Fortinet NSE Certification Update 2023

In the fall of 2023, the Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) program will undergo significant changes. What are these changes? We describe the most important modifications to Fortinet NSE certification in our article.

 

 

Updates to the Fortinet NSE Certification Program have been carefully crafted and researched over several years to address the rapidly evolving threat landscape and job market needs. The primary objective with these updates is to satisfy both current and future requirements, ensuring that the NSE Certification program remains at the forefront of network security expertise.

Fortinet will continue awarding the current NSE certifications until October 1, 2023. All NSE certifications awarded until then will be honored by Fortinet until they expire.  Starting on October 1, 2023 Fortinet will begin awarding the new certifications to individuals who meet the requirements. Professionals can view what is required for each of the new certifications by visiting the associated certification page.

 

Main Program Updates

Effective October 1, 2023, the Fortinet NSE Certification program will undergo four major updates.

• The program's restructuring will result in five proficiency levels that include a total of 11 certifications.
• Each proficiency level will have one or more certifications that align with professional career paths.
• Obtaining a certification will require cybersecurity professionals to pass a minimum number of exams or courses.
• Exam badges will be introduced for each core and elective exam.

 

 

 

Fall 2023 NSE Certification Levels

Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF)

The Fortinet Certified Fundamentals in Cybersecurity certification validates that you have mastered the fundamental skills that are required to learn how to operate cybersecurity products and solutions. This curriculum covers today’s threat landscape and the fundamentals of cybersecurity.

Ideal For: Entry-level cybersecurity professionals, anyone pursuing a career in cybersecurity, or those with NSE 1 and 2 certifications.

 

 

Fortinet Certified Associate (FCA)

The Fortinet Certified Associate in Cybersecurity certification validates your ability to execute high-level operations on a FortiGate device. This curriculum covers the fundamentals of operating the most common FortiGate features.

Ideal For: Cybersecurity operators, network security administrators of small and medium sized networks, or those with an NSE 3 certification.

 

 

Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP)

The Fortinet Certified Professional certifications (3) validate your ability to secure networks and applications by deploying, managing, and monitoring Fortinet cybersecurity products. Each certification’s curriculum covers the day-to-day tasks related to Fortinet devices.

Ideal For: Cybersecurity administrators, system engineers, cybersecurity analysts, or those with NSE 4, 5, or 6 certifications.

 

 

Fortinet Certified Engineer (FCE)

The Fortinet Certified Engineer certifications (5) validate your ability to design, administer, monitor, and troubleshoot Fortinet cybersecurity solutions. Each certification’s curriculum covers security infrastructures using advanced Fortinet solutions.

Ideal For: Security architects, cybersecurity administrators, technical support engineers, system engineers, cybersecurity analysts, or those with an NSE 7 certification.

 

 

Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX)

The Fortinet Certified Expert in Cybersecurity certification validates your comprehensive and expert knowledge of network security design, configuration, and troubleshooting for complex networks. To attempt both the written and practical exams, candidates must have related industry experience. We recommend that you complete the appropriate Professional and Engineer certification level training and have extensive experience with Fortinet products in a production environment.

Ideal For: Senior cybersecurity professionals or those with an NSE 8 certification.