Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) Certification Program

 

The New Fortinet Certification Program: A Response to the Real-World Challenges of Modern Cybersecurity Teams

 

In the IT industry, where change occurs at lightning speed, a lack of flexibility can become a serious threat to growth and security. Over the last decade, the Fortinet certification program has evolved multiple times, responding to new challenges and market needs. The latest update, effective as of October 15, 2025, is a breakthrough - it marks a shift from universal product training toward deep, specialized professional knowledge tailored to specific roles and tasks in cybersecurity.

 

As an Authorized Fortinet Training Center, Compendium CE is pleased to introduce you to the details of this new structure, which has one primary goal: to equip specialists with the exact competencies required for the tasks they perform every day.

 

Market-Driven Evolution

Looking at the changes in Fortinet programs over the past ten years, a clear trend emerges: from simple product training, through the extensive eight-level NSE system, to today’s structure based on Role-Based Certifications.

Modern cybersecurity teams are no longer a monolith. Today, they are composed of network security specialists, cloud security experts, and SOC analysts. The new Fortinet program recognizes this diversity, moving away from a "one-size-fits-all" approach in favor of maximum flexibility.

 

4 Specialization Pillars: Network Security, Security Ops, SASE, and Cloud Security

 

 

The new certification structure https://www.fortinet.com/training-certification allows you to build a career path within four key technological areas:

• Network Security: focused on infrastructure protection and secure connectivity (e.g., FortiGate, FortiNAC).
• Security Operations: dedicated to SOC teams responsible for incident detection and response (e.g., FortiSIEM, FortiAnalyzer).
• SASE (Secure Access Service Edge): combining network security with hybrid work models and Zero Trust access.
• Cloud Security: for engineers protecting resources in public clouds and web applications.

 

Above these specializations, there are three main levels of certification: Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP) , awarded after passing one mandatory exam at the NSE4 level and one elective exam at the NSE5 level; Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS) , granted upon successfully completing one elective exam at each of the NSE6 and NSE7 levels, both of these certification levels precisely confirm expertise in specified specializations. The highest level is Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX) = the legendary NSE8, which requires candidates to have expert-level knowledge in many of the areas mentioned previously, as well as in subjects beyond the established certification paths.

 

*In addition to the FCP, FCSS, and FCX levels, which are designed for professionals, Fortinet also offers two certification levels aimed at those beginning their journey in cybersecurity and taking their first steps with FortiGate solutions. These are the Fundamentals level, linked to the NSE1 and NSE2 training and exams (such as Introduction to the Threat Landscape, Getting Started in Cybersecurity, Introduction to Cybersecurity), and the Associate level, which includes the NSE3: FortiGate Operator training and exam. These courses are available for free in a self-paced e-learning format, and are accompanied by free exam quizzes at the NSE1, NSE2, and NSE3 levels.

For certifications at the FCP, FCSS, and FCX levels, as well as for their associated specializations, there are authorized courses available that are delivered live by qualified instructors. These courses thoroughly prepare participants to successfully pass the required exams.

 

Network Security

The foundation of the Fortinet ecosystem, focused on network infrastructure protection, secure connectivity, and traffic management.

• FCP: validates the ability to securely configure, administer, and monitor Fortinet Network Security solutions (primarily FortiGate).
• FortiOS Administrator (formerly FortiGate Administrator)
• FortiGate Immersion (intensive practical workshops)
• FortiManager Administrator
• FortiNAC
• Secure Wireless LAN Administrator
• FCSS: focuses on advanced network design and architecture, including solutions such as Enterprise Firewall and Troubleshooting.
• Enterprise Firewall Administrator
• Network Security Support Engineer

Security Operations

A path dedicated to SOC (Security Operations Center) specialists responsible for incident detection and response.

• FCP: focuses on daily analytics, event monitoring, and basic security automation.
• FortiOS Administrator (formerly FortiGate Administrator)
• FortiSandbox Administrator
• FortiAnalyzer Analyst
• FCSS: covers advanced topics such as security orchestration (SOAR), SIEM analytics, and advanced endpoint protection (EDR).
• FortiSOAR Administrator
• FortiSIEM Analyst

SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)

An area combining network security with cloud services, supporting hybrid work models and Zero Trust resource access.

• FCP: builds competencies in secure remote access and basic SASE solution operation.
• FortiOS Administrator (formerly FortiGate Administrator)
• SD-WAN Core Administrator
• FCSS: focuses on the implementation and optimization of complex ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access) strategies and SD-WAN secure network edges.
• SD-WAN Enterprise Administrator
• FortiEDR Administrator

Cloud Security

For engineers responsible for protecting resources in public clouds (AWS, Azure, GCP) and web application security.

• FCP: confirms the ability to deploy and manage application protection solutions in cloud environments.
• FortiOS Administrator (formerly FortiGate Administrator)
• FortiWeb Administrator
• FCSS: focuses on advanced cloud security architecture, automation, and public cloud infrastructure protection.
• FortiMail Administrator

 

Supplemental Knowledge and Implementation Support

Fortinet also offers training that lies outside the rigid certification paths but is crucial for the correct installation and daily operation of systems:

• FortiAnalyzer Administrator
• FortiAuthenticator Administrator
• FortiSIEM Administrator

 

Why Choose Compendium CE?

As a Fortinet Premier ATC — an authorized training partner of the highest status — we provide the opportunity to work on the latest versions of Fortinet systems (e.g., 7.6.x) and access to extensive, practical laboratories. Our training is much more than just exam preparation — it provides real-world competencies essential for implementing and working daily with the Fortinet Security Fabric.

As an authorized training center with years of experience and Premier ATC status, we guarantee:

• Up-to-date Training and Software: all our courses are delivered using the latest official Fortinet training programmes and the corresponding FortiOS versions, ensuring that participants learn in current, relevant environments
• Official Authorized Training Materials: participants receive access to official, digital training materials that are always up to date
• Official Practical Labs: most of the time during official courses is spent working with real systems available within laboratory environments
• FCT (Fortinet Certified Trainers): official Fortinet training are only available at ATCs and is led by instructors with the required FCT credentials
• Certificate of Attendance: Participants receive certificates confirming their participation in official, authorized Fortinet training, signed directly by Fortinet
• Flexibility: We deliver training on-site (Warsaw, Krakow, Munich, Münster, Brunn am Gebirge, Zurich, and more) as well as online with a live instructor (VILT) in Polish, English, and German.

 

We invite you to explore our full Fortinet training schedule and join the ranks of Fortinet certified experts!