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The Fortinet NSE Certification Advantage

The Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) program is an eight-level training and certification program that is designed to provide interested technical professionals with an independent validation of their network security skills and experience. The NSE program includes a wide range of self-paced and instructor-led courses, as well as practical, experiential exercises that demonstrate mastery of complex network security concepts.

NSE Certification Program Update

The NSE Certification program will be expanding in October 2023. All current courses, exams, and certifications will remain valid and are transferable to the updated program. For more information, please visit https://www.fortinet.com/nse-training/training-program-update.

90%

of organizations prefer to hire candidates with certifications.

*Fortinet Skills Shortage Survey

95%

of decision-makers believe technology-focused certifications positively impact both their role and their team.

*Fortinet Skills Shortage Survey

1,000,000+

certifications issued*.

*Last updated 10/2022

 


NSE Certification Levels

Cybersecurity Awareness Certification
NSE 1 Information Security Awareness is the entry-level certification in the program. You will be introduced to today's cyberthreats and advised on how you can secure your information. You must successfully complete all lessons and pass all quizzes within the Information Security Awareness course to obtain the NSE 1 Certification. Ideal for: Everyone
Get started with NSE 1
NSE 2 After you develop a solid understanding of the threat landscape and the problems facing organizations and individuals, you will learn about the evolution of cybersecurity. In the second level, you will learn about the types of security products that have been created by security vendors to address security problems faced by networks and organizations. Ideal for: Everyone
Get started with NSE 2
NSE 3 NSE 3 introduces you to key Fortinet products and describes the cybersecurity problems they solve. The product lessons and use cases in this course are organized into the following Fortinet Security Fabric pillars: Security-Driven Networking, Zero Trust Access, Adaptive Cloud Security, and Security Operations. Ideal for: Everyone
Get started with NSE 3
Cybersecurity Technical Certification
NSE 4 NSE 4 identifies your ability to configure, install, and manage the day-to-day configuration, monitoring, and operation of a FortiGate device to support specific corporate network security policies. Ideal for:
Network Security Administrators, Technical Support Engineers and System Engineers
Get started with NSE 4
NSE 5 NSE 5 recognizes your ability to implement network security management and analytics using Fortinet security devices. The curriculum is recommended for those who require the expertise to centrally manage, analyze, and report on Fortinet security devices. This designation is recognized when you successfully pass a minimum of any two Fortinet NSE 5 certification exams. Ideal for:
Network Security Administrators, Technical Support Engineers and System Engineers
Get started with NSE 5
NSE 6 NSE 6 recognizes comprehensive skills with fabric products beyond the firewall. This designation is recognized after you achieve at least four Fortinet Specialist certificates on Fortinet enhanced products, and is recommended for those who are involved in managing and supporting specific Fortinet security products. Ideal for:
Network Security Administrators, Technical Support Engineers and System Engineers
Get started with NSE 6
Cybersecurity Advanced Certification
NSE 7 NSE 7 identifies your advanced skills in deploying, administering, and troubleshooting Fortinet security solutions. This curriculum offers courses for network and security professionals who are involved in advanced administration and support of security infrastructures using Fortinet solutions. You must successfully pass at least one of the NSE 7 exams to obtain this certification.
Ideal for:
IT Security Architects, Network Security Administrators, Technical Support Engineers and System Engineers
Get started with NSE 7
Cybersecurity Expert Certification
NSE 8 The NSE 8 Fortinet Network Security Expert designation identifies your comprehensive and expert knowledge of network security design, configuration, and troubleshooting for complex networks. To attempt the exam, candidates must have related industry experience. We recommend that you complete the appropriate Professional, Analyst, Specialist, and Architect designation training and have extensive experience with Fortinet products in a production environment. The Fortinet Network Security Expert designation does not include training. Ideal for:
Network Security Cybersecurity Professionals
Get started with NSE 8

Explore Cybersecurity Certifications by Role

Fortinet Education Pathways align NSE training and certification to NICE framework job roles.

Explore certifications for cybersecurity roles in the following:

Security-Driven Networking Zero Trust Access Security Operations Adaptive Cloud Security Operational Technology
Security-Driven Networking
Explore: NSE 4 | NSE 5 |
NSE 7
Zero Trust Access
Explore: NSE 4 | NSE 5 |
NSE 6 | NSE 7
Security Operations
Explore: NSE 4 | NSE 5 |
NSE 7
Adaptive Cloud Security
Explore: NSE 4 | NSE 6 |
NSE 7
Operational Technology
Explore: NSE 4 | NSE 5 |
NSE 6 | NSE 7

NSE Certification Resources

Exams

Exams for NSE 4 and above are proctored, both online and in person, by Pearson VUE.
Schedule Your Exam

Recertification

All Fortinet certifications expire two years after being earned. Keep up to date with new releases.
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Join the Community

Discuss courses, certifications, and more on Fuse.
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Program Policies & FAQs

Questions about certification? Review the Program Policy Guidelines or our FAQs

  

The Prestige of NSE 8 Certification

Awards & Recognitions

2023 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards Winner 2023 Global InfoSec Awards Winner 2022 CyberSecurity Breakthrough Award Winner 2022 Silver Award Winner for Best Security Training and Educational Program 2022 Gold Award Winner for Best Cybersecurity Training 2021 Gold Award Winner for Best Security Training and Educational Programs
2023 CyberSecurity Excellence Award Winner for Best Cybersecurity Training Program and Security Awareness Program 2023 Global InfoSec Award Winner for Best Cybersecurity Training and Cutting-Edge Security Awareness Training 2022 CyberSecurity Breakthrough Award Winner for Best Security Awareness Training Platform 2022 Silver Award Winner for Best Security Training and Educational Program 2022 and 2021  Gold Award Winner for Best Cybersecurity Training 2021 Gold Award Winner for Best Security Training and Educational Programs