Certification Overview

The Fortinet Certified Professional in SASE certification demonstrates expertise in deploying and managing Fortinet SASE solutions to protect enterprise networks and applications. To achieve this certification, candidates must pass one NSE 4 exam and one NSE 5 exam within two years. Once both exams are completed, the certification becomes active and validates the professional’s ability to manage Fortinet SASE environments.

Track Details & Exam Requirements

To obtain the FCP in SASE certification, candidates must pass the following exams.

🔹 NSE 4 Exam

• Fortinet NSE 4 – FortiOS Administrator

This exam validates the ability to configure, manage, and troubleshoot FortiGate security appliances using FortiOS. Key skills validated include:

• Firewall policy configuration
• Network security administration
• VPN configuration
• Network traffic monitoring
• Security policy management

🔹 NSE 5 Exam

• Fortinet NSE 5 – FortiSASE and SD-WAN Core Administrator

This exam tests the ability to deploy and manage Fortinet SASE solutions and SD-WAN infrastructure. Key topics include:

• Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture
• FortiSASE deployment and configuration
• Secure SaaS access
• SD-WAN implementation and management
• Secure internet connectivity for remote users

With the FCP in SASE certification, professionals demonstrate the ability to:

• Deploy and manage Fortinet SASE infrastructures
• Secure internet and SaaS application access
• Configure FortiSASE solutions for remote and distributed users
• Implement SD-WAN for optimized network connectivity
• Monitor and troubleshoot SASE network environments
• Apply security policies for cloud-delivered networking solutions
• Maintain secure connectivity across branch offices and remote users

Exam Focus Areas

The FCP SASE certification focuses on several networking and cybersecurity topics including:

• Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture
• FortiGate firewall configuration
• FortiSASE platform deployment
• Secure internet and SaaS access control
• SD-WAN configuration and optimization
• Network monitoring and troubleshooting
• Security policy management
• Remote access security

Validity & Recertification

Validity Period

• The Fortinet Certified Professional – SASE 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 earn the certification.

Recertification Options

To maintain the FCP SASE certification, candidates must renew the certification before it expires.

Option 1 – Retake the Certification Exams

You can renew the certification by passing:

• Fortinet NSE 4 – FortiOS Administrator
• Fortinet NSE 5 – FortiSASE and SD-WAN Core Administrator

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

Option 2 – Pass FCSS SASE Exams

You can also extend the certification by passing:

• One NSE 6 exam from the FCSS SASE certification track
• The NSE 7 exam from the FCSS SASE track

Completing these advanced exams extends the certification validity for 2 additional years.

Option 3 – Achieve or Renew FCX Certification

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

If the Certification Expires

If your certification expires, you must again:

• Pass the NSE 4 – FortiOS Administrator exam
• Pass the NSE 5 – FortiSASE and SD-WAN Core Administrator 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 under the following circumstances:

• Exam Badge – Each time you pass any exam included in the FCP SASE certification track
• Certification Badge – Once you complete all requirements for the FCP SASE certification

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

Recommended Experience

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

• Basic knowledge of network security and cloud networking concepts
• Hands-on experience with Fortinet security solutions
• Experience managing firewalls and network security infrastructure
• Familiarity with SASE architecture and SD-WAN technologies

Many candidates pursuing this certification already hold Fortinet Certified Associate (FCA) certifications.

Who Should Pursue FCP SASE?

The FCP SASE certification is designed for cybersecurity professionals responsible for implementing and managing secure network access solutions, including:

• Network Security Engineers
• Cloud Security Engineers
• Network Administrators
• Cybersecurity Analysts
• IT Infrastructure Engineers
• Security Operations Engineers

Career Benefits

Earning the Fortinet Certified Professional – SASE certification offers several advantages:

• Demonstrates expertise in modern SASE architectures
• Validates skills in secure cloud connectivity and SD-WAN networking
• Recognized globally by organizations using Fortinet technologies
• Improves career opportunities in cloud networking and cybersecurity roles
• Provides a pathway toward advanced certifications such as Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS) and Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX)

Fortinet Certification Path

Fortinet provides a structured cybersecurity certification pathway:

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

The FCP level represents the professional stage where cybersecurity professionals gain hands-on expertise in deploying and managing Fortinet security technologies.

Summary

The Fortinet Certified Professional – SASE (FCP SASE) certification validates the ability to secure internet and SaaS access using Fortinet SASE solutions. To earn the certification, candidates must pass the NSE 4 FortiOS Administrator exam and the NSE 5 FortiSASE and SD-WAN Core Administrator exam within two years. The certification remains valid for two years, and it can be renewed by retaking the required exams, advancing to FCSS certifications, or achieving the Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX) certification.