Cybersecurity Certification
NSE Certification Program Prepares Professionals for Critical Cybersecurity Careers
NSE Brochure 2026 Cybersecurity Skills Gap ReportThe Fortinet NSE Certification Advantage
The Fortinet NSE Certification Program helps cybersecurity professionals build practical skills and validate their knowledge through industry-recognized certifications. Designed to align with today's evolving cybersecurity landscape and workforce needs, the program supports learners at every stage of their careers—from foundational cybersecurity concepts to advanced technical expertise.
The program offers flexible learning through self-paced and instructor-led training, complemented by hands-on labs and practical exercises. Certifications are organized into progressive learning levels and specialized technology tracks, enabling learners to develop the skills needed to advance their careers and demonstrate expertise in key cybersecurity domains.
91%
of organizations prefer to hire candidates with certifications.
*Fortinet 2026 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Research Report
85%
of IT decision makers say they have someone on their team with a technology-focused certification.
*Fortinet 2026 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Research Report
1,800,000+
certifications issued*.
*Last updated 9/2025
NSE Certification Levels
Explore the complete Fortinet NSE Certification Program and the requirements for each certification. Select Learn More below to access self-paced training, certification requirements, prerequisites, recertification details, course and lab information, and class schedules. You can also download the Quick Reference Guide for a program overview.
For the latest certification program updates and transition information, visit the Program Updates page or review the FAQs.
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| Certification | Exam Level | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
 Learn More | NSE 1: Cybersecurity | The NSE 1 in Cybersecurity certification validates that you have mastered the technical skills and knowledge that are required for any entry-level job role in cybersecurity. This curriculum will offer courses that cover today’s threat landscape and the fundamentals of cybersecurity. | Complete the online course and test |
 Learn More | NSE 2: Cybersecurity | The NSE 2 in Cybersecurity certification validates that you have mastered the technical skills and knowledge that are required to identify and describe the core features of Next Generation Firewalls. | Complete the online course and test |
 Learn More | NSE 3: Cybersecurity | The NSE 3 in Cybersecurity certification validates your ability to run high-level operations on a FortiGate device. This curriculum covers the fundamentals of operating the most common FortiGate features. | Complete the online course and Pass the online exam |
 Learn More | NSE 4: FortiOS | The NSE 4 in cybersecurity certification validates your ability to configure, operate, and day-to-day administer FortiGate devices to secure your network and applications. | Pass the NSE 4 proctored exam |
| Certification | Exam Level | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
 Learn More | NSE 5: Secure Networking | The NSE 5 in Secure Networking certification validates your ability to secure networks and applications by deploying, managing, and monitoring Fortinet core network security products. The certification exams cover the day-to-day tasks related to Fortinet secure networking devices and VMs. | NSE 4 certification and Pass one of the NSE 5 proctored exams |
 Learn More | NSE 5: SASE | The NSE 5 in SASE certification validates your ability to secure internet and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) access using Fortinet SASE solutions. The certification exam covers the design, deployment, and management of small and medium-sized SASE infrastructures. | NSE 4 certification and Pass the NSE 5 proctored exam |
 Learn More | NSE 5: Cloud Security | The NSE 5 in Cloud Security certification validates your ability to secure public and private cloud applications by deploying, managing, and monitoring Fortinet core application security products. The certification exams cover the day-to-day tasks related to Fortinet application security devices and VMs. | NSE 4 certification and Pass one of the NSE 5 proctored exams |
 Learn More | NSE 5: Security Operations | The NSE 5 in Security Operations certification validates your ability to secure networks and applications by deploying, managing, and monitoring Fortinet core security operations products. The certification exam covers the day-to-day tasks related to Fortinet security operations devices. | NSE 4 certification and Pass the NSE 5 proctored exam |
| Certification | Exam Level | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
 Learn More | NSE 6: Secure Networking | The NSE 6 in Secure Networking certification validates your ability to secure networks and applications by deploying, managing, and monitoring Fortinet advanced network security products. The certification exams cover the day-to-day tasks related to Fortinet secure networking devices and VMs. | NSE 4 certification and Pass one of the NSE 6 proctored exams |
 Learn More | NSE 6: SASE | The NSE 6 in SASE certification validates your ability to deploy, manage, and monitor advanced endpoint protection and data security features. The certification exams cover advanced operational tasks associated with using FortiClient EMS, FortiEDR, and FortiDLP solutions, including endpoint posture enforcement, threat detection and response, and data loss prevention. | NSE 4 certification and Pass one of the NSE 6 proctored exams |
 Learn More | NSE 6: Cloud Security | The NSE 6 in Cloud Security certification validates your ability to secure public and private cloud applications by deploying, managing, and monitoring Fortinet advanced application security products. The certification exams cover the day-to-day tasks related to Fortinet application security devices and VMs. | NSE 4 certification and Pass one of the NSE 6 proctored exams |
 Learn More | NSE 6: Security Operations | The NSE 6 in Security Operations certification validates your ability to secure networks and applications by deploying, managing, and monitoring Fortinet Advanced security operations products. The certification exams cover the day-to-day tasks related to Fortinet advanced security operations devices. | NSE 4 certification |
| Certification | Exam Level | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
 Learn More | NSE 7: Secure Networking | The NSE 7 in Secure Networking certification validates your ability to design, administer, monitor, and troubleshoot Fortinet network security solutions. The certification exam covers network security infrastructures using advanced Fortinet solutions. | NSE 4 certification NSE 5 or NSE 6 certification in Secure Networking and Pass the NSE 7 proctored exam |
 Learn More | NSE 7: SASE | The NSE 7 in SASE certification validates your ability to design, administer, monitor, and troubleshoot advanced Fortinet SASE deployments. The certification exam focuses on FortiSASE and Fortinet SD-WAN solutions, including the design and troubleshooting of complex SASE infrastructures that integrate secure access services and SD-WAN to support distributed users, applications, and network edge locations. | NSE 4 certification NSE 5 or NSE 6 certification in SASE and Pass the NSE 7 proctored exam |
 Learn More | NSE 7: Cloud Security | The NSE 7 in Cloud Security certification validates your ability to secure public and private cloud applications by designing, administering, monitoring, and troubleshooting Fortinet application security solutions. The certification exam covers enterprise cloud infrastructures using advanced Fortinet solutions. | NSE 4 certification NSE 5 or NSE 6 certification in Cloud Security and Pass the NSE 7 proctored exam |
 Learn More | NSE 7: Security Operations | The NSE 7 in Security Operations certification validates your ability to design, administer, monitor, and troubleshoot Fortinet security operations solutions. The certification exams cover security operations infrastructures using advanced Fortinet solutions. | NSE 5 or NSE 6 certification in Security Operations and Pass the NSE 7 proctored exam |
| Certification | Exam Level | Description | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
 Learn More | NSE 8 | The NSE 8 Cybersecurity Expert certification validates your comprehensive and expert knowledge of network security design, configuration, and troubleshooting for complex networks. To attempt both practical exams, candidates must have related industry experience. It is recommended that candidates have extensive experience with Fortinet products in a production environment. | NSE 4 certification NSE 5 or NSE 6 certification NSE 7 certification (same track as NSE 5 or NSE 6) and Pass the NSE 8 core exam Pass one of the NSE 8 elective exams |
 Learn More | Industry Certification: MSSP Security | The Industry Certification in MSSP Security validates your ability to design, deploy, and monitor advanced Fortinet security solutions for MSSP services and environments. | NSE 4 certification NSE 5 or NSE 6 certification NSE 7 certification (same track as NSE 5 or NSE 6) and Pass the proctored exam |
 Learn More | Industry Certification: OT Security | The Industry Certification in OT Security validates your ability to design, deploy, and monitor advanced Fortinet security solutions for operational technology environments. | NSE 4 certification NSE 5 or NSE 6 certification NSE 7 certification (same track as NSE 5 or NSE 6) and Pass the proctored exam |
Training Delivery Options
Instructor-Led Training
Live sessions delivered either onsite (in-person), or online (over a virtual classroom application), include standard NSE training content in scheduled public or private classes. Classes are lead by Fortinet trainers or our Authorized Training Centers.
- Private courses also include possibility of content customization depending on customer needs.
- Class length and size will vary depending upon the course.
- Instructor delivers the training content and provides access to interactive labs where students reinforce the knowledge gained with hands-on activities.
Self-Paced E-Learning Training
Access to NSE pre-recorded lessons, online videos, and digital resources through the Training Institute portal.
- All self-paced courses are open free of charge. Free self-paced course access includes the theoretical lectures of NSE training content.
- On-demand lab access with interactive hands-on activities is available to purchase to enrich the learning experience and reinforce the knowledge gained with pre-recorded, self-paced lessons.
- If on-demand lab access is purchased, the self-paced course page will populate with the lab link and lab guides, and it will be part of the requirements to complete the learning activities within the self-paced course.
Customized Training
Contact the team for customized instructor-led training delivered on private premises, and/or for further information about how to purchase Fortinet Instructor-led Training and on-demand hands-on lab access within the self-paced courses.
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:
NSE Certification Resources
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|---|---|---|---|---|
ExamsExams for NSE 4-8 are proctored, both online and in person, by Pearson VUE or ProctorU (NSE 8).
| RecertificationAll Fortinet certifications expire two years after being earned.
| Join the CommunityDiscuss courses, certifications, and more on Fuse.
| Program Policies & FAQs | Credly Certification BadgesLearn more about all our new badges.
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Fortinet NSE Training Qualifies for ISC2 Credit
Fortinet is part of the ISC2 CPE Submitter Program, a Continuing Professional Education credit program. Learners can now earn one credit for every hour of training they do with Fortinet. The credits go towards maintaining the individual’s CISSP credentials.
Valid Fortinet training includes the above mentioned NSE free training and all other courses, fast tracks, webinars or other educational sessions.
Additional benefits are provided to Fortinet-certified individuals wanting to advance their cybersecurity skills.
Learn more
CompTIA Continuing Education (CEUs)
Notice: The Continuing Education Units (CEUs) available toward renewing CompTIA certifications are currently being updated as part of the NSE Certification Program enhancements. Updated CEU eligibility for Fortinet Certifications is expected to be available after July 15.
Use your Fortinet NSE certifications to get Continuing Education Units (CEUs) towards renewing the below CompTIA certifications:
Learn moreTraining and Certification Awards
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The Prestige of NSE 8 Certification
Luke Titmus talks about the challenges of finding people with the right technical skills as cyberattacks are continuing to get more complex.
"Every single level in the Fortinet NSE Certification program is essential, and it all culminates up to level 8, which is the highest level. It gave me a great leg up in my career and has allowed me to take on more advanced projects as I became qualified and experienced in those areas over time."
Rickard Sellstedt talks about the importance of certification and continuous learning of cybersecurity.
"When an individual is successful at achieving Level 8, it really shows that they know what they’re doing and that they have expert knowledge in network security design, configuration, and troubleshooting for complex networks. What NSE Level 8 also tests is an individual’s proficiency in networking and security in general. You have to bring all your accumulative knowledge to the table when testing for NSE 8."
Jeff Robbins Talks How to Cultivate the New Generation of Cyber Professionals
"I lead by example, and I wanted to set our engineers apart from others and show a career path. Having the Level 8 certification shows our customers that we have the strongest bench out there. The certification shows that we are all-in. Showing deep technology creds is important to customers when we are talking about such important technology as cybersecurity."
Sylvia Schlaphof Discusses the Hands-On NSE 8 Exam Environment
"Fortinet has done a great job setting up the exam. It’s really a hands-on exam with real devices, not a simulation. That’s what I loved about it. When I passed, it felt like a big achievement. And, of course, people are impressed. Especially because I was the first woman to accomplish it."
Mathew Watkinson Outlines the Breadth of Knowledge Required for NSE 8 Certification
"I know a lot of people who are really good at networking... on FortiGate, on the switches, on the wireless, on the authenticator, email, the web – everything comes together in that exam. So, you need to be good at all of it – not just really good at one thing – to be able to get you through an exam."
Mohammad Al-Zard Reviews the Process of Getting to NSE 8
"I strongly believe the saying “knowledge is power.” It gives me more confidence, and customers have more... At the end, the solution was delivered ahead of schedule and the client was very happy. I attribute this in part to the skills I learned studying for the certification."
