Detailed Overview of the Certification Program Update, Cybersecurity Skills and How Fortinet Can Assist

According to the Fortinet Global Skills Gap Report, about 68% of existing organizations encounter additional cyber risks due to the lack of cyber skills. The main mission of Fortinet is to stay one step ahead by honing security teams’ skillsets and remove cyber risks. Since Fortinet is interested in anyone who is going to follow a cyber career pathway, this vendor has announced an update on the certification program. The changes will take the effect in October, 2023.

So, what’s new in the program?

Detailed Overview of the Certification Program Update

First of all, the NSE certification program will be focused on role-based training to prepare candidates to the most sought-after roles, such as Security Operations (SOC) and Cloud Security Specialists. Candidates will be proficient in working with the latest security technologies.

The new certification program will comprise 5 levels and 11 certifications. The higher level you reach, the deeper your knowledge and skills are. The program contains the following levels:

1. Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) intended for any candidate who plans to test the water of cybersecurity and get the fundamental knowledge and skills on how to deal with cybersecurity products and solutions. Candidates who have already gained the NSE1 and NSE2 certifications (according to the current certification program) can opt for this credential.
2. Fortinet Certified Associate (FCA) level is focused on cybersecurity technology. To be more precise, candidates should have sound knowledge and skills in working with tech aspects of the next-generation firewall and network security. If you are a cybersecurity operator, a network security admin of a small/ medium-sized network, or you are the owner of the NSE 3 designation, then you are an ideal candidate for getting the FCA certification.
3. Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP) level testifies that one is able to secure applications and networks, deal with Fortinet cybersecurity products, and complete the daily tasks that refer to Fortinet devices. At this level one can choose one certification of the three available. They refer to such areas as Security Operations, Network Security, and Public Cloud Security. If you have received the NSE 4, 5 or 6 credentials, or you are a system engineer, cybersecurity analyst, or a cybersecurity admin, then this certification is definitely for you.
4. Fortinet Certified Engineer (FCE) level proves one’s advanced skills in working with advanced Fortinet cybersecurity solutions. At this level, you can gain one certification out of five offered. These include such areas as Network Security, OT Security, Security Operations, and Zero Trust Access. If you are a security architect, tech support engineer, cybersecurity admin, or cybersecurity analyst, or you are the holder of the NSE 7 designation, this level is for you.
5. Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX) level is intended for real experts in network security design, troubleshooting and configuration of intricate networks. To opt for the certification at this level, the candidate should have in-depth knowledge and skills in dealing with complex networks, and be an experienced employee. This candidate should be NSE 8 certified or be a senior cybersecurity professional. Completing the appropriate professional and certification level training is highly recommended before taking two exams: the written one and the practical one.

Fortinet Training Institute News in Expanding Cyber Skills

The Fortinet Training Institute is the leader in providing training and certifications in the constantly developing field of cybersecurity. This institute includes Academic Partner program, Authorized Training Center program, and Education Outreach program. Recently, this vendor has issued more than 1,000,000 NSE certifications. Ongoing learning through training is the key way to stay ahead of cybercriminals who are constantly refining their strategies as well as methods of attack. Due to the existence of the Fortinet training and offered certifications, both candidates and organizations develop cyber awareness, plan to advance their skills, and strengthen the posture.

To welcome more talents to the field and reach the abovementioned goals, Fortinet has concluded a partnership agreement with the EduSkills Foundation and All-India Council for Technical Education. This allows 100,000 candidates across India get virtual internship.

Also, Fortinet has more than 500 academic partners worldwide. Academic institutions can integrate their students in the Fortinet’s training according to the Academic Partner program.

In addition, Fortinet partners with Purdue University. And here, it is focused on developing Operational Technology (OT) security skills. This means that Fortinet is engaged in raising awareness of OT cybersecurity career opportunities and contributes to the development of talents both at undergraduate and graduate levels.

To add more, Fortinet empowers and supports fundamental cyber awareness through free global expanding of the offer. Thus, for example, this vendor is widening its offer across the UK and more than 1 million educators in nearly 30,000 schools across the UK get the opportunity to use this service.

Finally, more security professionals gain access to technical training. Within the ATC program Fortinet improves access to advanced training for security professionals. Recently, the organization has gained new partners such as DNS (Czech Republic) and Gross (Italy).

Final Words

To sum up, Fortinet’s certification program is a valuable resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. With a wide range of certifications available, from entry-level to advanced, and the upcoming certification program update, this vendor offers a clear path for individuals looking to develop their skills and knowledge in this field. By partnering with educational institutions, Fortinet is also making it easier for students to access training and certification opportunities.