Why Fortinet NSE 7 is a Must-Have for Security Architects

Security breaches are becoming more frequent and complex. As the amount of risk increases, so does the demand for security architects and computer networking experts.

One of the best ways to prove your security architecture chops is to earn the Fortinet NSE (Network Security Expert) 7 Certification. In this article, we’ll discuss what the NSE 7 is, and three reasons why it should be the next (or first) certification you get.

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What is the Fortinet NSE 7 Certification?

By earning the Fortinet NSE 7, you prove that you have advanced skills in security architecture. Additionally, it validates the ability to troubleshoot, deploy, and administer Fortinet security solutions. The Fortinet certification series goes up to eight, but this article will focus on the NSE 7. The NSE 7 is actually an umbrella 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

The SD-WAN certification is particularly useful because of its prevalence and complexity. To tackle this one, we highly recommend Keith Barker’s SD-WAN training course. It will give you the confidence and knowledge required to sit for the Fortinet NSE 7 exam. If you are still not convinced that the exam is valuable, let’s look at a couple of different reasons why this exam isn’t just “worth your time”, but necessary to continue in the field of IT security architecture.

1. The NSE 7 Demonstrates Skill

The NSE 7 is particularly valuable, as it demonstrates a high level of expertise in troubleshooting and resolving complex issues. When an organization on-boards a candidate as their security architect, they are entrusting the entire organization’s security in his or her hands. That is a HUGE responsibility.

The NSE 7 verifies a competent professional has taken the helm because the NSE 7 validates a wide range of topics, including networking topologies, routing protocols, security protocols, and Fortinet products and solutions. NSE 7 certification not only demonstrates your current skills but showcases your perseverance. 

See also: What is Covered on the NSE 7 SD-WAN Exam?

2. The NSE 7 Shows You are Committed to Learning

If you are even reading this article, it indicates that you’re the sort of person who likes to keep pace with the latest tech trends. And nothing demonstrates commitment like earning a difficult certification in your field. Earning the NSE 7 cert proves that you understand the value of continuing education and professional development. In a world where technology (and threats) are constantly evolving, organizations want reassurance that you do not let your tech skills stagnate. 

The NSE 7 certification program is widely recognized in the industry as a benchmark for technical excellence, and earning an NSE 7 certification requires a significant investment in time and resources. By earning the NSE 7 certification, security architects can demonstrate to potential employers and clients that they are dedicated to staying current with the latest technologies and best practices in the field of network security. 

While these reasons may seem convincing enough, the biggest reason to earn an NSE 7 is how it will affect your bottom line. So let’s take a look at that.

3. Earning the NSE 7 Should Increase Your Salary

Make no bones about it: individuals who earn difficult certifications will be compensated for their efforts. As SD-WAN becomes more and more prevalent, the demand for experts increases. Many organizations are willing to pay top dollar for an expert who can manage these complex systems. According to Glassdoor, the average total pay of a security architect is a whopping $173,971 USD. The NSE 7 can make you a viable candidate for this very position.

Not only will the NSE 7 increase your chance of becoming a security architect, but it should increase the chances of landing any high-paying Fortinet position. After all, Fortinet is a vendor-specific  that can be seen as cryptic and complicated. 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the majority of us earn a certificate with the intention of increasing our salary in a job that we love. There are plenty of resources that will get you moving in the right direction.

Remember, when a job recruiter sees the NSE 7 certificate, they know a couple of things right off the bat. One, the candidate is dedicated to their craft. They keep up with the latest Fortinet technology — and have the competency and confidence to perform any task that’s required of them. Two, they are hardworking, dedicated individuals. Many professionals don’t bother earning certificates, which means you’ll have a competitive advantage over every one of them.

Lastly, job recruiters understand that you will have to be highly compensated for the position because it is widely understood how much time and effort goes into earning certification.