PCN PEP study guide
PCN PEP · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The PCN PEP (Process Control Network Professional Engineering Program) is a professional credential aimed at engineers and security practitioners who design, operate, and defend industrial control networks in process industries such as refining, chemicals, power, and utilities. It sits at the intersection of operational technology (OT) engineering and cybersecurity: candidates are expected to understand how a PLC, RTU, DCS, or SCADA system actually moves data, and then reason about how to segment, monitor, and harden that traffic without breaking the process. The PCN PEP study guide has 7 sections and about 1,840 words.
01Process Control Network Fundamentals
Domain 1 tests how well you distinguish a process control network (PCN) from enterprise IT and how you apply the Purdue model, control-loop priorities, and OT component roles. OT prioritizes availability, safety, and integrity ahead of confidentiality; a reboot for patching can stop a production line.
291 words, about 1 min02Industrial Networking and Protocols
Domain 2 tests protocol-level knowledge and the security implications of Modbus TCP, DNP3, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and OPC UA in PCN environments. Modbus TCP has no built-in authentication or encryption; function codes 1–6, 15, and 16 read or write coils and registers.
297 words, about 1 min03Network Architecture and Segmentation
Domain 3 tests zone and conduit design, DMZ placement, firewall rule construction, VLAN limitations, and control of data flows between IT and OT. IEC 62443 zones group assets with common security requirements; conduits control communication between zones.
262 words, about 1 min04Security Controls and Defense in Depth
Domain 4 tests layered technical and administrative controls suitable for OT, including access control, allowlisting, remote access, backups, patching, and physical protection. Apply least privilege and role-based access.
256 words, about 1 min05Risk Assessment and Compliance
Domain 5 tests risk assessment methods, security-level thinking, and the standards and regulations that shape PCN compliance. IEC 62443 risk assessment identifies zones and conduits, sets target security levels (SL-T), compares achieved SL, and records gaps.
244 words, about 1 min06Monitoring, Detection, and Incident Response
Domain 6 tests passive monitoring, communications baselining, alert triage, and incident response that protects both security and process safety. Prefer passive monitoring through SPAN ports or TAPs.
255 words, about 1 min07Operations, Maintenance, and Lifecycle Management
Domain 7 tests asset lifecycle practices: inventory, change control, patching, backups, vendor access, and decommissioning in a PCN. Maintain an asset inventory with make, model, firmware, location, owner, network path, criticality, and end-of-support status.
235 words, about 1 min