Question 1

How many SecOps-Pro practice questions are there?

Accepted Answer

391 questions across 2 versions, each with the correct answer and an explanation.

Question 2

Are there free SecOps-Pro sample questions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 12 sample questions are free; 6 are open to everyone and the rest unlock with a free account.

Question 3

What does full access include?

Accepted Answer

Every SecOps-Pro question in study, timed and flashcard modes, explanations for each answer, and progress that saves so you can resume.

Question 4

What topics does SecOps-Pro cover?

Accepted Answer

Security Operations Fundamentals (25%), Threat Intelligence and Incident Response (16%), Cortex XDR (23%), Cortex XSOAR (16%), Cortex XSIAM (20%).

Question 5

What is the Palo Alto Networks SecOps-Pro certification?

Accepted Answer

The Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Operations Professional (SecOps-Pro) is a professional-level certification that validates job-ready skills for working with the Palo Alto Networks Cortex portfolio (Cortex XDR, Cortex XSOAR, and Cortex XSIAM) in a Security Operations Center (SOC). It covers SOC fundamentals, threat intelligence, incident response, and hands-on Cortex product knowledge.

Question 6

How much does the SecOps-Pro exam cost and where can I take it?

Accepted Answer

The SecOps-Pro exam costs $200 USD (prices may vary by country with additional taxes and fees). As of August 1, 2025, the exam is delivered in-person only at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. Online proctoring is no longer available. You can register at https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/paloaltonetworks.html.

Question 7

What is the passing score for the SecOps-Pro exam?

Accepted Answer

The passing score for the SecOps-Pro exam is 860 on a scaled score range of 300 to 1000. The exam consists of 60-75 multiple-choice and multiple-select questions and has a 90-minute time limit. Candidates testing in non-English-speaking countries receive a 30-minute ESL time extension.

Question 8

What topics are covered on the SecOps-Pro exam?

Accepted Answer

The SecOps-Pro exam covers five domains: Security Operations Fundamentals (25%), Cortex XDR (23%), Cortex XSIAM (20%), Threat Intelligence and Incident Response (16%), and Cortex XSOAR (16%). Key topics include SOC roles and operations, NIST incident response, MITRE ATT&CK framework, log stitching, causality view, playbook automation, WildFire malware analysis, IOC/BIOC/correlation rules, and XQL threat hunting queries.

Question 9

Are there prerequisites for the SecOps-Pro certification?

Accepted Answer

There are no mandatory prerequisites for the SecOps-Pro exam. However, Palo Alto Networks recommends hands-on experience with Cortex XDR, XSOAR, or XSIAM investigation workflows, familiarity with the MITRE ATT&CK framework and NIST incident response guidelines, and understanding of behavioral analytics and threat intelligence fundamentals.

Question 10

How long is the SecOps-Pro certification valid and how do I recertify?

Accepted Answer

The SecOps-Pro certification is valid for 2 years from the date you pass the exam. To recertify, you must retake the exam. Alternatively, earning a higher-level specialist certification in the same Security Operations track (such as XDR Analyst or XSIAM Analyst) while your SecOps-Pro is active will automatically extend it by 2 years.

Question 11

What is the difference between SecOps-Pro and the retired PCDRA certification?

Accepted Answer

The PCDRA (Palo Alto Networks Certified Detection and Remediation Analyst) was retired on April 30, 2025 and has been replaced by specialist-level certifications like XDR Analyst and XDR Engineer. The SecOps-Pro is a broader, professional-level certification covering all three Cortex products (XDR, XSOAR, XSIAM) and SOC fundamentals, whereas the PCDRA focused specifically on detection and remediation with Cortex XDR.

Question 12

Was the SecOps-Pro previously called something else?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The certification was originally named 'Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Operations Generalist' (SecOps-Generalist). Effective May 30, 2025, all Generalist certifications were renamed to Professional. The exam code remained SecOps-Pro, but the full certification name changed to 'Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Operations Professional', signaling a stronger, more job-ready credential level.

Question 13

What Cortex products should I study for the SecOps-Pro exam?

Accepted Answer

You should study all three core Cortex products: Cortex XDR (extended detection and response, 23% of exam), Cortex XSIAM (AI-driven security operations platform combining SIEM, SOAR, and XDR, 20% of exam), and Cortex XSOAR (security orchestration, automation, and response, 16% of exam). Together these three products account for 59% of the exam content, with the remaining 41% covering SOC fundamentals and threat intelligence/incident response.

Question 14

What is the retake policy if I fail the SecOps-Pro exam?

Accepted Answer

If you fail the SecOps-Pro exam, you must wait 15 days before your second attempt, 30 days between the second and third attempts, and 90 days between the third attempt and any subsequent attempts. If you pass the exam, you cannot retake the same exam for 18 months (545 days) from the date of your passing score.

SecOps-ProPalo Alto Networks Certified Security Operations Professional practice test

Full access

Practice SecOps-Pro in the simulator.

SecOps-Pro, by the numbers.

Everything about SecOps-Pro.

Exam information

What SecOps-Pro covers

How do I earn this certification?

How to study for this exam?

What's changed on this exam?

Who should take this exam?

Three ways to practise

Study mode

Timed mode

Flashcards

SecOps-Pro questions, answered

SecOps-ProPalo Alto Networks Certified Security Operations Professional practice test

Full access

Practice SecOps-Pro in the simulator.

SecOps-Pro, by the numbers.

Everything about SecOps-Pro.

Exam information

01Exam format90 min · 60-755

02Registration$200 · Pearson VUE3

03Validity2 years2

04In our question bankv1 (141), SecOps-Professional (250)

What SecOps-Pro covers

01Security Operations Fundamentals25%4 topics

1.1Users, Roles, Log Management, Compliance, and Data Protection in Cortex XDRExplain the function of users, roles, log management, compliance, and data protection in Cortex XDR4 obj.

1.2Creating and Managing Reports and Dashboards in Cortex ProductsExplain the process of creating and managing reports and dashboards in Cortex products3 obj.

1.3Common Components and Functions of a Security Operations Center (SOC)Explain the common components and functions of a Security Operations Center (SOC)3 obj.

1.4AI and Machine Learning in Security OperationsDifferentiate between AI and machine learning (ML) in Security Operations2 obj.

Hands-on skills & common mistakesNavigate and configure Cortex XDR user roles and permissions · Confusing AI capabilities with ML capabilities in Cortex products

02Threat Intelligence and Incident Response16%8 topics

03Cortex XDR23%3 topics

04Cortex XSOAR16%2 topics

05Cortex XSIAM20%2 topics