NetSec-Architect Practice Question: Centralized Management And Security Automation AT Scale
An architect is designing an automated workflow using Python and the Palo Alto Networks REST API. The script needs to retrieve operational state data from a managed firewall via Panorama using the XML-to-JSON or native REST endpoints. Which API route format is standard for executing operational commands via the PAN-OS XML/REST API structure?
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
✓
/api/?type=op&cmd=<show><system><info></info></system></show>
The standard XML API operational command path format uses /api/?type=op&cmd=...
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
/api/?type=op&cmd=<show><system><info></info></system></show>
Why this is correct
The 'type=op' parameter with a wrapped XML command in the 'cmd' query string is the standard API syntax for operational queries.
- ✗
/api/?type=report&reporttype=custom
Why it's wrong here
This requests historical reporting data, not live operational states.
- ✗
/restapi/v1.0/config/devices/entry[@name='localhost.localdomain']/deviceconfig
Why it's wrong here
This path is for configuration objects, not operational commands.
- ✗
/api/?type=config&action=get&xpath=/config/devices
Why it's wrong here
This retrieves configuration tree data, not real-time operational state metrics.
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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 NetSec-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 NetSec-Architect exam.