The answer is that the rule has an application override that is not set to HTTP. When an application override is configured on a Palo Alto Networks firewall, it forces the firewall to skip App-ID inspection and instead rely solely on the defined application for policy matching; if the override specifies a different application, such as SSL or a custom app, traffic on port 80 will not match the rule even though the port is correct. This scenario tests your understanding of how application override bypasses App-ID, a common pitfall on the PCNSA exam where candidates assume port-based matching still applies. The trap is forgetting that an override replaces the application field entirely, so the policy tester shows “no match” because the traffic’s application does not equal the overridden value. Remember: override overrides App-ID, not just the port—match the app, not the port.
PCNSA Policy Evaluation and Management Practice Question
This PCNSA practice question tests your understanding of policy evaluation and management. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. 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.
An administrator is using Policy Tester to validate a rule before deployment. The rule allows HTTP and HTTPS from user 'John' (IP 10.1.1.10) to server 192.168.1.100. The tester shows 'No match' for traffic from John's IP to the server on port 80. What could be the reason?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The rule has an application override that is not set to HTTP.
Option A is correct because application override would require the application to be forced; if the rule expects specific applications but traffic is not identified as HTTP, it might not match. Option B is wrong because if the rule allows HTTP, port 80 should be expected. Option C is wrong because user-ID is for user mapping, but if the rule uses user, the tester should have user context. Option D is wrong because rule ordering is not an issue when testing a specific rule.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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 rule is placed after a deny rule.
Why it's wrong here
Policy Tester tests a specific rule, not the entire order.
✗
The user-ID mapping is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
User-ID might be correct, but if the rule matches on user and IP, it should still match if the user is mapped correctly.
✗
The rule uses port 443 only.
Why it's wrong here
The rule is supposed to allow HTTP and HTTPS, which include port 80.
✓
The rule has an application override that is not set to HTTP.
Why this is correct
If the rule uses application override, traffic must be identified as the specified application; if not, the rule does not match.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNSA ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Policy Evaluation and Management — This question tests Policy Evaluation and Management — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The rule has an application override that is not set to HTTP. — Option A is correct because application override would require the application to be forced; if the rule expects specific applications but traffic is not identified as HTTP, it might not match. Option B is wrong because if the rule allows HTTP, port 80 should be expected. Option C is wrong because user-ID is for user mapping, but if the rule uses user, the tester should have user context. Option D is wrong because rule ordering is not an issue when testing a specific rule.
What should I do if I get this PCNSA question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNSA ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An administrator is troubleshooting why a rule is not being hit. The rule has source zone Trust, destination zone Untrust, source address 10.0.0.0/8, destination address any, application web-browsing, action allow, and log at session end. The traffic is coming from 10.1.1.1 to 1.2.3.4 on port 80, zone Trust to Untrust. The rule count shows zero hits. What could be the issue?
medium
A.The application must be set to 'any'.
✓ B.The application is incorrectly identified; perhaps the traffic is using a different app.
C.The log setting is preventing hits.
D.The destination address is too broad.
Why B: Option C is correct because the rule specifically allows web-browsing; if the traffic is classified as a different application, it won't match. Option A is not an issue; destination any is fine. Option B is not needed. Option D is false; log setting does not affect hit count.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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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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