PAM-DEF Intermediate Security & Identity

CyberArk Certified Defender

Associate-level certification covering the CyberArk Digital Vault, safe and account management, the CPM and PSM, connection components, and day-to-day privileged access operations.

Last updated 2026-10-09

10 Questions

4 Free to try

90m Duration

70 Passing score

Recognised certification badges

The same exam codes as official-style credential badges — metallic rim, dark plaque, vendor mark and tier stars.

All certifications

Certified AZ-900 Microsoft Azure Fundamentals

Certified CLF-C02 AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Certified SY0-701 CompTIA Security+

Certified 200-301 Cisco Certified Network Associate

Certified AZ-104 Microsoft Azure Administrator

Certified SAA-C03 AWS Solutions Architect - Associate

Certified ADM-201 Salesforce Certified Administrator

Certified C_TS4FI SAP S/4HANA Financial Accounting

Certified ACE Google Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer

Certified CS0-003 CompTIA CySA+

Free PAM-DEF questions

Start with 4 free questions and an explanation on every one. No account required.

Start practice test

About the PAM-DEF exam

CyberArk Certified Defender (PAM-DEF) is a intermediate-level CyberArk certification covering 9 topic areas. The certtop PAM-DEF practice bank holds 10 questions with an explanation on every one, and 4 of them are free to try without an account.

Who this exam is typically for

Security administrators IAM engineers Security analysts Compliance specialists

Sample PAM-DEF question

A real question from the PAM-DEF bank, with the explanation that ships with it.

Digital Vault

Which CyberArk component securely stores and manages privileged account credentials in encrypted form?

AThe Digital Vault
BThe Password Vault Web Access (PVWA)
CThe Central Policy Manager (CPM)
DThe Privileged Session Manager (PSM)

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — The Digital Vault

The Digital Vault is the hardened, encrypted repository where CyberArk stores and protects privileged credentials and policies.

Topics covered

Question distribution across the 10-question PAM-DEF bank.

Master Policy 2 questions
Digital Vault 1 questions
CPM 1 questions
PVWA 1 questions
Safes and Permissions 1 questions
PSM 1 questions
Account Management 1 questions
PSM for SSH 1 questions
Platforms 1 questions

Skills tested

Every topic area the PAM-DEF bank currently covers.

Master Policy Digital Vault CPM PVWA Safes and Permissions PSM Account Management PSM for SSH Platforms

Moderate practice depth. Enough for a focused check on the main topic areas.

How to prepare

A six-step routine that works whether you have a week or a month.

1

Check where you stand

Take the 4 free PAM-DEF questions first. No account is needed, and every answer comes with an explanation.
2

Work the topic areas

Study the 9 topic areas listed below, starting with the ones carrying the most questions.
3

Practise with explanations

Use practice mode so you see the verdict and the reasoning straight after each answer.
4

Review your weak topics

After each attempt, read the per-topic breakdown and redo the areas you scored lowest on.
5

Sit a timed attempt

Switch to exam mode and work to the 90-minute limit to build pacing.
6

Retake until consistent

Repeat until you clear the 70 passing score on the full bank, not just the free set.

What you get

Scenario-based questions that mirror the real PAM-DEF exam style.
An explanation for every question, so you understand the reasoning, not just the answer.
Practice mode with instant feedback and progress saved between sessions.
A per-topic breakdown after each attempt to show where to focus next.
Unlimited retakes with reshuffled questions on the full bank.