CyberArk Defender certification: exams, cost and preparation
The CyberArk Defender certification is the operations level of CyberArk’s certification programme, with three exams: Defender Access (ACC-DEF), Defender EPM (EPM-DEF) and Defender PAM (PAM-DEF). Since 1 November 2025 the exams are taken only in person at Pearson VUE test centers. CyberArk is now part of Palo Alto Networks and its brand has become Idira, but the exams are still listed under the CyberArk name.
- Certification level
- Defender — day-to-day operations of a CyberArk solutionPearson VUE CyberArk page, checked 10 October 2026
- Exams
- Defender Access (ACC-DEF), Defender EPM (EPM-DEF), Defender PAM (PAM-DEF)Pearson VUE CyberArk page, checked 10 October 2026
- Brand
- CyberArk, acquired by Palo Alto Networks; identity security now under the Idira namePalo Alto Networks and CyberArk Community, checked 10 October 2026
- Cost
- Not published on the pages we could check — vouchers are sold through the Pearson VUE voucher storePearson VUE CyberArk page, checked 10 October 2026
- Questions, duration, passing score
- Not published on the pages we could checkPearson VUE CyberArk page, checked 10 October 2026
- Delivery
- In person at Pearson VUE test centers only; online proctoring ended 1 November 2025Pearson VUE CyberArk page, checked 10 October 2026
- Retakes
- After 5 days, then at least 30 days between attempts; maximum 3 attempts in 12 monthsPearson VUE CyberArk page, checked 10 October 2026
- NDA
- Must be signed at the test center before the exam startsPearson VUE CyberArk page, checked 10 October 2026
Get notified when the CyberArk Defender question bank launches →
Know if you're ready for CyberArk Defender — before you book.
Certsqill measures your CyberArk Defender readiness across every official exam domain — one 0 –100 score from coverage, accuracy and consistency that tells you whether to book, keep studying, or sit.
Why people switch to Certsqill
Everything you need to walk in ready
Know where you stand, understand every mistake, and study in your language — one payment, no subscription.
Your CyberArk Defender Readiness Score, not a guess
One number from three signals — coverage, accuracy, and consistency — tells you whether to book the exam or keep studying.
Understand every CyberArk Defender mistake
When you miss a question, it explains why — using your own answer history to catch the patterns you keep repeating. Included, no subscription.
Explanations in your language, questions stay exam-accurate
Get every explanation in your language while the questions stay in exam-accurate English. Technical terms stay in English — the way the exam writes them.
Everything you need to pass
Why you can trust these CyberArk Defender questions
What is the CyberArk Defender certification?
CyberArk certifies in three levels. Defender is the operational level: it validates the practical knowledge and technical skills to maintain day-to-day operations of a CyberArk solution. Sentry sits above it for deploying, installing and configuring a solution, and Guardian is the top level.
There is no single Defender exam. The CyberArk Defender certification exists per product area, and Pearson VUE lists three exams: CyberArk Defender Access (ACC-DEF), CyberArk Defender EPM (EPM-DEF) and CyberArk Defender PAM (PAM-DEF). Pick the one that matches the product you run — privileged access management, endpoint privilege management or access.
In short, Defender is for the people who keep a CyberArk deployment running, while installation and initial configuration belong to the Sentry level.
Source: Pearson VUE — CyberArk Certification. Checked 10 October 2026.
CyberArk is now Idira — what that means for the certification
Palo Alto Networks has acquired CyberArk and launched Idira, its next-generation identity security platform. CyberArk’s own community announces that “CyberArk is now Idira”, and the CyberArk certification page now carries the Idira name.
For candidates, the practical point is that the exams have not disappeared. On 10 October 2026, Pearson VUE still lists the Defender, Sentry and Guardian exams under their CyberArk names and codes. Expect the Idira name on CyberArk’s own pages, and check the exam title and code when you book.
Source: Palo Alto Networks — A Defining Moment in Identity Security. Checked 10 October 2026.
How much does the CyberArk Defender certification cost?
We could not confirm the price from an official source. Pearson VUE’s CyberArk page lists no exam fee, the Pearson VUE voucher store for CyberArk could not be read, and CyberArk’s certification page blocks automated access. We do not print a number we cannot check.
What is clear is how you pay: CyberArk exams are booked through Pearson VUE, and vouchers are sold through the Pearson VUE voucher store. The binding CyberArk Defender certification cost is the price shown there when you check out.
Budget for a possible retake as well. Each attempt is a new exam booking, and if you decline the NDA at the test center your fees are forfeited.
Source: Pearson VUE — CyberArk Certification. Checked 10 October 2026.
The three CyberArk Defender exams: Access, EPM and PAM
Defender PAM (PAM-DEF) covers the day-to-day operation of CyberArk’s privileged access management. Its counterpart at the next level is Sentry PAM (PAM-SEN), which covers deploying the same product.
Defender EPM (EPM-DEF) covers Endpoint Privilege Manager, and Defender Access (ACC-DEF) covers CyberArk’s access products. Pearson VUE lists all three as separate exams with separate codes, so you earn a Defender credential per product area rather than one umbrella credential.
Pearson VUE’s page does not list question counts, exam length or passing scores for these exams. Check the exam details on CyberArk’s training portal or during registration.
Source: Pearson VUE — CyberArk Certification. Checked 10 October 2026.
CyberArk Defender exam delivery: test center only
Since 1 November 2025, all CyberArk certification exams are administered exclusively in person. Pearson VUE’s CyberArk page states that OnVUE online proctoring has been discontinued, and gives CyberArk’s reason as a safer, uniform and fair testing process that protects the value of the certification.
In practice, you book a seat at a Pearson VUE test center and bring identification that meets Pearson VUE’s Global ID Policy. If you prepared expecting to take the exam at home, plan the travel time.
Source: Pearson VUE — CyberArk Certification. Checked 10 October 2026.
Retake policy and the CyberArk exam NDA
If you fail your first attempt, you can retake the exam after 5 days. After a second failed attempt, you must wait at least 30 days before each further attempt, and you can sit the same exam at most three times in 12 months.
Once you are seated at the test center you are shown CyberArk’s non-disclosure agreement. Signing it is required to proceed; if you decline or do not agree within five minutes, you are removed and the exam fee is forfeited.
The NDA requires you to hold exam information in strict confidence, not to disclose or reproduce it, and not to use unauthorized materials. CyberArk reserves the right to revoke the certification if it finds a breach.
Source: Pearson VUE — CyberArk exam non-disclosure agreement. Checked 10 October 2026.
CyberArk Defender training and exam prep
CyberArk’s official training portal is CyberArk University at training.cyberark.com, which Pearson VUE links as the training source for the CyberArk exams. Its catalogue loads only inside the portal, so course names, formats and prices are not repeated here — check there which course maps to the Defender exam you plan to take.
Good CyberArk Defender training is product-specific. Because the Defender level is about running the product, hands-on time operating it in a lab or test environment counts for more than reading about it.
For exam prep, work from the product area of your exam outward: master the everyday operational tasks first, then the troubleshooting cases that come up in day-to-day operations.
Source: Pearson VUE — CyberArk Certification. Checked 10 October 2026.
CyberArk Defender practice tests and study material
Use official study material first: CyberArk University and the product documentation for the exam you are taking. Practice tests are useful for checking readiness, but only if they match the product area and the current version of the product.
Avoid anything that claims to contain real CyberArk exam questions. The NDA you sign at the test center forbids disclosing exam information and using unauthorized materials, and CyberArk can revoke the certification for a breach — so such material puts the credential at risk.
Source: Pearson VUE — CyberArk exam non-disclosure agreement. Checked 10 October 2026.
Defender vs Sentry vs Guardian
Defender is about operating a CyberArk solution day to day. Sentry is about deploying, installing and configuring it, with exams for PAM (PAM-SEN), CyberArk Privilege Cloud (CPC-SEN) and Secrets Manager (SECRET-SEN). Guardian (GUARD) is the advanced level across CyberArk solutions.
Choose by the work you do: if you operate PAM day to day, Defender PAM matches it; if your job is installation and configuration, the Sentry exams describe that work.
Source: Pearson VUE — CyberArk Certification. Checked 10 October 2026.
CyberArk Defender practice questions on Certsqill
Certsqill’s CyberArk Defender practice questions come with an explanation for every answer option, and your readiness score is shown per domain, so you can see where you stand before you book a test center seat.
CyberArk Defender questions people ask
What is the CyberArk Defender certification?
The operations level of CyberArk’s certification programme, validating the skills to maintain day-to-day operations of a CyberArk solution. Source: Pearson VUE CyberArk page, checked 10 October 2026.
Which CyberArk Defender exams are there?
Defender Access (ACC-DEF), Defender EPM (EPM-DEF) and Defender PAM (PAM-DEF). Source: Pearson VUE, checked 10 October 2026.
How much does the CyberArk Defender exam cost?
We could not confirm the price from an official source. Vouchers are sold through the Pearson VUE voucher store, which shows the binding price at checkout. Checked 10 October 2026.
Can I take the CyberArk Defender exam online?
No. Since 1 November 2025 all CyberArk exams are taken in person at Pearson VUE test centers; online proctoring was discontinued. Checked 10 October 2026.
How soon can I retake a CyberArk exam?
After 5 days the first time, then at least 30 days between attempts, with at most three attempts in 12 months. Source: Pearson VUE, checked 10 October 2026.
Is CyberArk now Idira?
Palo Alto Networks acquired CyberArk and launched Idira as its identity security platform; CyberArk’s community says “CyberArk is now Idira”. Exams are still listed as CyberArk exams. Checked 10 October 2026.
How many questions are on the CyberArk Defender exam, and what is the passing score?
Neither figure is published on the pages we could check. Confirm them on CyberArk University or at registration. Checked 10 October 2026.
What comes after CyberArk Defender?
Sentry (deploy, install and configure) and then Guardian (advanced). Source: Pearson VUE CyberArk page, checked 10 October 2026.
