Fortinet NSE Certification Overhaul: How to Prepare

Fortinet just revamped its Network Security Expert (NSE) certification program again. While some exams and courses were discontinued, the NSE program now includes new certification tracks. The update also marks the return of the familiar Fortinet NSE 1 to 8 structure. 

If you work in security operations, these changes will make it easier to determine your next steps and develop the skills you need to build a better defense system. The overhaul took effect on Oct. 15, 2025; here's what it could mean for you. 

Why the Fortinet NSE Program Changed

Fortinet has revised the program to clarify the learning path. With the return of NSE 1 to 8, you can now move step by step, from basic cybersecurity awareness to advanced expert skills. 

With this new setup, the NSE program will help you focus and grow your skills in Secure Networking, Cloud Security, and SASE (Secure Access Service Edge).

If you already hold an NSE certification, don’t worry. Your credentials will retain their validity. Fortinet will automatically update your badge name and image in Credly.

With the updates, you have a clearer structure for planning your goals. You can choose which security standards to stay current with and take meaningful steps toward expanding your Fortinet expertise.

Changes for Fortinet NSE Certification Tracks

There are four learning paths to focus on: Secure Networking, SASE, Cloud Security, and Security Operations. Fortinet has reorganized its certification tracks to ensure each specialty area is clearly aligned with specific NSE levels.

• FCF (Fortinet Certified Fundamentals): Requires passing NSE 1 and NSE 2 

• FCA (Fortinet Certified Associate): Now requires NSE 3

• FCP (Fortinet Certified Professional): Requires passing NSE 4 and NSE 5

• FCSS (Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist): Requires one NSE 6 and one NSE 7.

• FCX (Fortinet Certified Expert): As of April 2026, must pass one NSE core exam module and one NSE 8 specialization module within a year of passing the core exam. Before taking the core exam, you must pass one NSE 4, either one NSE 5 or one NSE 6, and one NSE 7 exam. 

NOTE: A new version of the NSE 8 exams will be released in April 2026. The last day to take the exam for the old version is March 15th, 2026. If you schedule your exam after February 16th, you'll take the new exam. 

If you’re looking to sharpen your skills on a specific NSE level, CBT Nuggets has expert-led courses on NSE 4, NSE 5, NSE 6, and NSE 7. 

Retired Exams

Meanwhile, the update also retires these professional-level exams:

• FortiAuthenticator Administrator

• FortiAnalyzer Administrator

• Cloud security certifications specific to AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud

Unfortunately, if you’re looking to earn these badges for the retired exams, the window to do so has lapsed.

How You Can Prepare for the New Fortinet NSE Exams

Security operations professionals should check the updated exam list on the Fortinet NSE Certification page to see which new tracks align with their current role. Focus on the exams related to Security Operations and SASE, as both areas play significant roles in the new program.

If you’re already studying NSE 4 to 7, strengthen your plan with CBT Nuggets’ Fortinet NSE training and related courses, such as FortiGate Firewall Authentication and FortiGate Firewall Content Inspection.

These courses help you sharpen your firewall management skills, improve network visibility, and stay in step with Fortinet’s updated certification focus.

Start Learning with CBT Nuggets Today 

With the updated Fortinet NSE program, now is the perfect time to earn the credentials security operations teams want. Boost your knowledge with CBT Nuggets’ NSE training, as well as related courses from other Fortinet programs.