Fortinet NSE Certification Overhaul: How to Prepare

Fortinet just revamped its Network Security Expert (NSE) certification program. 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 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 that each specialty area is clearly connected to specific NSE levels.

• Professional Certification now requires NSE 4 plus one NSE 5 exam.

• Solution Specialist Certification requires one NSE 6 and one NSE 7.

• Expert Certification remains based on NSE 8 Written and Practical Exams.

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.

Get a Free Trial of CBT Nuggets

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.

With these changes, we also updated our comprehensive written guide on the Fortinet NSE Certification Program. Check the complete guide here [link pending].

Want to try our Fortinet NSE courses for free? Get a 7-day trial and start learning with our insightful video lessons from expert trainers. For every NSE level, let our courses help you stay confident and ready for what’s next in your career.