Fortinet vs Palo Alto Certification
Compare Fortinet NSE and Palo Alto PCNSE firewall certifications.
Fortinet NSE 7
Fortinet
Palo Alto PCNSE
Palo Alto Networks
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Compare all aspects of these certifications side by side
| Feature | Fortinet NSE 7 | Palo Alto PCNSE |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Fortinet | Palo Alto Networks |
| Difficulty Level | Professional | Professional |
| Exam Duration | 60 minutes | 80 minutes |
| Exam Cost | $400 USD | $175 USD |
| Exam Format | 35 questions | 75 questions |
| Prerequisites | NSE 4-6 | PCNSA recommended |
| Validity Period | 2 years | 2 years |
| Ideal For | Fortinet network security experts | Palo Alto security engineers |
| Salary Range | $110,000 - $155,000 | $120,000 - $165,000 |
What Each Certification Covers
Key topics and domains covered in each exam
Fortinet NSE 7 Focus Areas
- Advanced Firewall
- SD-WAN
- ZTNA
- FortiManager
- FortiAnalyzer
Palo Alto PCNSE Focus Areas
- NGFW
- Panorama
- GlobalProtect
- Prisma
- Threat Prevention
Our Recommendation
Both are enterprise firewall leaders. Choose based on organization's vendor.
Choose Fortinet NSE 7
Choose Fortinet for cost-effective security fabric solutions.
Choose Palo Alto PCNSE
Choose Palo Alto for advanced threat prevention and SASE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Fortinet NSE 7 or Palo Alto PCNSE?
Both are enterprise firewall leaders. Choose based on organization's vendor.
What are the salary differences between Fortinet NSE 7?
Fortinet NSE 7 typically offers salaries around $110,000 - $155,000, while Palo Alto PCNSE offers $120,000 - $165,000.
Which certification should I get first?
Choose Fortinet for cost-effective security fabric solutions. Choose Palo Alto for advanced threat prevention and SASE.
How long does it take to prepare for these certifications?
Preparation time varies based on experience. Most candidates spend 4-12 weeks studying, depending on their background and the certification difficulty level.
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