and next-generation firewalls (NGFWs), and Explain the function of URL filtering, VPNs, and proxies.
- 04
Endpoint Security
10%Identify and describe internet of things (IoT) devices and endpoints, Explain the objectives of endpoint security, and Identify and describe endpoint security components.
- 05
Cloud Security
13%Identify and describe the four cloud-computing deployment models, Identify and describe common cloud service models, and Explain the cloud shared responsibility model.
- 06
Security Operations
13%Explain security operations functions, Identify methods to optimize security operations center (SOC) performance, and Define common security operations terms.
- 07
Identity Security
18%Identify and describe identity and access management (IAM) components, Identify and describe privileged access management (PAM) components, and Identify and describe public key infrastructure (PKI) components.
Exam format and cost
- Questions
- Confirm on the vendor site
- Duration
- Confirm on the vendor site
- Format
- Multiple choice and related item types (confirm on the vendor outline)
- Passing score
- Confirm the passing score on the vendor site
- Cost
- 150 USD (confirm on the vendor site)
- Delivery
- Pearson VUE test center or online where the vendor offers it
- Languages
- Confirm available languages on the vendor site
Experience and eligibility
Palo Alto Networks doesn't list a required prerequisite certification, and we don't have enrollment prerequisites either. Palo Alto Networks lists no required work experience for Apprentice. Basic comfort with computers and the internet is enough to start.
Renewal
Renewal rules for Apprentice: Cybersecurity Apprentice are set by Palo Alto Networks. Many credentials use a multi-year cycle with continuing education, a renewal fee, or a newer exam. Confirm the current cycle on the vendor site.
Roles this credential fits
- Cybersecurity basics, network fundamentals, network and endpoint security, cloud security, security operations and identity security, mapped to the official Apprentice blueprint.
- Foundational
- Teams standardizing on this credential for hiring or compliance
Apprentice questions
Is Apprentice worth it?
Apprentice is worth it when employers or contracts in your market ask for Palo Alto Networks proof, or when the domains match work you already do or want next. Common roles include Cybersecurity basics, network fundamentals, network and endpoint security, cloud security, security operations and identity security, mapped to the official Apprentice blueprint., Foundational, and Teams standardizing on this credential for hiring or compliance. Read the roles and domains on this page, then decide against your timeline and budget.
How hard is Apprentice?
You get Confirm on the vendor site in Confirm on the vendor site. Format: Multiple choice and related item types (confirm on the vendor outline). Passing score: Confirm the passing score on the vendor site. Delivery: Pearson VUE test center or online where the vendor offers it. Palo Alto Networks doesn't list a required prerequisite certification, and we don't have enrollment prerequisites either. People who pass usually mix domain study with timed practice, not reading alone.
Does Apprentice expire?
Renewal rules for Apprentice: Cybersecurity Apprentice are set by Palo Alto Networks. Many credentials use a multi-year cycle with continuing education, a renewal fee, or a newer exam. Confirm the current cycle on the vendor site.
How does Accumentum help with Apprentice?
We offer Expert-led training mapped to the Apprentice domains, PathPay® payment options, PathPass™ practice where the exam is in our catalog, and military funding support where you qualify. We are an Army CA and Air Force COOL Approved Vendor. Our pass rate across Accumentum certification attempts since August 2022 is 98.8% (2,412 certified of about 2,441 attempts).
How much does the Apprentice exam cost?
Exam voucher pricing for Apprentice is set by Palo Alto Networks and varies by region and bundle. Confirm the current price on the official store before you buy. PathPay® can spread Accumentum course tuition when you train with us.
What are the Apprentice prerequisites?
Palo Alto Networks doesn't list a required prerequisite certification, and we don't have enrollment prerequisites either. Palo Alto Networks lists no required work experience for Apprentice. Basic comfort with computers and the internet is enough to start.
What should I take after Apprentice?
After Apprentice, pick the next credential that matches the job you want, not a generic ladder. Use the roles on this page and neighboring PathKey™ guides from the same vendor to plan the sequence. If you need a readiness check first, start with ReadyScore™ when we offer one for this exam.
Official sources
Always confirm fees, dates, and eligibility on the vendor site before you register. Vendors change outlines and prices without notice.