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NSE 8 Cybersecurity Expert

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Description

The NSE 8 Cybersecurity Expert designation recognizes your comprehensive knowledge of network security design, configuration, and troubleshooting in complex networks. It is recommended that candidates have industry experience.

Who Should Attempt the Certification

We recommend this certification for networking and security experts who use Fortinet solutions. In addition to formal training, you should have experience with a variety of complex networks and be able to solve complex security problems.

Program Requirements

To achieve this certification, you must complete the prerequisite requirements and pass the Core Practical Exam and one Elective Practical Exam within 1 year. The NSE 8 certification awarded will be active for 2 years from the date of the second exam.

Click the exam name for more details.

Prerequisite Certifications
  • Fortinet NSE 4 - FortiOS Administrator
  • NSE 5 or 6 certification in any track
  • NSE 7 certification (same track as the NSE 5 or NSE 6)
Core Exam
  • Fortinet NSE 8 - Core Practical Exam
Elective Exams
  • Fortinet NSE 8 - Secure Networking Practical Exam
  • Fortinet NSE 8 - Application Security Practical Exam
  • Fortinet NSE 8 - Security Operations Practical Exam
Recertification
  • Fortinet NSE 8 - Recertification Exam
  • Fortinet NSE 8 - Recertification Points Program

Important: Prior to scheduling the core practical exam, candidates may be asked to provide additional information to ensure accurate account information, clarify training and testing history, and confirm prior engagement with Fortinet and the NSE Certification Program. You may not be able to proceed to schedule a practical exam session if you have not satisfactorily provided the requested additional information.

Digital Badges

You will receive digital badges in the following circumstances:

  • Exam badge: You receive an exam badge each time you pass any version of an exam.
  • Certification badge: You receive a certification badge once you achieve the requirements for the NSE 8 Cybersecurity Expert certification.

For more information, see the following knowledge base article in the Fortinet Training Institute Helpdesk.

Recertification

To renew your NSE 8 Cybersecurity Expert certification, complete the following:

  • Hold the pre-requisite certifications:
    • NSE 4 FortiOS certification
    • NSE 5 or NSE 6 certification in any track
    • NSE 7 certification in the same track as the NSE 5 or NSE 6
  • Accumulate 200 activity points. Completing NSE 4 - 7 exams contribute to earning points.

Achieving or recertifying your NSE 8 certification by accumulating 200 points by taking any NSE 8 practical exam renews the following certifications, if they are active:

  • NSE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7

Achieving or recertifying your NSE 8 certification by accumulating 200 points which includes passing NSE 7 exams, renews the following certifications, if they are active:

  • NSE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6

If you are NSE 8 certified holding a certificate with an expiry date before July 31, 2027, you are eligible to recertify by taking the NSE 8 – Recertification Exam. Eligible candidates will be emailed registration instructions. This recertification exam is available until January 31, 2027.

For more information, see the following knowledge base article in the Fortinet Training Institute Helpdesk.

Book the Exam

Click for more information
About NSE Certification Exams
  • Availability:
    • Core Exam: On-site at selected Fortinet offices and events
    • Elective Exams: On-site or online proctored by ProctorU
  • Scoring method: Partial credits are available for selected tasks. There are no deductions for incorrect answers.
  • Type of questions: Hands-on configuration and troubleshooting, multiple-choice, drag and drop
  • Exam retakes: You must wait 30 days before retaking a failed exam. You cannot retake an exam you have already passed.
  • Digital badges: Your Fortinet Training Institute account is updated within 5 business days after you pass an exam.
  • Score Report: You will receive a document showing a pass or fail result within 30 days of exam completion.
  • Certification renewal: Once an exam version has been counted toward certification, it cannot be used again to renew the same certification.
How to Enroll in the NSE Training

The NSE courses are available on the Fortinet Training Institute library here.

To learn how to create a FortiCloud account and log in to the Fortinet Training Institute, click here.

If you have questions, visit the Fortinet Training Institute Helpdesk page.

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