Palo Alto Networks Certified XDR Analyst Exam Questions 2026

Exam Snapshot

Key Exam Domains & Weighting

The XDR Analyst exam is significantly more technical regarding data querying than its predecessor. It validates your ability to use the tool for security operations rather than just configure it.

• Incident Handling & Response (34%)

  • Critical: analyzing causality chains (process trees) and timelines to determine the root cause.

  • Executing response actions (e.g., isolating endpoints, terminating processes, Live Terminal).

  • Differentiating between alerts (raw signals) and incidents (grouped logic).

• Data Analysis & XQL (28%)

  • Major Focus: Reading and constructing XQL (Cortex Query Language) queries to hunt for threats.

  • Creating custom widgets, dashboards, and reports for stakeholders.

  • Identifying Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) across network and endpoint data.

• Alerting & Detection (23%)

  • Understanding alert sources: Analytics vs. BIOCs (Behavioral IOCs) vs. IOCs.

  • Tuning alerts (exclusions vs. exceptions) to reduce false positives.

  • Prioritizing incidents using SmartScore and severity levels.

• Endpoint Security Management (15%)

  • Monitoring agent health and connectivity status.

  • Configuring Malware and Exploit Protection profiles for different asset groups.

Critical Difference: PCDRA vs. XDR Analyst

If you have older PCDRA study materials, be aware of these shifts:

1. Heavy XQL Focus: You must understand XQL syntax. The exam will likely present a snippet of a query and ask what data it retrieves, or ask you to select the correct query to find a specific threat (e.g., “Find all failed login attempts from IP X”).

2. Operational vs. Admin: The PCDRA had more questions on initial deployment and installation. The XDR Analyst focuses on daily SOC workflows—triage, investigation, and hunting.

Preparation Strategy

Since this is a “Specialist” level certification, theory alone is often insufficient.

1. Official Training:

   • EDU-260: Cortex XDR: Prevention and Deployment (Foundational knowledge).

   • EDU-262: Cortex XDR: Investigation and Response (Primary source for this exam).

2. Study Resources:

   • Download the official XDR Analyst Blueprint/Datasheet.

   • Read the Cortex XDR Administrator Guide, specifically the Investigation and Response chapters.

3. Hands-On Practice:

   • Spend time in the Investigation Canvas. Know how to “stitch” network and endpoint data.

   • Use the XQL Search feature to practice querying specific event logs.