Update NSE Certification Program as of July 15, 2026
OneAccess TeamMay 20, 20265 min read
Update NSE Certification Program as of July 15, 2026
Before exploring the latest updates to the Fortinet NSE Certification Program effective July 15, 2026,
it is important to understand the previous changes introduced on October 15, 2025.
In the 2025 update, Fortinet reintroduced the NSE 1–8 nomenclature exclusively to indicate exam-level progression. However, the certification structure itself remained unchanged.
Certifications continued to be awarded under the existing framework, including:
FCF (Fortinet Certified Fundamentals)
FCA (Fortinet Certified Associate)
FCP (Fortinet Certified Professional)
FCSS (Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist)
FCX (Fortinet Certified Expert)
For example, to earn the FCP in Secure Networking certification, candidates must successfully pass both the NSE 4 FortiOS Administrator exam and one NSE 5-level exam within the Secure Networking track.
Starting July 15, 2026, Fortinet will introduce several important enhancements to the NSE Certification Program, aimed at improving certification pathways, exam alignment, and professional skill validation. The updated certification framework focuses on simplifying exam structures, enhancing role-based learning paths, and ensuring certifications remain aligned with evolving cybersecurity and networking industry demands.
Effective July 15, 2026, the Fortinet NSE Certification Program will include the following key updates:
FCF to FCX certificates will no longer
Fortinet New NSE Exam Update 2026 | OneAccess Networking and Cyber Academy
Note : and existing certifications will be valid until their expiration date. Effective July 15, 2026, the following certifications will be retired:
FCF - Fortinet Certified Fundamentals
FCA - Fortinet Certified Associate
FCP - Fortinet Certified Professional
FCSS - Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist
FCX - Fortinet Certified Expert
On July 15, 2026, the following certifications will be introduced:
NSE 1
NSE 2
NSE 3
NSE 4
Four NSE 5 certifications in Secure Networking, Security Operations, SASE, and Cloud Security
Four NSE 6 certifications in Secure Networking, Security Operations, SASE, and Cloud Security
Four NSE 7 certificationsin Secure Networking, Security Operations, SASE, and Cloud Security
NSE 8
Industry Certification in OT Security
Industry Certification in MSSP Security
Moving from 5 certification levels to 8
Previously, under the FCP certification path, candidates were required to select one specialization area from four available domains:
Cloud Security
Secure Networking
Security Operations
SASE
To achieve the certification, candidates had to pass both the NSE 4 and NSE 5 examinations within their selected track. Under the new certification structure effective July 15, 2026, the pathway has been revised starting from the NSE 5 level and above. However, for candidates pursuing NSE 4, only a single required examination must be completed:
Pass the NSE 4 proctored exam
FortiOS Administrator
Industry Certifications Outside the 8-Level Structure
As part of the new certification framework, Fortinet has introduced two industry-specific certifications that exist outside the traditional NSE 1–8 certification structure. These certifications are designed to address specialized industry requirements and operate independently from the standard NSE level progression:
Industry Certification in OT Security
Industry Certification in MSSP Security
All Certifications Will Be Valid for Two Years
Another significant update is the standardization of certification validity periods. Previously, some certifications such as FCX had a three-year validity period. However, under the new certification structure, all certifications and related exams will now be valid for two years, creating a more consistent certification renewal framework across the program.
New Requirements and Recertification Rules
Fortinet has introduced updated certification requirements and recertification rules as part of the new NSE Certification framework.
Previously, candidates had greater flexibility in choosing certification paths. For example, it was possible to pursue an FCSS certification directly without first completing the FCP certification. However, under the new certification structure, this approach has been removed.
Starting from NSE 5 through NSE 8, candidates must now follow a progressive certification path, meaning lower-level certifications must be completed before advancing to higher levels.
Certification Progression Requirements
NSE 5 → Candidates must first complete NSE 4 certification
NSE 6 → Requires prior completion of NSE 4 and NSE 5
NSE 7 → Requires prior completion of NSE 4, NSE 5, or NSE 6, depending on the certification track
NSE 8 → Requires completion of NSE 4, NSE 5, NSE 6, and NSE 7
On-Site Practical Exams at the NSE 8 Level
nother major update to the Fortinet NSE Certification Program is the reintroduction of on-site practical examinations for NSE 8 certification.
Previously, under the FCX certification framework, candidates pursuing the highest certification level were required to complete both a written exam and a practical exam. These examinations could be taken remotely through an online proctored environment, providing greater flexibility for candidates worldwide.
However, effective July 15, 2026, Fortinet will reintroduce the on-site practical examination requirement for NSE 8 certification. Candidates will be required to complete the hands-on practical exam at an authorized testing location or regional exam center, depending on availability within their region.
This change is intended to strengthen real-world skill validation and ensure a more rigorous assessment of advanced cybersecurity and network security expertise.
Courses and Exams to Be Retired on July 15, 2026
As part of the Fortinet NSE Certification Program enhancements, several legacy online courses and exams will be officially retired effective July 15, 2026. These courses will either be discontinued or replaced with updated learning paths aligned to the new certification framework.
The following online courses will be retired:
NSE 1 – Introduction to the Threat Landscape
(Replaced by NSE 1 – Cybersecurity and Cloud Fundamentals)
NSE 1 – Getting Started in Cybersecurity
(Replaced by NSE 1 – Cybersecurity and Cloud Fundamentals)
NSE 2 – Technical Introduction to Cybersecurity
(Replaced by NSE 2 – Introduction to the Next Generation Firewall)
he Fortinet NSE Certification Program changes in 2026 represent a major shift in how cybersecurity and networking professionals progress through Fortinet certifications. From the retirement of FCF, FCA, FCP, FCSS, and FCX certifications to the reintroduction of the NSE 1–8 certification pathway, these updates are designed to create a more structured and industry-focused certification journey.
For Sri Lankan students, network engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and IT learners, understanding these changes is essential before planning your certification roadmap. Whether you are preparing for the NSE 4 FortiOS Administrator exam, advancing to NSE 5 specialization tracks, or aiming for higher-level certifications, choosing the correct learning path can save both time and cost.
If you are planning to pursue Fortinet NSE 4 or NSE 5 training in Sri Lanka, OneAccess provides hands-on learning, practical lab environments, and industry-focused guidance to help you prepare for Fortinet certification exams with confidence.
Start your Fortinet certification journey in Sri Lanka today and stay ahead in the fast-growing field of cybersecurity and network security.
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