Zscaler — Vendor Overview
V021 · Cloud Security, SASE, Zero Trust · 4 active certifications · SA presence: Moderate
Quick pitch: Zscaler is the leading cloud security and SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) platform vendor; ZSCA certifications are increasingly valuable as organisations adopt zero-trust architecture and cloud-based security gateways for hybrid and remote workforces.
Company Snapshot
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Zscaler, Inc. |
| Founded | 2007 — pioneered cloud-based security gateway |
| Headquarters | San Jose, California, USA |
| Employees | ~7,000 globally (2026) |
| Revenue | $2.2B annually (FY2025) |
| Listed | NASDAQ: ZS |
| Core business | Develops Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA), Zscaler Private Access (ZPA), and Zscaler Digital Experience (ZDX) cloud security platforms. 90% subscriptions, 10% services. |
| SA office | Partner network only; partners include IS Global, Westcon-Comstech, regional integrators |
What Zscaler Does
Zscaler manufactures cloud-based security gateways that replace traditional perimeter-based firewalls. The company's ZIA (Zscaler Internet Access) platform intercepts all internet traffic and applies threat prevention policies without routing through corporate data centres. ZPA (Zscaler Private Access) provides secure access to corporate applications without VPN. ZDX (Zscaler Digital Experience) monitors user experience and application performance.
Zscaler is the market leader in cloud security gateways and SASE platforms. Revenue is 90% subscriptions (recurring), 10% professional services. The certification program is designed for security engineers, network administrators, and architects implementing zero-trust and cloud-native security models.
Certification Portfolio
| Level | Cert Name | Code | Domain | Cost (USD) | Valid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate | ZSCA – Zscaler Certified Associate | ZSCA | Zscaler Fundamentals | $200 | 2 yrs |
| Associate | ZSIA – Zscaler Internet Access | ZSIA | ZIA Administration | $200 | 2 yrs |
| Professional | ZSPA – Zscaler Private Access | ZSPA | ZPA Architecture | $300 | 2 yrs |
| Professional | ZSDE – Zscaler Digital Experience | ZSDE | User Experience Analytics | $300 | 2 yrs |
Recommended starting cert
ZSCA (Zscaler Certified Associate) — Entry-level credential validating understanding of Zscaler cloud security architecture, zero-trust principles, and basic platform administration. Suitable for security engineers and network administrators. 90-minute exam; ~60–70 questions. 2-year validity. ~1–2 months study with lab access.
Why Zscaler Matters in 2026
Zscaler is the market leader in cloud security gateways and SASE platforms, with approximately 35% market share in SASE. LinkedIn shows 3,600+ open Zscaler-related job postings. Zscaler is widely adopted by financial services, healthcare, technology companies, and government agencies implementing zero-trust security models. Post-pandemic remote work adoption drove massive growth in SASE and cloud security adoption.
The certification ecosystem is growing rapidly; Zscaler invests in training and community engagement. ZSCA and ZSPA certifications are increasingly valuable as organisations move from traditional firewalls to cloud-based security gateways. Demand is exceptionally strong (+14% YoY).
Job Market Data
| Metric | Value | Source | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active job postings | 3,600+ | LinkedIn Jobs | May 2026 |
| Growth YoY | +14% | LinkedIn Salary Insights | 2025–2026 |
| Top job title | Security Engineer | May 2026 | |
| Top hiring countries | USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia | May 2026 |
Common job titles
| Job Title | Seniority | Median USD Salary | Median ZAR Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Engineer | Mid | $92,000 | R84,600/month |
| Cloud Security Engineer | Senior | $118,000 | R108,500/month |
| Security Architect | Lead | $150,000+ | R138,000+/month |
South Africa Presence
Direct presence
Zscaler operates through partners in South Africa. Partners include IS Global, Westcon-Comstech, and regional integrators. Technical support and training available through these channels.
SA job market
South African banks, insurance companies, and large enterprises increasingly adopt Zscaler for hybrid/remote work security. ZSCA certifications are becoming valued. Demand is growing but lower than global market.
Median salary for ZSCA-certified Security Engineers in SA is R84,600/month (approximately $4,600 USD).
SA training providers
| Provider | Cert(s) offered | URL |
|---|---|---|
| IS Global | ZSCA, ZSPA, ZIA/ZPA | isglobal.co.za |
| Westcon-Comstech | ZSCA, ZSPA | westcon.co.za |
| Zscaler Training | All certs | zscaler.com/training |
Vendor Ecosystem
Key technologies and platforms
- Zscaler Internet Access (ZIA) – cloud security gateway
- Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) – secure remote access
- Zscaler Digital Experience (ZDX) – user experience monitoring
- Zero-trust security model
- Cloud-native threat prevention
- API-driven architecture
Complementary vendors and certs
| Complementary Vendor | Why they pair well |
|---|---|
| Okta | Identity + cloud security (zero-trust foundation) |
| Palo Alto Networks | Complementary firewall/NGFW and cloud security |
| Fortinet | SD-WAN + cloud security layered approach |
| AWS, Azure | Cloud infrastructure + cloud security platforms |
Community and resources
| Resource | Type | URL |
|---|---|---|
| Zscaler Training | Official | zscaler.com/training |
| Zscaler Community | Community | community.zscaler.com |
| r/zscaler | Community | reddit.com/r/zscaler |
| Zscaler YouTube | Learning | youtube.com/c/Zscaler |
Vendor History & Roadmap
Key milestones
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2007 | Founded; pioneered cloud security gateway |
| 2013 | IPO; NASDAQ: ZS |
| 2018 | Launched Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) – zero-trust access |
| 2019 | Acquired Apptio and Cloudlock for cloud security |
| 2021 | Accelerated SASE platform adoption post-pandemic |
| 2023 | Launched AI-powered threat prevention in ZIA |
| 2025–2026 | Focus on autonomous threat response, cloud-native SASE |
| 2026 | Zscaler SASE becoming standard for remote/hybrid work |
Outlook
Zscaler is firmly positioned as the market leader in cloud security and SASE. The company's rapid growth and focus on zero-trust and cloud-native security ensure continued dominance. For certification professionals, ZSCA, ZSPA, and ZIA/ZPA certifications remain secure and in growing demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Zscaler worth investing in for my career? Yes, especially if interested in cloud security, zero-trust, or SASE. Zscaler is the market leader and rapidly growing.
Q: How often do Zscaler certs expire? All certifications expire after 2 years. Renewal requires passing renewal exams.
Q: Are Zscaler certs recognised in South Africa? Moderately. Zscaler adoption is growing in SA hybrid/remote work environments.
Q: What's the best cert to start with from Zscaler? ZSCA. Entry point, suitable for security engineers. Expect 1–2 months study.
Related Content
- Cert Roadmap →
- Ecosystem Deep Dive →
- Individual Cert Files →
Sources
| # | Source | URL | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zscaler Training | zscaler.com/training | Company data, certs |
| 2 | Zscaler Investor | investor.zscaler.com | Revenue, employee count |
| 3 | LinkedIn Jobs – Zscaler | linkedin.com/jobs | Job market data |
| 4 | IS Global (SA Partner) | isglobal.co.za | SA presence |
Template version: 2026-05-03 | Maintained by IT Career Roadmap