Latest Fortinet Certification Roadmap

Introduction

In cybersecurity, staying abreast of the latest certifications is essential for professionals seeking to advance their careers and demonstrate expertise in cutting-edge technologies. Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, offers a comprehensive certification program designed to validate skills ranging from foundational knowledge to advanced expertise. This blog will delve into the latest Fortinet certification roadmap, exploring the various certification paths, associated costs, and the intrinsic value these certifications bring cybersecurity professionals.

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Fortinet Certification

Fortinet’s certification program is meticulously crafted to cover a spectrum of cybersecurity domains, providing professionals with the expertise required to secure networks, devices, and data effectively. The certifications cater to various levels of expertise, from entry-level to advanced, ensuring there’s a path for everyone committed to enhancing their cybersecurity knowledge.

 

Is Fortinet Certification Worth It?

Employers value and acknowledge Fortinet certificates because they attest to a candidate’s real-world expertise with the company’s products. These credentials improve credibility in the competitive cybersecurity job market in addition to validating skills. Fortinet certificates are an invaluable resource since they attest to the competence of certified experts in implementing and overseeing robust cybersecurity solutions, which is crucial for maintaining organizational resilience. To stand out in the fast-paced and constantly evolving cybersecurity industry, obtaining Fortinet certification is a wise investment.

 

New Fortinet Certification Path

Fortinet’s certification program is a meticulously designed framework purposefully tailored to empower professionals with the essential skills required to navigate the intricacies of contemporary cybersecurity challenges. This comprehensive program spans multiple proficiency levels, accommodating individuals from entry-level to expert, offering a well-structured pathway for cybersecurity practitioners at different stages of their career journey. By encompassing a diverse range of certifications, Fortinet ensures that professionals can systematically advance their knowledge and expertise, reflecting the dynamic nature of the cybersecurity landscape and catering to the specific needs and aspirations of individuals pursuing excellence in this critical field.

Gone are the days of the linear NSE program. As of October 2023, Fortinet has revamped its certification structure, offering more flexibility and specialization. Now, you can choose from five proficiency levels:

 

• Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX):Ascend to the pinnacle of Fortinet knowledge, demonstrating mastery of advanced security concepts and solutions.

 

• Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS) – Engineer: Master deploying and managing complex Fortinet solutions in specific areas like SD-WAN or cloud security.

 

• Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP):Deepen your expertise in specific security areas like firewalling or secure access.

 

• Fortinet Certified Associate (FCA):Gain practical skills in deploying and managing basic Fortinet security solutions.

 

• Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF):Perfect for beginners, this entry-level cert lays the foundation for understanding Fortinet solutions.

 

Fortinet Certified Expert

 

1. Cybersecurity certification

Gaining the Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX) in Cybersecurity certification attests to your thorough and proficient understanding of complicated network security setup, architecture, and troubleshooting. Candidates must have prior experience in the relevant field to take the written and practical tests. It is advised that applicants have substantial production-level experience with Fortinet products and have finished the relevant Professional and Solution Specialist certification courses.

 

Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist

 

1. OT Security certification

Your proficiency in designing, managing, overseeing, and debugging Fortinet OT security systems is validated by earning the FCSS in OT Security certification. OT security infrastructures leveraging cutting-edge Fortinet solutions are covered in this module.

 

2. Security Operations certification

Your ability to plan, manage, oversee, and troubleshoot Fortinet security operations solutions is validated by earning the FCSS in Security Operations certification. The sophisticated Fortinet solutions used in security operations infrastructures are covered in this module.

 

3. Network Security certification

Your ability to plan, manage, oversee, and debug Fortinet network security solutions is validated by earning the FCSS in Network Security certification. Network security infrastructures employing cutting-edge Fortinet technologies are covered in this curriculum.

 

4. Public Cloud Security certification

Your proficiency in the design, administration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of Fortinet public cloud systems is validated by earning the FCSS in Public Cloud Security certification. This curriculum covers public cloud infrastructures using advanced Fortinet solutions.

 

5. Zero Trust Access (ZTA) certification

The FCSS in Zero Trust Access (ZTA) certification validates your ability to design, administer, monitor, and troubleshoot Fortinet ZTA solutions. This curriculum covers ZTA infrastructures using advanced Fortinet solutions.

 

Fortinet Certified Professional

 

1. Security Operations certification

Your ability to deploy, manage, and monitor Fortinet security operations solutions to safeguard networks and applications is validated by earning the FCP in Security Operations certification. The daily duties associated with Fortinet security operations devices will be covered in this module.

 

2. Network Security certification

Your ability to administer, manage, and monitor Fortinet network security solutions to safeguard networks and applications is validated by earning the FCP in Network Security certification. The routine maintenance procedures for Fortinet network security devices will be covered in this program.

 

3. Public Cloud Security certification

Your ability to deploy, manage, and monitor Fortinet public cloud solutions to protect cloud applications is validated by earning the FCP in Public Cloud Security certification. The daily duties associated with Fortinet virtual machines and public cloud devices will be covered in this program.

 

Fortinet Certified Associate

Earning the Fortinet Certified Associate (FCA) in Cybersecurity certification validates your ability to perform advanced operations on a FortiGate device. The principles of using the most popular FortiGate functionalities are covered in this program.

 

Fortinet Certified Fundamentals

The Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) in Cybersecurity certification attests to your mastery of the technical know-how needed for any cybersecurity entry-level position. Courses covering cybersecurity principles and the current threat landscape will be available in this curriculum.

 

Fortinet Certification Cost and Fees

Breaking down the anticipated costs for each Fortinet Certification level in 2024 provides a transparent overview for budgeting purposes:

 

• NSE 1-4 (Network Security Associate): These introductory certifications cover cybersecurity fundamentals and Fortinet’s core products. Exam fees are generally lower, ranging from $0 to $200 each. Many resources for these levels are either free or available at a minimal cost.

 

• NSE 5 (Network Security Analyst): Focused on specific Fortinet solutions, this level incurs exam fees between $400 and $600. When factoring in study materials and courses, the overall investment may fall within the range of $1,000 to $2,000.

 

• NSE 6 (Network Security Specialist): Specializing in advanced security products, this certification involves multiple exams, each costing between $400 and $600. The total cost, covering all necessary exams and preparation, might range from $2,500 to $4,000.

 

• NSE 7 (Network Security Architect): Positioned as a higher-level certification, NSE 7 exams are priced between $400 and $600. Given the advanced nature of this certification, comprehensive training courses are often necessary, resulting in total costs ranging from $2,000 to $3,000.

 

• NSE 8 (Network Security Expert): As the pinnacle of Fortinet Certification, NSE 8 includes both a written and practical exam, each costing approximately $400 to $600. Preparation for this level often requires extensive study and practical experience, with total costs potentially exceeding $4,000 when factoring in preparatory courses and materials.

 

Fortinet Firewall Certification Path

The Fortinet certification program provides a dedicated Firewall Certification Path, emphasizing the validation of expertise in cutting-edge firewall technology. Certifications like FCNSA and NSE assess and recognize proficiency in Fortinet’s solutions, showcasing adaptability to diverse cybersecurity skill sets. These accreditations highlight the program’s dedication to tackling the changing cybersecurity landscape concerns using Fortinet’s firewall solutions.

 

Fortinet Certification Demand in 2023-2024

According to https://training.fortinet.com/, the demand for Fortinet certifications in 2023 and 2024 remains strong and is expected to grow further. Here are some key points to consider:

 

Certification Level	2023 Demand	2024 Demand Trend	Market Drivers	Job Postings (Avg. Monthly)	Salary Premium
FCF	Moderate	Upward	Increased interest in cybersecurity	200-300	5-10%
FCA	High	Stable-Upward	Rising cyber threats, global talent shortage	500-700	10-15%
FCP (Firewalling)	High	Stable-Upward	Increased focus on network security	300-500	15-20%
FCP (Secure Access)	High	Stable-Upward	Growing need for secure remote access	250-400	15-20%
FCSS (SD-WAN)	Very High	Upward	Increasing adoption of SD-WAN solutions	100-200	20-25%
FCSS (Cloud Security)	Very High	Upward	Growing reliance on cloud computing	150-250	20-25%
FCX	Very High	Upward	Scarcity of cybersecurity experts need for complex solution implementation	50-100	25-30%

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fortinet’s updated certification roadmap offers cybersecurity professionals a flexible framework to enhance skills, reflecting the company’s commitment to staying ahead in cybersecurity. With varying costs aligned to expertise levels, Fortinet certifications like FCE and FCF provide global recognition, enhancing career credibility. Milestones such as the Fortinet Firewall Certification Path highlight Fortinet’s dedication to ensuring certified professionals possess targeted expertise in specific domains within their ecosystem.

 

FAQs

 

1. What changes were introduced in Fortinet’s certification roadmap in October 2023?

Answer: Fortinet revamped its certification structure, providing more flexibility with five proficiency levels, catering to diverse career goals. From Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) for foundational skills to Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX) for advanced concepts, the update reflects Fortinet’s commitment to an adaptable framework.

 

2. How do Fortinet certifications impact cybersecurity career advancement?

Answer: Globally recognized, Fortinet certifications validate real-world expertise, enhancing credibility in the competitive job market. Whether pursuing entry-level certifications like Fortinet Certified Associate (FCA) or advanced ones like Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS), professionals can showcase their skills in deploying and managing robust cybersecurity solutions.

 

3. What is the demand outlook for Fortinet certifications in 2023-2024?

Answer: Fortinet’s certifications are in strong demand and projected to grow further in 2023-2024. Market drivers include increased interest in cybersecurity, rising cyber threats, a global talent shortage, and the growing need for secure remote access. The demand varies across levels, with specialties like FCSS in Cloud Security experiencing very high demand due to the surge in cloud computing reliance.