Jul
21
2026
Fortinet has updated the NSE certification program
What changed as of July 15, 2026?
Fortinet has introduced another major update to its Network Security Expert (NSE) certification program. As of July 15, 2026, the program was expanded from the previous five-level structure to eight NSE levels, while retaining the four main specialization tracks: Secure Networking, Security Operations, Cloud Security, and SASE.
The changes are designed to help cybersecurity professionals plan their skills development more precisely, while enabling organizations to better align certifications with real-world job roles, the Fortinet Security Fabric technologies in use, and current market demands.
Why did Fortinet change the certification program?
For years, the NSE program was one of the most recognizable certification systems in cybersecurity. While Fortinet transitioned in recent years to a structure based on FCF, FCA, FCP, FCSS, and FCX certifications, as of July 15, 2026, it is returning to the proven and well-regarded NSE 1–8 numbering. At the same time, it is expanding the framework with new levels, exams, and recertification rules.
The new structure better reflects how modern IT and SOC teams work today: some specialists focus on network security, others on security operations, public cloud, application protection, SASE, OT environments, or MSSP services.
Key changes introduced on July 15, 2026
- The certification program was expanded from 5 to 8 NSE levels.
- Fortinet retained four main specialization tracks: Secure Networking, Security Operations, Cloud Security, and SASE.
- The previous FCF, FCA, FCP, FCSS, and FCX names were replaced by the NSE 1–8 structure.
- New industry-focused certifications were introduced, including OT Security and MSSP Security.
- New, more comprehensive NSE 7 exams were introduced.
- The range of Fortinet products covered by certification was expanded.
- Cybersecurity fundamentals training and certifications were reorganized and expanded.
- Recertification rules were changed, including those related to the expert-level NSE 8 certification.
The new NSE level structure
Since July 15, 2026, the NSE program has once again been based on eight certification levels, leading from cybersecurity fundamentals to the expert level.
| Level | Scope |
|---|---|
| NSE 1–3 | Cybersecurity fundamentals, threat awareness, and introduction to Fortinet technologies. |
| NSE 4 | Administrator level, focused primarily on FortiOS and managing FortiGate solutions. |
| NSE 5 | Professional level, developing skills in selected technology and product areas. |
| NSE 6 | Specialist level, covering more advanced Fortinet products and solutions. |
| NSE 7 | Architect level, validating the ability to design and implement complex solutions within a specific track. |
| NSE 8 | Expert level, requiring broad technical knowledge and experience across multiple areas of the Fortinet Security Fabric. |
The four specialization tracks remain unchanged
Fortinet retained the four main development tracks that correspond to the most important areas of work for security teams:
- Secure Networking — for professionals responsible for network security, FortiGate, segmentation, SD-WAN and security infrastructure.
- Security Operations — for SOC teams, security analysts, and specialists working with tools such as FortiAnalyzer, FortiSIEM or FortiSOAR.
- Cloud Security — for engineers securing cloud environments, applications, and cloud-based services.
- SASE — for specialists responsible for secure access, hybrid work, Zero Trust, FortiSASE, and related remote access solutions.
NSE 7 certifications - architect level in the new Fortinet program
One of the most important changes introduced on July 15, 2026, is the new approach to NSE 7 certifications. In the new structure, NSE 7 corresponds to the architect level and validates the ability to design, implement, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot complex environments based on Fortinet solutions.
The NSE 7 level is available across four main technology tracks aligned with the updated Fortinet certification program:
| NSE 7 certification | Exam | Recommended preparation courses |
|---|---|---|
| NSE 7 in Secure Networking | Fortinet NSE 7 - Secure Networking Architect | Enterprise Firewall Administrator and SD-WAN Enterprise Administrator |
| NSE 7 in SASE | Fortinet NSE 7 - SASE Architect | FortiSASE Enterprise Administrator and SD-WAN Enterprise Administrator |
| NSE 7 in Cloud Security | Fortinet NSE 7 - Cloud Security Architect | Public Cloud Security Architect |
| NSE 7 in Security Operations | Fortinet NSE 7 - Security Operations Architect | Security Operations Architect |
It is important to note that NSE 7 exams are now comprehensive. This means that an exam may cover content from more than one course, as well as topics that are not directly addressed in a single training class. For this reason, one specific course should not be treated as complete and sufficient preparation for an NSE 7 exam.
The courses indicated by Fortinet should be treated as a recommended foundation for preparation. Candidates should complement them with practical experience, work with documentation and labs, and knowledge of design and troubleshooting scenarios relevant to the selected track.
To earn an NSE 7 certification in a selected track, candidates must meet the program prerequisites: hold an active NSE 4 FortiOS certification and an active NSE 5 or NSE 6 certification in the same track, and then pass the relevant proctored NSE 7 exam. The NSE 7 certification is active for 2 years from the date of passing the NSE 7 exam or from the date of the last required prerequisite exam, whichever is later.
New industry-focused certifications: OT Security and MSSP Security
Another important update is the introduction of industry-focused certifications that operate alongside the main NSE path. Fortinet highlights areas such as OT Security and MSSP Security, responding to the growing importance of industrial environment security and managed security services.
This allows specialists to validate their skills not only within the traditional NSE levels, but also in the context of specific business models and technology environments.
What about existing Fortinet certifications?
Professionals holding active Fortinet certifications did not lose them when the new program took effect. Existing certifications were mapped to the new NSE structure, and their validity follows the original expiration dates or the transition rules defined by the Fortinet Training Institute https://helpdesk.training.fortinet.com/support/solutions/articles/73000667146-how-will-my-current-certifications-transition-to-the-new-nse-certifications-on-july-15-2026-
In practice, holders of FCP, FCSS, or FCX certifications should check which NSE level and track their certification has been mapped to.
What do the changes mean for people planning training or an exam?
If you are planning to earn a Fortinet certification, it is worth verifying which NSE level your selected course and exam lead to after the changes introduced on July 15, 2026. This is especially important for candidates preparing for professional and specialist-level exams, where changes in names, tracks, and requirements may affect the further certification plan https://www.fortinet.com/nse-training-update
It is also important to make sure that training materials, labs, and the preparation path match the current Fortinet exam requirements. The program update was not only a change in certification names, but also a better alignment of content with practical tasks performed by administrators, engineers, architects, and security analysts.
Fortinet training at Compendium CE
As an Authorized Fortinet Training Center, Compendium CE supports IT professionals and security teams in preparing for Fortinet certifications. We help select the right training path, match the course level to participants’ experience, and plan skills development in line with the new NSE structure. All Fortinet courses offered by Compendium CE are based on the latest versions of course materials and labs.
Below are Fortinet courses available in the Compendium CE portfolio that help prepare for specific NSE levels and certification tracks. Please note that training courses are part of the certification preparation process, while exam requirements and course-to-level mapping may be updated by the Fortinet Training Institute.
NSE 4
NSE 5
- Secure Networking
- SASE
- Cloud Security
- Security Operations
NSE 6
- Secure Networking
- SASE
- Cloud Security
- Security Operations
NSE 7
- Secure Networking
- SASE
The Compendium CE portfolio also includes other authorized Fortinet courses, including Network Security Support Engineer and courses covering solutions such as FortiAuthenticator, FortiSandbox, FortiSOAR or FortiPAM. When selecting a course, we recommend checking the current course description, course code, product version, and information about the NSE level or exam with which the course is associated.