PARTNER GUIDE

OUTLINED

NSE Partner Guide

NSE Training and Certification Path Information
for the Channel EMEA / APAC 2015

This is an interactive document. Click here to go to the index.

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

Index
PART 1: NSE Overview

NSE Introduction

New Certification Program: 8 Levels

Overview of Coursework and Requirements: Train, Assess, Certify

PART 2: NSE Levels 1-8

NSE 1 Network Security Technology Foundations

NSE 2 Network Security Core Solutions

NSE 3 Network Security Advanced Solutions

NSE 1, 2, 3 Good to Know

NSE 4 FortiGate Security Systems Configuration & Administration

NSE 5 Network Security Systems Management & Analysis

NSE 6 Network Security Advanced Products Configuration & Administration

NSE 6 Good to Know

NSE 6 How to Become a Partner Specialist

NSE 7 Network Security Systems Diagnostics & troubleshooting

NSE 8 Network Security Expert

PART 3: Your NSE Requirements

Platinum Level Requirements

Gold Level Requirements

Silver Level Requirements

Authorized Level Requirements

PART 4: FAQ & Contacts

Click to jump to desired page

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

New Certification Program: 8 Levels

Technical Certifications

Part 1 NSE Overview

Sales Certifications

Introduction

Train, Assess, Certify

Level
NSE 1

FREE * on
line Train
ing
for the C
hannel.

NSE 2

Network Security Technology

Foundations

Network Security Core Solutions

Coursework / Courses

NSE 3

UTM

Management & Analytics

Next Gen Firewall

Application Security

Fortinet Overview

FortiGate Overview

Distributed
Enterprise / SMB

Carrier / MSSP

Enterprise Edge/Branch

Go back
to Index

Cloud & SDN

FortiGuard Services

Web Application
Firewall

Advanced Threat
Protection

Secure Email Gateway

Wirelss LAN / WAN

DDoS Protection

Application Delivery

Management

Must complete: all 6 industry courses

and Fortinet
Study & Exams: Self-paced, online
Must complete: Must complete 5 of 9
industry courses
Study & Exams: Self-paced, online

Competitive Overview
Authentication
Endpoint Protection

Must complete: Must complete 4 of 9

courses
Study & Exams: Self-paced, online

Voice / Telephone

NSE 4

Network Security Systems

Configuration and Administration
Fortinet Network Security
Professional

Complete FortiGate Security Systems I & II classes

Must complete: both classes

Study options: Self-paced or
instructoried, online or in-class
Exams: Proctored

NSE 5

Network Security Systems

Management and Analysis
Fortinet Network Security Analyst

FortiManager & FortiAnalyzer classes

Must complete: both classes

Study options: Self-paced (as available)
or instructor-led, online or in-class
Exams: Proctored

NSE 6

Network Security Advanced Products

Configuration and Administration
Fortinet Network Security Specialist

NSE 7

Network Security Systems

Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Fortinet Network Security
Troubleshooter

FortiGate Troubleshooting class

Study options: instructor-led, in-class

Exam: Lab based assessment (as
available)

NSE 8

Network Security Expert

Fortinet Network Security Expert

Experiential learning, no formal coursework

Must complete: both exams

Exams: Proctored, computer based &
Hands-on practical exam

Abbreviations that will help you understand this guide:

NSE = Network Security Expert
FLC = Fortinet Learning Center
ATC = Authorized Training Center
FCNSP = Fortinet Certified Network Security Professional (main FortiGate technical certification prior to NSE)
FCNSA = Fortinet Certified Network Security Associate (pre-requisite to previous FCNSP)
FCSA = Fortinet Certified Security Associate (sales accreditation prior to NSE)

Network Security Advanced Solutions

Fortinet Network Security Associate

Requirement / Mode

Data Center Firewall

Data Center

*Free Self-paced training available for most NSE Levels.

Description

FortiWeb (WAF)

FortiDDoS

FortiAP

FortiMail

FortiSandbox

FortiADC

FortiAuthenticator

Solutions & Sales Training

The NSE Program is a key part of the FortiPartner Program, allowing you not only to validate your network
security skills and experience, but also to leverage Fortinets full range of network security products. NSE is key
to helping you accelerate sales and offer new services.

Overview of Coursework and Requirements:

Must complete: any 4 classes

Study options: Self-paced (as available)
or instructor-led, online or in-class
Exams: Self-paced, online

Technical Training

The new Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) program is a framework that guides you through 8 levels of
training and assessment from entry to expert in the discipline of network security. The program includes a wide
range of self-paced and instructor led courses, as well as practical, experiential exercises that demonstrate
mastery of complex network security concepts.

Go back
to Index
www.fortinet.com

OUTLINED

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

NSE 2 Network Security Core Solutions

Training

Exam

Pre-requisites

9 Fortinet Solution Courses:

Self-paced online exams

Course 1 : FortiGate Overview

Course 3 : Data Center

Must complete at least 5

of 9 Courses, and score
90% on each to obtain
NSE 2

NSE 1 is a pre-requisite
for NSE 2

Course 4 : Distributed Enterprise/SMB

10 questions per Course

Course 2 : Enterprise Edge/Branch

Course 5 : Cloud SDN

Course 6 : FortiGuard Services

Part 2 NSE Levels 18

OUTLINED

Course 7 : Carrier MSSP

Course 8 : Management

Each NSE level has a defined learning objective, and proposes specific coursework to acquiring this knowledge.
The certification exam for each level is either handled online, or is a proctored exam that must be sat at a local
Pearson Vue testing center. Some parts of the NSE path are sequential, and pre-requisites must be met in
order to enrol in a course.

Course 9 : Competitive Overview

Please visit the Fortinet.com website for complete details on each technical training course presented below.
These PDF data sheets are available at www.fortinet.com/training/courses/index.html

Recorded webinar available on FLC to follow Courses online

Self-paced online training

FREE ONLINE
CERTIFICATION

NSE 3 Network Security Advanced Solutions

NSE 1 Network Security Technology Foundations

Training

Exam

OUTLINED
Pre-requisites

There is no prerequisite to take NSE 3

Training

Exam

Pre-requisites

9 Fortinet Advanced Technologies Courses:

Self-paced, online exams

6 Industry Technology Courses:

Self-paced, online exams

Course 1 : Web Application Firewall (WAF) Solution

Course 1 : Data Center Security

Follow all 6 Courses and

score 90% on each to
obtain the NSE 1 level

There is no pre-requisite
to take NSE 1

Must complete at least 4

of 9 Courses, and score
90% on each to obtain
NSE 3

Course 2 : Next Generation Firewall (NGFW)

Course 3 : Unified Threat Management (UTM)
Course 4 : Application Security

Course 2 : Secure Email Gateway Solution

NSE 1 is a pre-requisite
for NSE 2

Course 3 : DDoS Protection Solution

Course 4 : Advanced Threat Protection (ATP)
Solution

There are 20 questions

per Course

10 questions per Course

Course 5 : Wireless LAN Solutions

Course 5 : Networks Security Management

Course 6 : Application Delivery Controller (ADC)

Solution

Course 6 : Fortinet Overview

Course 7 : Identity Solution Management

Self-paced online training
80-page PDF preparation document available on FLC

Course 8 : Client/BYOD Solutions

FREE ONLINE
CERTIFICATION

Course 9 : Telephone System Solutions

Self-paced online training
Recorded webinar available on FLC to follow Courses online

FREE ONLINE
CERTIFICATION
Go back
to Index
6

Go back
to Index
www.fortinet.com

OUTLINED

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

OUTLINED

NSE 1, 2, 3

NSE 4 FortiGate Security Systems Configuration & Administration

Become a Fortinet Network Security Professional

Good to Know

OUTLINED

Training

Exam

Pre-requisites

Obtain NSE 1, 2, and 3 and become an NSE Associate

FortiGate Courses I & II (see detail below)

NSE 1-2 replaces the previous FCSA certificate (Fortinet Certified Sales Associate). If your FCSA certificate is

Variety of training options:

Proctored Exam through

Pearson Vue (must
purchase voucher)

There is no pre-requisite
to take NSE4

less than 2 years old (as of January 2015), you will automatically be recognized NSE 1-2

Instructor-led classroom (at Fortinet or at your

business)

NSE 1-2 are mandatory for all Fortinet Partner Levels (see Part 3 of this Guide for further details)
NSE 1-3 are sales-oriented and are not mandatory for technical and pre-sales, but STRONGLY recommended

Instructor-led online

NSE 3 is mandatory for the sales force of our Platinum Partners, Partner Specialists, and Partners of Excellence

Self-paced online

NSE 1, 2, and 3 are valid for 2 years

Local ATC: You can enroll for FCNSP v5 course

- with successful completion of the certification
exam, you will be recognized as NSE4

Global network of exam

centers

NSE 4 is a pre-requisite
for NSE 5 / 7

Students must prove

identification before
taking exam
Practice exam
available online

Free facilitated lab available.

Good to know
NSE 4 replaces both the FCNSA and FCNSP.
All valid FCNSP 5 certificates (less than 2 years old as of January 2015) will be credited to NSE 4.
NSE 4 is valid for 2 years.
In 2015, engineers working for Platinum, Gold and Silver Partners can obtain a Support PIN code if they are
certified FCNSP 5 or NSE 4 AND their company is compliant with its Partner Level requirements. Click here
for details on partner level requirements, and click here for more information on PIN codes in the FAQ.

Courses FortiGate I
FortiGate-01 Introduction to FortiGate Unified Threat
Management
FortiGate-02 Logging and Monitoring
FortiGate-03 Firewall Policies
FortiGate-04 Firewall Authentication
FortiGate-05 SSL VPN
FortiGate-06 Basic IPsec VPN
FortiGate-07 Explicit Proxy
FortiGate-08 Antivirus & Conserve Mode
FortiGate-09 Web Filtering
FortiGate-10 Application Control
Go back
to Index
8

Go back
to Index
www.fortinet.com

Courses FortiGate II
FortiGate-11 Routing
FortiGate-12 Virtual Networking
FortiGate-13 Transparent Mode
FortiGate-14 High Availability
FortiGate-15 Advanced IPSec
FortiGate-16 Intrusion Prevention System
FortiGate-17 Single Sign On
FortiGate-18 Certificate Based Operations
FortiGate-19 Data Leak Prevention
FortiGate-20 Diagnostics
FortiGate-21 Hardware Acceleration
FortiGate-22 IPv6
9

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

NSE 6

NSE 5 Network Security Systems Management & Analysis

Become a Fortinet Network Security Analyst

Good to Know

Training

Exam

OUTLINED
Pre-requisites

2 courses: FortiManager & FortiAnalyzer

One single Proctored

Exam through Pearson
Vue (must purchase
voucher)

NSE 4 is a pre-requisite
to NSE 5

Different technology courses can be followed by different engineers within your company; the Partner Level

NSE 5 is a pre-requisite
to NSE 7

number of individuals that have certified).

Variety of training options:

Instructor-led classroom (at Fortinet or at your
business)
Instructor-led online
Self-paced online
Your local ATC

requirement number refers to the number of technologies that the company must be certified in (not the

Global network of exam

centers

Current Partners of Excellence must be certified in 4 NSE 6 technologies, with two engineers certified in NSE3,

Students must prove

identification before
taking exam

NSE 6 certifications are valid 2 years.

before December 31st, 2015, or they will lose this status.

OUTLINED

Free facilitated lab available.

Good to know

Full details on the NSE 6 Partner Specialist

on the next page

NSE 5 certification valid for 2 years

NSE 6 Network Security Advanced Solutions

Training & Exam

Pre-requisites

Currently 8 Advanced Technologies Courses:

FortiWeb, FortiMail, FortiDDoS, FortiSandbox
(coming Q4), FortiWireless, FortiADC-D,
FortiADC-E, FortiAuthenticator

Variety of training options:

Free online certification

exams available for
FortiMail, FortiWeb,
FortiWireless, DDoS
Free facilitated lab
available for FortiWeb

Instructor-led classroom (at Fortinet or at your

business)

NSE 6 does not have

any pre-requisites,
however NSE 3 is
recommended

OUTLINED

Instructor-led online (with the exception of

FortiWireless, FortiDDoS, & FortiSandbox)
Your local ATC

FREE ONLINE
CERTIFICATION
Go back
to Index
10

Go back
to Index
www.fortinet.com

11

OUTLINED

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

NSE 6

NSE 7 Network Security Systems Diagnostics & troubleshooting

Become a Fortinet Network Security Troubleshooter

How to Become a Partner Specialist

Training & Exam

Pre-requisites

The NSE 6 Partner Specialist Program offers Platinum, Gold and Silver Level Resellers the opportunity

1 3- day course: FortiOS Diagnostic & Troubleshooting

NSE 4 / 5 are pre-requisites to NSE 7

to become Specialists in the Fortinet Advanced Technologies FortiMail, FortiWeb and FortiWireless. Other

Training options: Instructor-led classroom or (at Fortinet or

at your business).

technology specializations will be available in the future. Specialists gain access to significant product discounts

OUTLINED

Exam is lab-based assessment, and will be available at

the end of Q3 at Pearson Vue.

in the chosen technology and benefit from excellent exposure on the Fortinet.com Find a Partner section.
Step 1 Train & Certify on an NSE 6 Advanced Technology
The main requirement for a Platinum, Gold, or Silver Reseller to become a Specialist in a technology is to have
at least one on-site engineer train on the solution, and then successfully pass the accreditation exam. One

Good to know

individual must also have completed NSE 3.

NSE 7 is valid for two versions of FortiOS

Step 2 NSE 6 Term Sheet
Once an engineer has successfully trained and passed the accreditation exam, please liaise with your local
Fortinet Channel Manager to complete the NSE 6 Partner Specialist Term Sheet. This form will communicate the
quarterly targets you intend to achieve for this product family, and planned actions to promote this solution to

NSE 8 Network Security Expert

Become a Fortinet Network Security Expert
Training

customers. This form must be approved by Fortinet, and then Specialist status is granted.
Start taking Advantage of your new Specialist status!
After becoming a Partner Specialist for a particular advanced technology, your records will be updated and you
will be recognized for your accomplishment on the Fortinet.com Partner locator. You will also access the highest
discount available for all purchases in that product family; check with your local Fortinet office for complete
details.
The NSE 6 Partner Specialist program is reserved for Platinum, Gold and Silver Resellers only.

Exam

Experiential learning, no formal

coursework

First a written exam must be passed at

Pearson Vue (must purchase voucher)

Computer-delivered test of
knowledge

Global network of exam centers

Hand-on equipment, practical

test of skill.

Students must prove identification before

taking exam

Developed by Fortinets best of

the best SMEs

Practice exam available online

Covers all aspects of Network

Security & Fortinet Best
Practices

A second Practical Exam must be taken

after passing the proctored exam, 8 hours*

Pre-requisites
There are no prerequisites for NSE 8,
participants must first
pass the Pearson Vue
exam, then pass the
practical exam.

Exam covers all Fortinet technologies

Platinum & Gold Partners, become a NSE 6

Partner of Excellence
Platinum and Gold Partners that have completed all NSE requirements for their Partner Level, have
successfully passed 4 of the available NSE 6 exams, and have 2 NSE 3 on staff are eligible to become a
Partner of Excellence. Check with your local Fortinet Channel Manager for more details on how to become
a Partner of Excellence.

* Please contact emeatraining@fortinet.com if you

pass the Pearson Vue written exam and wish to pass

the practical exam.
OUTLINED

Good to know
NSE 8 is valid for two versions of FortiOS 5
Go back
to Index
12

Go back
to Index
www.fortinet.com

13

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

Platinum Level Requirements

AUTHORIZED

SILVER

GOLD

PLATINUM

NSE 1

NSE 2

NSE 3

Part 3 NSE and FortiPartner Program

NSE 4

1
1

NSE 5

The NSE Program is an integral part of the FortiPartner Program, contributing to your security leadership in
the marketplace. Each of the four Partner Levels have specific NSE requirements that must be met in order
to maintain your level.
The NSE Program was introduced in January 2015. Please see here deadlines by which your requirements
(detailed on the following pages) must be met:

NSE 6
NSE 7
NSE 8

CERTIFICATION DEADLINES
NSE 1-4 requirements: December 31st, 2015
NSE 5-7 requirements: May 31st, 2016
NSE 8: December 31st, 2016

4*
1

1
1

* At least four different technologies

Arrow indicates sequential training that requires indicated pre-requisite

Non-compliancy with these deadlines could jepordize your companys Partner Level, and your engineers
personal Support PIN code.
Your time and investment made in obtaining FCSA and FCNSP 5 certifications is not lost, this section also
details how these certifications will be credited to your NSE requirements.

Sales/Presales Certification
If your company has 3 sales/presales certified FCSA
accreditations which are less than 2 years old One of them
must obtain NSE3 a sales and presales certification covering
Fortinet Advanced Technologies. If you do not, NSE1 2 and
3 must all be obtained (NSE1-2 x3, NSE3x1)

Technical Certification
If your company has 3 engineers certified FCSNP v5, you
have already fulfilled your NSE4 requirements. If your company
does not, 3 on-site engineers must obtain NSE4 or FCNSP v5
certification.

If you are a Partner of Excellence, your Specializations will be

recognized, however you must be certified in a total of four
NSE6 Courses by the end of the year to keep this status
(current NSE6 Courses are FortiWeb, FortiMail, FortiDDoS,
FortiSandbox, FortiAuthenticator, FortiAP & FortiADC).
If you do not have any current certification on Fortinets
Advanced Technologies, it is now part of your requirements.
Your company must certify in any 4 Courses available in the
NSE6 Level. Please note that NSE6 is not sequential, meaning
that any number of engineers can access NSE6, there are no
pre-requisites. So the number of Courses completed is what
counts, and not the number of engineers.

Out of the 3 engineers certified NSE4 or FCNSP v5 2 must

obtain NSE5. Out of the 2 engineers certified NSE5, 1 must
complete NSE7 and NSE8.

Go back
to Index
14

Go back
to Index
www.fortinet.com

15

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

Gold Level Requirements

Silver Level Requirements

AUTHORIZED

SILVER

GOLD

PLATINUM

AUTHORIZED

SILVER

GOLD

PLATINUM

NSE 1

NSE 1

NSE 2

NSE 2

NSE 3

NSE 4

NSE 5

4*

NSE 6

NSE 7

NSE 8

NSE 3
NSE 4

NSE 5
NSE 6
NSE 7
NSE 8

* At least four different technologies

If your company has 2 FCSA sales/pre-sales accreditations

that are less than 2 years old: You do not have any further
sales certification requirements to fulfil with the new Partner
Program. If your company does not have any existing FCSA,
you must obtain 2 NSE1 and 2 certifications. If you are also a
Fortinet Partner Specialist (FortiMail, FortiWeb or FortiWireless),
an engineer must obtain the NSE3 Level a sales and presales certification

2
4*

1
1

* At least four different technologies

Arrow indicates sequential training that requires indicated pre-requisite

Sales/Presales Certification

Arrow indicates sequential training that requires indicated pre-requisite

hold a Technology Specialization, this will be recognized and

you will be granted the NSE6 Specialist level. If you are a
Partner of Excellence, your Specializations will be recognized,
however you must be certified in a total of four NSE6 Courses
by the end of the year to keep this status (current NSE6
Courses are FortiWeb, FortiMail, FortiDDoS, FortiSandbox,
FortiAuthenticator, FortiAP & FortiADC).

Sales/Presales Certification

Technical Certification

If your company has an FCSA sales/pre-sales accreditation

that is less than 2 years old: You do not have any further
sales certification requirements to fulfil with the new Partner
Program. If your company does not have an existing FCSA,
you must obtain NSE1 and 2 certifications. If you are also a
Fortinet Partner Specialist (FortiMail, FortiWeb or FortiWireless
Specialization), you must obtain the NSE3 Level a sales
and pre-sales certification covering Fortinet Advanced
Technologies.

If your company has 1 engineer certified FCNSP v5, you do

not have any further technical certification requirements to fulfil
with the new Partner Program. If your company does not, one
on-site engineer must obtain NSE4 or FCNSP v5 certification.
If you hold a Technology Specialization, this will be recognized
and you will be granted the NSE6 Specialist level.

Technical Certification
If your company has 2 engineers certified FCNSP v5, you
have already fulfilled your NSE4 requirements. If your company
does not, 2 on-site engineers must obtain NSE4 or FCNSP
v5 certification. One of your NSE4 or FCNSP v5 engineers
must also obtain NSE5, and then NSE7 certification. If you

Go back
to Index
16

Go back
to Index
www.fortinet.com

17

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

Authorized Level Requirements

Can any of my existing certifications be credited

to my NSE requirements?

AUTHORIZED

SILVER

GOLD

PLATINUM

NSE 1

NSE 2

NSE 3
NSE 4

SALES ACCREDITATION

2015

NSE 5

NSE 6
NSE 7
NSE 8

2015

2014

1
1

TECHNICAL ACCREDITATION

2014
Follow

Automatically
Recognized

FCSA

NSE 1 & 2

For Adv. Tech only

NSE 3

Follow

Automatically
Recognized

FCNSA

NSE 4

FCNSP v5

NSE 4

4*
1

1
1

* At least four different technologies

FortiMail

NSE 6 FortiMail
Specialist

FortiWeb

NSE 6 FortiWeb
Specialist

FortiWireless

NSE 6
FortiWireless
Specialist

Arrow indicates sequential training that requires indicated pre-requisite

If your company has an FCSA sales/pre-sales accreditation

that is less than 2 years old: You do not have any further
certification requirements to fulfil with the new Partner Program.
If your company does not have an existing FCSA, you must
obtain NSE1 and 2 certifications.

Partner of
Excellence

Need total of 4
NSE 6 Advanced
Technology
Specializations

Mail/Web/Wireless
Certification
Recognized

Certifications that receive NSE credit:

FCNSP 5 certifications that are less than 2 years old* will be
credited as NSE 4
FCSA accreditations that are less than 2 years old* will be
credited NSE 1&2
FortiMail (FCESP), FortiWeb (FCWSP) and FortiWireless
(FCWLSP) certifications will be credited to the NSE 6 equivalent
course.

Go back
to Index
18

Platinum, Gold and Silver FortiMail, FortiWeb and FortiWireless

Specialists will become NSE 6 Partner Specialists for these
courses
Platinum and Gold Partners of Excellence have until the end
of 2015 to be certified in 4 of the available NSE 6 courses to
keep this status.

Go back
to Index
www.fortinet.com

19

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

Will it be automatic? Should I do anything to get my NSE Certification?

It you currently hold FCNSP, you will not need to do anything until you are required to recertify; you are
automatically converted to NSE 4 Fortinet Network Security Professional. If you have completed FCNSA and
wish to complete the requirements for NSE 4 Fortinet Network Security Professional, you must complete the
entire, newly combined exam through Pearson Vue.
I took the FCNSA exam in the past, and would like to take the FCNSP 5, is this possible?
The FCNSP 5 exam was retired on June 30th, 2015. The FCNSA and the FCNSP are being replaced by the
single exam NSE 4. There is no credit to be obtained for the FCNSA in the NSE program.

Part 4 FAQ & Contacts

Following are the answers to some questions that you may have on the NSE Program. If you have other
queries that are not answered in this document, we encourage you to contact your local Fortinet office,
regional Channel Team, or regional Training Team. Specifics on who to contact on what topic can be found
after the FAQ.
How do I access the NSE online training classes?
Online training classes are available on FLC. Access is via the Partner Portal (http://partners/fortinet.com).
Once logged into the learning center, click Training / Learning Center Access
How do I gain access to the Fortinet Learning Center?
If you do not have credentials for the Partner Portal, please contact the Primary/Admin Fortinet contact at
your company, who can grant you access directly. Otherwise a log-in can be requested here, or by your local
Fortinet Manager.
Important: After you are granted Partner Portal access, please allow up to 48 hours for FLC access (prior to
this delay, an error message will be displayed).
Where can I find complete information on the training courses offered to prepare for the exams?
Visit the Fortinet.com website for complete details on each technical training course associated with NSE
levels 4 - 8. These PDF data sheets are available at www.fortinet.com/training/courses/index.html
How can I see which coursework I have signed up for, and what I have completed?
When on FLC, click on Catalog & Metrics/My Transcript, and see all classes that you have enrolled in, and the
completion status.
What is the equivalence between the old FCNSA/FCNSP and the NSE Program?
FCNSA and FCNSP were 2 separate exams under the previous Fortinet Certification Program. Under the new
NSE Program, those exams have been updated and combined into a single exam NSE 4 Fortinet Network
Security Professional.

Go back
to Index
20

How long does it take to follow and be certified on each level?

The time required preparing for any particular level of the NSE Program is based on the amount of time an
individual can allot to study, the amount of experience they possess and their individual aptitude. Lower
levels of the program and be achieved in a fairly short period of time, given ones situation. Mid to upper
level technical levels NSE 4-7 require a greater investment in time and resources to attend more formal
training, proctored labs and exams. NSE 8, depending on the amount of knowledge and skill gained through
experiential learning, can require many months to prepare; NSE 8 is an expert level assessment only part of the
program and is intended only for well-seasoned technical professionals.
Is there a limit to the number of times that the certification exams can be retaken after
unsuccessful attempts?
Yes. The NSE 4 and NSE 8 exams (written and practical) may only be taken once in any 30 day period.
Are all training course available online?
NSE 1-5 and certain courses of NSE 6 are available to partners at no fee, as self-study courses on-line through
the FLC. Instructor led versions are available for a fee. Fortinet Technical Training is working to create a selfpaced on-line training equivalents for NSE 7.
How many seats per session
An unlimited number of partner individuals can participate in the self-paced versions on any training available.
There is a limit to the number of seats that partners can reserve in the instructor Facilitated Labs, i.e. NSE 4
FortiGate l & ll. Partners can only occupy 6 seats per no fee, Facilitated Lab.
For instructor led, fee based training classes there is no capacity limitation up to the maximum number of seats
in any given class.
What happens if I register for an instructor led class, such as a Fortigate l & ll Facilitated Lab and
cannot attend.
Partner individuals that register for an instructor class or lab and are unable to attend must contact Fortinet
Technical Training before the class or lab begins, using the contact information at the end of this document and
request to be moved to another class or lab, or request to be unregistered. Failure to do so may prevent them
from registering for, or attending a follow on class or lab.
How can I download and print my NSE certificate?
Once logged into the FLC via the Partner Portal, on the lefthand menu choose the option My Transcripts.
Find the NSE 1 Security Associate, NSE 2 Security Associate, NSE 3 Security Associate, NSE 4 Security
Professional, NSE 5 Security Analyst, NSE 6 Security Specialist, NSE 7 Security Troubleshooter, or NSE
8 Security Expert listed on your transcript. You can download and print the certificates by clicking on the Print
Certificate button at the bottom of the screen.

Go to
next page
www.fortinet.com

Go back
to Index

Go to
next page
21

NSE PARTNER GUIDE FORTINET NETWORK SECURITY EXPERT

Are the proctored exams free to partners?

Proctored exams are not free to partners, a voucher can be purchased from your Fortinet Distributor.
What is the process for end customers to follow the training?
Customers do not participate in NSE 2 3, but may use NSE 1 if they wish. NSE 4 is the entry point for enduser/customers. For recognition at any level, all other requirements apply.
How long do we have to transition to NSE?
The Partner Level requirements given in Part 3 of this Guide are to be completed by December 31st, 2015.
How does Support PIN Code qualification work with the NSE program?
In 2015, engineers working for Platinum, Gold and Silver Partners can obtain a Support PIN code if they
are certified NSE 4 AND if their company is compliant with their Partner Level NSE 4 requirements.
In the future, it will be necessary for the company to be compliant with all NSE 1-8 Partner Level
certification requirements in order for the NSE 4 engineer to qualify for a PIN code.
What other NSE resources are available?
Visit the Fortinet.com website for complete PDF data sheets on each NSE Technical Training. These can be
found at www.fortinet.com/training/courses/index.html Also visit the Partner Portal/ Training tab for further
documentation. This section will be updated as new materials are released.
Where can I find information on upcoming training courses that have been scheduled?
Visit www.Fortinet.com / Training / Training Course Schedule for a complete list of upcoming classes.
http://www.fortinet.com/training/training-course-schedule.html

Do you have a question that was not answered in this Guide? Dont hesitate to contact us:
Questions on accessing and navigating in the Fortinet Learning Center, course content and availability, or
certification delivery? Contact emeatraining@fortinet.com or
apactraining@fortinet.com
Questions on Partner Level requirements, the Partner Specialist Program, or the Partner Portal?
Contact your local Fortinet Manager or

international_partners@fortinet.com

Go back
to Index
22

www.fortinet.com

NSE PARTNER GUIDE

www.fortinet.com

GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS
Fortinet Inc.
899 Kifer Road
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
United States
Tel: +1.408.235.7700
www.fortinet.com/sales

EMEA SALES OFFICE

120 rue Albert Caquot
06560, Sophia Antipolis,
France
Tel: +33.4.8987.0510

APAC SALES OFFICE

300 Beach Road 20-01
The Concourse
Singapore 199555
Tel: +65.6513.3730

LATIN AMERICA SALES OFFICE

Prol. Paseo de la Reforma 115 Int. 702
Col. Lomas de Santa Fe,
C.P. 01219
Del. Alvaro Obregn
Mxico D.F.
Tel: 011-52-(55) 5524-8480

Copyright 2014 Fortinet, Inc. All rights reserved. Fortinet, FortiGate, FortiCare and FortiGuard, and certain other marks are registered trademarks of Fortinet, Inc., and other Fortinet names herein may also be registered and/or common
law trademarks of Fortinet. All other product or company names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Performance and other metrics contained herein were attained in internal lab tests under ideal conditions, and actual performance
and other resultsmay vary. Network variables, different network environments and other conditions may affect performance results. Nothing herein represents any binding commitment by Fortinet, and Fortinet disclaims all warranties, whether
express or implied, except to the extent Fortinet enters a binding written contract, signed by Fortinets General Counsel, with a purchaser that expressly warrants that the identified product will perform according to certain expressly-identified
performance metrics and, in such event, only the specific performance metrics expressly identified in such binding written contract shall be binding on Fortinet. For absolute clarity, any such warranty will be limited to performance in the same
ideal conditions as in Fortinets internal lab tests. Fortinet disclaims in full any covenants, representations,and guarantees pursuant hereto, whether express or implied. Fortinet reserves the right to change, modify, transfer, or otherwise revise this
publication without notice, and the most current version of the publication shall be applicable.