SecOps-Architect Practice Question: Palo Alto Networks Product Integration And Architecture
An architect is configuring High Availability (HA) on a pair of Palo Alto Networks firewalls. Which TWO settings or parameters must be identical on both HA peers for the HA cluster to form successfully? (Choose two)
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Operating mode (Active/Passive or Active/Active) and license configuration.
HA peers require matching device serial numbers/models (or VM models), matching PAN-OS versions, matching license keys, and matching operational modes (Active/Passive).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The physical serial number printed on the hardware chassis label.
Why it's wrong here
Serial numbers are unique per hardware appliance and cannot be identical.
- ✓
Operating mode (Active/Passive or Active/Active) and license configuration.
Why this is correct
HA mode and license subscriptions must match across peers.
- ✓
PAN-OS software version installed on both firewalls.
Why this is correct
HA peers must run identical PAN-OS versions.
- ✗
The administrative password for the 'admin' user account.
Why it's wrong here
Admin passwords do not need to be identical; configurations synchronize via HA1.
- ✗
The hostname assigned to each firewall in the setup menu.
Why it's wrong here
Hostnames can be distinct per firewall for identification.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Palo Alto Networks exam blueprint
This SecOps-Architect practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SecOps-Architect exam.