- A
Commit the Panorama configuration.
Why wrong: Committing the Panorama configuration pushes changes to managed firewalls but does not establish the management relationship.
- B
Create a local admin account on the firewall.
Why wrong: Creating a local admin account is not needed; firewalls authenticate to Panorama using certificates or pre-shared keys.
- C
Add the firewall to a template stack.
Correct: Adding a firewall to a template stack applies device-level configuration (interfaces, zones, etc.).
- D
Add the firewall to a device group.
Correct: Adding a firewall to a device group applies shared policy objects (security policies, objects).
- E
Enable 'Panorama Managed' on the firewall.
Why wrong: Enabling Panorama Managed is a prerequisite on the firewall itself, but the question asks for actions configuring Panorama, so this is not a Panorama action.
PCNSA Device Group Practice Question
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of device management and services. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. A key principle to apply: device Group. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A security administrator is configuring Panorama to manage multiple firewalls. Which two actions are required to ensure that a firewall receives its configuration from Panorama? (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
Add the firewall to a template stack.
To receive its full configuration from Panorama, a firewall must be added to both a device group and a template stack. The device group provides policy objects (e.g., security policies, address objects), while the template stack provides device settings (e.g., interfaces, zones). Enabling Panorama Managed on the firewall is a necessary step but is performed on the firewall, not as part of configuring Panorama. Committing the Panorama configuration pushes changes but does not establish the management association.
Key principle: Device Group
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Commit the Panorama configuration.
Why it's wrong here
Committing the Panorama configuration pushes changes to managed firewalls but does not establish the management relationship.
- ✗
Create a local admin account on the firewall.
Why it's wrong here
Creating a local admin account is not needed; firewalls authenticate to Panorama using certificates or pre-shared keys.
- ✓
Add the firewall to a template stack.
Why this is correct
Correct: Adding a firewall to a template stack applies device-level configuration (interfaces, zones, etc.).
Related concept
Device Group
- ✓
Add the firewall to a device group.
Why this is correct
Correct: Adding a firewall to a device group applies shared policy objects (security policies, objects).
Related concept
Device Group
- ✗
Enable 'Panorama Managed' on the firewall.
Why it's wrong here
Enabling Panorama Managed is a prerequisite on the firewall itself, but the question asks for actions configuring Panorama, so this is not a Panorama action.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap is that candidates often think that enabling Panorama Managed on the firewall is one of the required actions when configuring Panorama, or they confuse device groups with template stacks. The correct pair of actions from Panorama's perspective is adding the firewall to both a device group and a template stack.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Panorama uses template stacks to push device-specific configurations (e.g., interface IPs, VLANs, virtual routers) and device groups to push shared policy objects (e.g., security rules, NAT rules). A firewall must be assigned to at least one template stack to receive its base device configuration; otherwise, it will only receive policies from device groups, which is insufficient for operational readiness. The 'Panorama Managed' option on the firewall (or via the Panorama plugin) enables the firewall to accept configurations from Panorama and report back, typically using the Panorama-to-firewall communication over TCP port 3978 (Panorama plugin) or 443 (for cloud-managed).
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Device Group
- Template Stack
- Panorama Managed
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Device Group
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the PCNSA exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Device Group Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review device Group, then practise related PCNSA questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
- →
Device Management and Services — study guide chapter
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Device Management and Services practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSA question test?
Device Management and Services — This question tests Device Management and Services — Device Group.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add the firewall to a template stack. — To receive its full configuration from Panorama, a firewall must be added to both a device group and a template stack. The device group provides policy objects (e.g., security policies, address objects), while the template stack provides device settings (e.g., interfaces, zones). Enabling Panorama Managed on the firewall is a necessary step but is performed on the firewall, not as part of configuring Panorama. Committing the Panorama configuration pushes changes but does not establish the management association.
What should I do if I get this PCNSA question wrong?
Review device Group, then practise related PCNSA questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Device Group
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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.
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