PCNSA Managing Objects Practice Question
A network administrator is configuring a security policy to allow SSH access to a server. The administrator wants to use a predefined service object for SSH. Which service object should be selected?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that predefined service names always include the protocol or port number, leading to guesses like 'ssh-tcp' or 'tcp-22'.
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
✓
ssh
The predefined service object 'ssh' is the correct choice because it is already defined in PAN-OS with the appropriate protocol (TCP) and port (22). Using predefined services simplifies policy creation and ensures accuracy. The other options are either non-existent or custom names that would require manual creation, which does not meet the requirement of using a predefined object.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
ssh-tcp
Why it's wrong here
ssh-tcp is not a valid predefined service object in PAN-OS. Predefined services are named according to the application or protocol, such as ssh. Creating a custom service with this name would work, but the scenario specifies using a predefined service object, so this is not the correct choice.
- ✓
ssh
Why this is correct
PAN-OS includes a predefined service object named 'ssh' that defines TCP port 22. This object is available by default and can be used directly in security policies. Selecting 'ssh' ensures the correct port and protocol are applied without manual configuration, reducing the risk of errors. This is the standard predefined service for SSH.
- ✗
service-ssh
Why it's wrong here
There is no predefined service object named service-ssh in PAN-OS. While the naming convention for predefined services often follows a pattern, SSH is a special case. Using an incorrect name would result in a non-existent object and could cause policy misconfiguration. The administrator should verify the exact name in the predefined service list.
- ✗
tcp-22
Why it's wrong here
tcp-22 is not a predefined service object; it is a custom naming convention that some administrators might use. While it correctly describes TCP port 22, it is not a default object in PAN-OS. The administrator would need to create it manually. Since the requirement is to use a predefined service, this option is incorrect.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Palo Alto Networks exam blueprint
This PCNSA 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 PCNSA exam.