The Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) Certification Program: Explained

As of January 2023, more than 1 million professionals have earned a Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) certification. That number shouldn’t be too surprising. As cyber threats continue to run rampant, the demand for qualified IT security pros has soared.

Like many endeavors, it is never clear where to start. This goes twofold for the NSE certifications due to the several different “levels”. In this article, we’re going to run through each level and explain who would be suited to earn them. Naturally, let’s begin with an overview of the Fortinet NSE exams themselves.

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What Are the Fortinet NSE Exams?

The Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) program is a series of certification exams that test a person's knowledge and skills in network security. There are eight levels of NSE certification. The NSE 1 is the entry-level exam and the NSE 8 is the most advanced. Each certification is valid for two years.

Each level is broken down into three levels of expertise. The first three certifications are part of the Cyber Security Awareness umbrella. By completing these three exams, you will be designated a Fortinet NSE Associate. NSE exams 4-6 are part of the Cybersecurity Technical Certification. 

The third umbrella is just the NSE 7. After earning this certificate, you will have the Cybersecurity Advanced Certification. 

The last umbrella is NSE 8. This is the Cybersecurity Expert Certification. With this broad understanding in mind, let’s break down each exam and discern who would be most apt to take each.

See also: Why Fortinet NSE 7 is a Must-Have for Security Architects.

What are the Cybersecurity Awareness Exams?

These exams are recommended for anyone and everyone who works within the Fortinet realm. Anyone who is brand new to cybersecurity, and wants a good starting point should take these exams. In other words, junior IT professionals should be particularly interested in these exams, as non-IT professionals who want a broad understanding of proper security posture. If you pass all three of the exams, you will officially be Fortinet NSE Associate-certified.

NSE 1

The NSE 1 is the Information Security Awareness exam. It is the entry-level certification in the NSE program. This exam will test you on a variety of cyber threats and how you can protect yourself and your organization from them. It is meant for any and everyone who wants to be cognizant of security threats.

NSE 2

The NSE 2 is the Evolution of Cybersecurity exam and focuses on various cybersecurity products and solutions. It will also quiz you on the evolution of cybersecurity. For instance, how viruses were mitigated in the past — and how Fortinet has evolved to reduce the risk of infection.

NSE 3

The NSE 3 is Fortinet Product Awareness. This is the first exam that really begins to hone in on Fortinet products themselves. This exam will go over the various Fortinet products and ensure you are aware of how they are used. Nothing in this exam will be too in-depth — it only ensures the test takers have a broad understanding of the products.

What are the Cybersecurity Technical Exams?

These exams get into the nitty-gritty of Fortinet products and solutions. These exams are ideal for network security administrators, support engineers, and system engineers. Basically, if you think you’re going to be installing, maintaining, or troubleshooting Fortinet products, then these exams will be right up your alley.

NSE 4

The NSE 4 is the Network Security Professional exam. The NSE 4 verifies your ability to configure, install, and manage the day-to-day operations of a FortiGate device. You will be tested on how to perform these operations based on specific network policies.

NSE 5

If the NSE 4 is your ability to use the Fortinet products, the NSE 5 tests your ability to analyze and maintain an entire Fortinet ecosystem. That is why this exam is designated the Network Security Analyst certification.

The NSE 5 is the first exam that is broken up into subgroups. In order to obtain the certification, you must pass a minimum of two of the following exams: 

• Fortinet NSE 5 - FortiAnalyzer

• Fortinet NSE 5 - FortiClient EMS

• Fortinet NSE 5 - FortiEDR

• Fortinet NSE 5 - FortiManager 

• Fortinet NSE 5 - FortiSIEM

Each one of these tools is a Fortinet product used to analyze, detect, and mitigate malicious activities or intrusions.

NSE 6

The NSE 6 - Network Security Specialist exam will verify you have the skills and abilities to work with, maintain, and deploy Secure Fabric products beyond the firewall. If you are managing any of the below products, then this is the perfect certificate for you.

To earn the certification, you must pass a minimum of four of the following exams: 

• Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiADC

• Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiAuthenticator

• Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiMail

• Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiNAC

• Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiSandbox

• Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiSwitch

• Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiVoice

• Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiWeb

• Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiSOAR Administrator

• Fortinet NSE 6 - Cloud Security for AWS

• Fortinet NSE 6 - Cloud Security for Azure

• Fortinet NSE 6 - Secure Wireless LAN

What is the Fortinet Cybersecurity Advanced Certification?

Now we are diving into the truly complex stuff. The NSE 7 is for IT security architects, network security administrators, support engineers, and system engineers. If you are attempting to obtain the NSE 7, then you have more than likely worked closely with Fortinet gear for at least a couple of years. 

The NSE 7 ensures the candidate can deploy, administer, and troubleshoot any of the solutions listed below. To earn this certificate, you need to pass only one of the following exams: 

• Fortinet NSE 7 - Advanced Analytics

• Fortinet NSE 7 - Advanced Threat Protection

• Fortinet NSE 7 - Enterprise Firewall

• Fortinet NSE 7 - FortiSOAR Design and Development

• Fortinet NSE 7 - LAN Edge (formerly Secure Access)

• Fortinet NSE 7 - OT Security

• Fortinet NSE 7 - Public Cloud Security

• Fortinet NSE 7 - SD-WAN

What is the Fortinet Cybersecurity Expert Certification?

This is the final certification in the long and winding road of NSE certifications. This is for those with years of experience, and a deep understanding of Fortinet Solutions. Suffice to say, it is not for the faint of heart. The ideal candidate for this exam will have expert knowledge in designing, configuring, and troubleshooting network security architecture. This exam is intended for security architects, senior security consultants, or a manager who regularly works with Fortinet-savvy employees.

The NSE 8 is comprised of both a written exam and a practical exam. None of the other tests are required — but it is highly recommended that you have taken them. The only prerequisite is that you must have industry experience. Make sure the practical exam is scheduled within two years of the written exam!

Final Thoughts

The NSE pathway may seem like a long and arduous journey. Remember though, you don’t have to take all of the exams to take the one you’re vying for. Luckily, each exam builds on top of the last one. With that being said, I hope this article provides a good roadmap for Fortinet success in the future.