If you have tried to understand Fortinet certifications recently, your confusion is understandable.
The certification names have changed. NSE levels that were once phased out are now reintroduced again. And if you are trying to understand the mapping, it can look a bit complex.
We created this up-to-date guide to the Fortinet NSE certification program. It explains what changed after October 2025, how NSE levels map to Fortinet certifications today, what each certification stands for, and what you actually need to pursue each one.
If you are looking to understand what the latest Fortinet certifications are, how the levels connect, or which certification makes sense for you, you are in the right place.
What Changed in the Fortinet NSE Certification Program After October 2025
Earlier in October 2023, Fortinet introduced a redesigned certification structure with a strong focus on role-based certifications. It introduced certifications like:
- Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF)
- Fortinet Certified Associate (FCA)
- Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP)
- Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS)
As a result, several NSE exams were retired, merged, or absorbed into these new certifications to simplify the learning experience.
However, as the program matured, Fortinet continued to evaluate how professionals progress through certifications over time. Based on this evaluation, Fortinet introduced further enhancements in October 2025.
The most important change here was the reintroduction of NSE levels as a visible progression framework. They reinstated NSE 1 through NSE 8 to help reflect skill depth and career progression. While the role-based certifications stay as it is, the curriculum has evolved such that each certification requires passing specific NSE exam levels.
What does each of the stages mean? Let’s have a look.
What Do NSE 1 to NSE 8 Stand For?
Fortinet uses NSE levels from 1 to 8 to indicate the depth and progression of an exam within the certification program.
Each NSE exam badge follows a consistent structure:
Source – Fortinet
The top section shows the exam level. For example, NSE 8 represents the highest exam level here. Whereas the bottom section shows the exam name and version number.
The NSE level indicates where the exam sits in the overall progression, while the exam name and version indicate what technology or skill the exam covers.
Below is a simplified explanation of what each NSE level represents, based on the current Fortinet curriculum.
What is NSE 1?
NSE 1 is part of the Fundamentals level of the Fortinet NSE certification program along with NSE 2. It covers introductory cybersecurity concepts and is associated with courses such as Introduction to the Threat Landscape and Getting Started in Cybersecurity.
These courses focus on understanding the modern threat landscape, common types of cyberattacks, threat actors, and basic cybersecurity principles.
NSE 1 is designed for individuals who need foundational cybersecurity awareness, including those in non-technical or entry-level roles.
What is NSE 2?
NSE 2 builds on the concepts introduced at NSE 1. It is associated with the Technical Introduction to Cybersecurity course.
This level provides a more in-depth technical understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals and is intended for individuals in technical roles or those planning to move into technical cybersecurity positions.
What is NSE 3?
NSE 3 corresponds to the Associate level and is requisites completing the FortiGate Operator course and exam. This level validates the ability to perform high-level operational tasks on FortiGate devices.
NSE 3 is designed for professionals who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of Fortinet security devices, particularly in small to mid-sized environments.
What is NSE 4?
NSE 4 is the starting point to clear various professional-level certifications. It requires clearing the represented by the FortiOS Administrator course and exam (which was previously called FortiGate Administrator).
This level focuses on deploying, managing, and monitoring Fortinet security solutions using FortiOS.
What is NSE 5?
The NSE 5 level is required to complete the Professional certification requirement, in combination with NSE 4.
The exams at this level cover specialized Fortinet technologies, like FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, FortiNAC, FortiSwitch, and more, depending on the Professional certification track you are pursuing.
The table below shows the courses and exams that need to be cleared for each Fortinet Certified Professional certification.
| FCP Certification Track | Required NSE 5 Course(s) |
| FCP – Secure Networking | FortiManager Administrator, FortiNAC Administrator, FortiNAC-F Administrator, FortiSwitch Administrator, Secure Wireless LAN Administrator |
| FCP – SASE | FortiSASE Core Administrator, SD-WAN Core Administrator |
| FCP – Cloud Security | FortiWeb Administrator |
| FCP – Security Operations | FortiAnalyzer Analyst, FortiSandbox Administrator |
What is NSE 6?
At NSE 6, the Solution Specialist level starts. This level focuses on advanced implementation and administration of Fortinet solutions.
The exams at this level cover endpoint security, SD-WAN, LAN edge, OT security, network security support, email security, and security operations platforms. At this stage, students are tested on their operational expertise in solution-level deployment and configuration.
What is NSE 7?
NSE 7 covers courses at the architect-level within the Solution Specialist certifications.
These exams focus on testing students on their ability to design, manage, and troubleshoot complex Fortinet security infrastructures.
Students must pass an NSE 7 exam along with an NSE 6 exam within the same track to earn a Solution Specialist certification. Below, we have listed the certifications and the corresponding NSE 6 and NSE 7 exams covered.
| Certification Name | NSE 6 Exams(Requires completing any of these exams) | NSE 7 Exam |
| FCSS – Secure Networking | Network Security Support Engineer, LAN Edge Architect, OT Security Architect | Enterprise Firewall Administrator |
| FCSS – SASE | FortiClient EMS Administrator, FortiEDR Administrator, SD-WAN Enterprise Administrator | FortiSASE Enterprise Administrator |
| FCSS – Cloud Security | FortiMail Administrator | Public Cloud Security Architect |
| FCSS – Security Operations | FortiSOAR Administrator, FortiSIEM Analyst | Security Operations Architect |
What is NSE 8?
This is the last and expert level of the Fortinet NSE certification program. Completing this level involves finishing two exams: a written and a practical exam.
The written exam tests the design, configuration, and troubleshooting knowledge, while the practical exam is a hands-on, lab-based assessment.
Students need to pass both exams to earn the Fortinet Certified Expert in Cybersecurity certification, the highest level yet.
How NSE Levels Map to Fortinet Certifications
So far, we have explained what each NSE level represents individually. Now let’s bring everything together.
Each certification we talked about is built by combining specific NSE levels, where each NSE level contributes a defined set of skills, courses, and exam requirements.
The table below presents all current Fortinet certifications and clearly shows how NSE 1 through NSE 8 map to each certification track, and whether any additional requirements are required for completing the certification.
| Fortinet Certification | Required NSE Levels | Certification Completion Requirements |
| Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) – Cybersecurity | NSE 1; NSE 2 | Complete Introduction to the Threat Landscape and either Getting Started in Cybersecurity or Technical Introduction to Cybersecurity |
| Fortinet Certified Associate (FCA) – Cybersecurity | NSE 3 | Complete the FortiGate Operator course and pass the NSE 3 FortiGate Operator exam |
| Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP) – Secure Networking | NSE 4; NSE 5 | Pass the NSE 4 FortiOS Administrator exam and one NSE 5 exam within the Secure Networking track |
| Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP) – SASE | NSE 4; NSE 5 | Pass the NSE 4 FortiOS Administrator exam and one NSE 5 exam within the SASE track |
| Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP) – Cloud Security | NSE 4; NSE 5 | Pass the NSE 4 FortiOS Administrator exam and one NSE 5 exam within the Cloud Security track |
| Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP) – Security Operations | NSE 4; NSE 5 | Pass the NSE 4 FortiOS Administrator exam and one NSE 5 exam within the Security Operations track |
| Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS) – Secure Networking | NSE 6; NSE 7 | Pass one NSE 6 exam and one NSE 7 exam within the Secure Networking track |
| Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS) – SASE | NSE 6; NSE 7 | Pass one NSE 6 exam and one NSE 7 exam within the SASE track |
| Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS) – Cloud Security | NSE 6; NSE 7 | Pass one NSE 6 exam and one NSE 7 exam within the Cloud Security track |
| Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS) – Security Operations | NSE 6; NSE 7 | Pass one NSE 6 exam and one NSE 7 exam within the Security Operations track |
| Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX) – Cybersecurity | NSE 8 | Pass both the NSE 8 Written exam and the NSE 8 Practical exam |
As the Fortinet NSE certification program continues to evolve, choosing the right training partner becomes important to successfully navigate your certification path.
Train on Fortinet Certifications with Datacipher Education
That is why enrolling in Fortinet certification training with Datacipher Education is the right choice.
As a Premier Training Partner of Fortinet, we deliver authorized Fortinet training for Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP) and Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS) certifications.
With virtual instructor-led training options available across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Australia, professionals in these regions can train conveniently with us.
Along the way, learners receive guidance on certification pathways, exam readiness, and track selection. If you would like help choosing the right Fortinet certification path or enrolling in authorized training, you can get in touch with us to discuss your learning goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there any elective courses or optional training recommended beyond the required NSE exams for each certification?
Yes. Fortinet offers additional technical courses that do not count as exam requirements but help deepen hands-on skills. These are especially useful if you want stronger operational confidence before moving to higher NSE levels or complex environments.
2. Can I take additional NSE exams that do not directly count toward a certification track?
Yes. You can attempt NSE exams outside a specific certification track. These exams still validate product knowledge and skill depth, even if they are not required to earn a certification badge.
3. Do elective or additional courses appear on my Credly badge or certification record?
No. Credly badges only reflect certifications earned by meeting formal exam requirements. Elective or additional courses completed for skill-building do not appear on certification badges.
4. How long are Fortinet certifications valid, and what is required for recertification?
Most Fortinet certifications are valid for two years except the FCX certification, which is valid for three years. For recertification, students must pass the latest version of the required exams before the certification expires.
5. Can I mix NSE 6 and NSE 7 exams from different tracks to earn a Solution Specialist certification?
No. NSE 6 and NSE 7 exams must belong to the same certification track. Mixing exams across tracks does not qualify for a Solution Specialist certification.
6. What happens if an exam or course is retired after I have already completed it?
Your earned certification or exam credit remains valid until its expiry date. Retired exams do not invalidate certifications already issued, but future recertification must follow the updated program structure.
7. How should beginners choose between Secure Networking, SASE, Cloud Security, and Security Operations tracks?
The choice should align with your current role and environment. Secure Networking suits infrastructure teams, SASE fits hybrid access use cases, Cloud Security aligns with cloud-first roles, and Security Operations is best for SOC-focused professionals.
