Certification Overview

The Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist in Cloud Security certification validates expertise in protecting enterprise cloud infrastructures using Fortinet security technologies. To achieve this certification, candidates must pass one NSE 6 exam and one NSE 7 exam within two years. Once both exams are completed, the certification becomes active and demonstrates advanced skills in cloud security architecture and application protection.

Track Details & Exam Requirements

To obtain the FCSS in Cloud Security certification, candidates must pass the following exams.

🔹 NSE 6 Exam

• Fortinet NSE 6 – FortiMail Administrator

This exam validates the ability to deploy and manage FortiMail email security solutions, including email protection, threat filtering, and secure messaging infrastructure.

🔹 NSE 7 Exam

• Fortinet NSE 7 – Public Cloud Security Architect

This exam evaluates advanced knowledge of public cloud security architecture, including securing workloads and applications in cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, and other enterprise cloud platforms.

What FCSS Cloud Security Certification Validates

With the FCSS in Cloud Security certification, professionals demonstrate the ability to:

• Design enterprise cloud security architectures
• Secure applications running in public and private cloud environments
• Deploy and manage Fortinet application security solutions
• Monitor and troubleshoot cloud security infrastructures
• Protect enterprise email systems using FortiMail
• Implement security policies across cloud workloads
• Integrate Fortinet security technologies within cloud environments

Exam Focus Areas

The FCSS Cloud Security certification focuses on advanced cybersecurity topics related to cloud environments, including:

• Cloud security architecture and design
• Email security and threat protection
• Application security for cloud workloads
• Public cloud infrastructure protection
• Security policy implementation in cloud environments
• Monitoring and troubleshooting cloud security solutions
• Integration of Fortinet security technologies in enterprise cloud infrastructures

Validity & Recertification

The Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist – Cloud Security certification is valid for 2 years from the date you pass the second required exam. Both exams must be completed within two years of each other to achieve the certification.

Recertification Options

To maintain the FCSS Cloud Security certification, candidates must renew the certification before it expires.

Option 1 – Retake the Certification Exams

You can extend the certification by passing:

• Fortinet NSE 6 – FortiMail Administrator
• Fortinet NSE 7 – Public Cloud Security Architect

Completing these exams again extends the certification for another 2 years.

Option 2 – Achieve or Renew FCX Certification

If you achieve or renew the Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX) in Cybersecurity certification, your FCSS Cloud Security certification will be extended by 3 additional years.

If the Certification Expires

If your FCSS Cloud Security certification expires, you must again:

• Pass the NSE 6 – FortiMail Administrator exam
• Pass the NSE 7 – Public Cloud Security Architect exam

Both exams must be completed within two years of each other to regain certification.

Digital Badges

Fortinet provides digital badges to recognize certification achievements. You receive badges in the following cases:

• Exam Badge – Awarded each time you pass an exam included in the FCSS Cloud Security certification track
• Certification Badge – Awarded after completing all requirements for the FCSS Cloud Security certification

These badges can be shared on professional platforms such as LinkedIn or online portfolios.

Recommended Experience

Although there are no strict prerequisites, Fortinet recommends candidates have:

• Strong knowledge of cloud networking and cybersecurity concepts
• Experience working with Fortinet security technologies
• Hands-on experience with cloud platforms such as AWS or Azure
• Familiarity with email security and application protection solutions

Many professionals pursuing this certification already hold Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP) certifications.

Who Should Pursue FCSS Cloud Security?

The FCSS Cloud Security certification is ideal for cybersecurity professionals responsible for implementing and managing cloud security infrastructures, including:

• Cloud Security Engineers
• Network Security Engineers
• Security Architects
• Cybersecurity Consultants
• Cloud Infrastructure Engineers
• Security Operations Engineers

Career Benefits

Earning the Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist – Cloud Security certification offers several advantages:

• Demonstrates expertise in enterprise cloud security architectures
• Validates advanced skills in application and email security solutions
• Recognized globally by organizations using Fortinet technologies
• Improves career opportunities in cloud security and cybersecurity engineering roles
• Provides a pathway toward the Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX) certification

Fortinet Certification Path

Fortinet offers a structured certification pathway for cybersecurity professionals:

• Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF)
• Fortinet Certified Associate (FCA)
• Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP)
• Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS)
• Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX)

The FCSS level represents the advanced specialization stage within the Fortinet cybersecurity certification framework.

Summary

The Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist – Cloud Security (FCSS Cloud Security) certification validates advanced expertise in securing public and private cloud environments using Fortinet security technologies. To earn the certification, candidates must pass one NSE 6 exam (FortiMail Administrator) and the NSE 7 Public Cloud Security Architect exam within two years. The certification remains valid for two years, and it can be renewed by retaking the required exams or by achieving the Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX) certification.