NSE Learning Path

Network Security Expert

Learning Path
The Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) is a new, 8-level certification program designed for technical professionals
interested in independent validation of their network security skills and experience. The program includes a wide range of selfpaced and instructor led courses, as well as practical, experiential exercises that demonstrate mastery of complex network
security concepts.
The program is open to Fortinet customers, partners and employees and enables participants to fully exploit the power of
Fortinets network security platform and be recognized in the industry among an elite group of security professionals.
In order to help students prepare for the NSE curriculum in a timely manner, the table below provides an overview for each
step and provides suggestions on how to maximize your study time. Specific instructions for how to complete each step are
described beginning on page 2 of this document.
Content available
for tracking
Now

Anytime

Exam available
now. Tracking
available in Q4
2014.

Level Objective

NSE 1

Develop a foundational
understanding of network
security concepts
Develop basic Fortinet
configuration and administration
skills

Pass online exams

administered by the Fortinet
Learning Center
NSE 1
Pass NSE 2 FCNSA Exam

Develop an advanced
understanding of network
security design and architecture
Gain a comprehensive
understanding of how to design
and implement network security
infrastructure

NSE 2
Pass online Exam

Anytime

NSE 3
Pass NSE 4 FCNSP Exam

Class work may be taken

at any time. NSE 2 lab is
a prerequisite for NSE 4
lab.

NSE 5

Develop a detailed
understanding of how to
implement network security
management and analytics

Upon completing NSE 4

NSE 6

Develop an understanding of
security technologies beyond
the firewall

NSE 4
Complete FortiManager and
FortiAnalyzer classes plus
pass a learning center
administered exam
NSE 5
Completion of Fortinet
advanced technology classes

NSE 7

Demonstrate ability to
troubleshoot internet security
issues

At least 90 days after

completing NSE 4

NSE 8

Demonstrate ability to install

comprehensive network security
solution in a live environment

NSE 6
Complete FortiGate Troubleshooting class and pass inclass practical exam
NSE 7
Pass individual and practical
experience

NSE 2

NSE 3

NSE 4

Certification Requirements

When can learners begin

this level
Anytime

Step

At least 90 days after

completing NSE 4

At least 90 days after

completing NSE 7

FCNSP lab
available now
Tracking will be
available with NSE
2
Classes available
now
Exam available in
Q4 2014
Classes available
now
See instructions
below for specific
information.
Class available now

Early 2015

NSE 1
Completion of this step is achieved by passing a
series of online exams located in the NSE 1 training
bundle.
The bundle is accessed via the Fortinet Learning
Center (FLC) at http://www.fortinet.com/training.
Once at the FLC homepage, complete the following
steps to register for this training:
1. Click Learning and Metrics
2. Click Catalog
3. Click Bundles (tab)
4. Scroll to Fortinet Sales Training and enroll.
Currently, there are six tests in this section with only
two reference documents (additional will be added
shortly). These are designed to test foundational
understanding of network security concepts and can
be completed using publicly-available web resources.

a. Repeat steps 1-3 above

b. Click Features Courses (tab)
c. Locate, register and attend the FCNSA
Facilitated Lab
9. Purchase the FCNSA Exam Voucher either
through the reselling channel or the FLC. To
locate an exam voucher in the FLC, navigate to
the Catalog as described above, click
Alphabetically, then search for FCNSA Voucher.

NSE 3
Completion of this step is achieved by meeting the
requirements of previous NSE levels and passing an
online exam designed to test advanced network
security design and architecture. This exam is under
development and will be available via the Fortinet
Learning Center shortly.

NSE 4
NSE 2
Completion of this step is achieved by meeting the
requirements of NSE 1 and successfully passing the
Fortinet Certified Network Security Associate (FCNSA)
Exam.
We recommend students complete the FCNSA
Preparation Course prior to purchasing and taking the
exam at a Pearson VUE
(www.pearsonvue.com/fortinet/) testing center.
FCNSA course may be taken self-paced online with a
proctored lab or as an instructor-led training session.
You can purchase and enroll yourself in either the
FCNSA Bundle/Facilitated Lab or check the FLC
instructor-led training schedule for an upcoming class.
To located an instructor version of the FCNSA Class,
complete the following steps
1. Login to the FLC
2. Click Learning and Metrics
3. Click Catalog
4. Click Featured Courses (tab)
5. Scroll to FortiGate Multi-Threat Security
Systems 01 (FCNSA Prep) then select an
available class.
Complete the following steps to take the FCNSA Prep
Class in a self-paced online format:
1. Login to the FLC
2. Click Learning and Metrics
3. Click Catalog
4. Click Bundles (tab)
5. Locate and click the FCNSA Bundle
6. Register for the FCNSA Bundle
7. Complete all 10 training modules in the course
8. Register for the FCNSA Proctored Lab by:

Completion of this step is achieved by meeting the

requirements of previous NSE levels then passing the
Fortinet Certified Network Security Professional
(FCNSP) exam at a Pearson VUE testing center.
Completing the FCNSP preparation process is very
similar to the FCNSA described in NSE 2 above; the
only difference is search for FCNSP where
appropriate.

NSE 5
Completion of this step is achieved by meeting the
requirements of previous NSE levels, completing the
FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer classes, then passing
both the FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer specialist
exams administered in the FLC.
Completing the FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer class
is a prerequisite to taking their associated exam.
Complete the following steps to register for either
class:
1. Login to the FLC and Navigate to the Catalog
as described earlier in this document.
2. Click Featured Courses (tab)
3. Locate, register for and complete the
FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer classes.
4. Complete both the FortiManager and
FortiAnalyzer exams on the FLC.
Note: The FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer exams will
be written for FortiOS v5.2 and will be available
in early Q4 2014. People who complete v5.0 of
both classes prior to that time will be allowed to
take v5.2 of the exams.

NSE Learning Path | FORTINET

NSE 6
Completion of this step is achieved by meeting the
requirements of previous NSE levels and successfully
completing at least two Fortinet advanced technology
classes. Topics include: WAF, Mail, Web, DDoS,
ADC, APT and more.

NSE 7
Completion of this step is achieved by meeting the
requirements of previous NSE levels, completing the
FortiOS Troubleshooting class, then passing the
associated FLC-administered exam.
Completing the Troubleshooting Class is a
prerequisite for taking the exam.
Navigate to the Course Catalog Featured Courses tab
as described earlier in this document, then register for
and complete the FortiOS Diagnostics and
Troubleshooting Class.
Note: The troubleshooting class is only offered in a
classroom setting and the exam for this class
will be published on FortiOS v5.2 in early Q4
2014. People who complete either v5.0 or 5.2
of this class will be eligible to take the exam
once it is published.

NSE 8
Completion of this step is achieved by meeting the
requirements of previous NSE levels and successfully
passing both an oral examination and practical exam.
Content for the NSE 8 is currently being written and
additional details will be available in Q3 2014.

www.fortinet.com