Certification Overview

The Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist in Secure Networking certification demonstrates expertise in implementing and managing enterprise-level Fortinet network security solutions.
To achieve this certification, candidates must pass one NSE 6 exam and one NSE 7 exam within two years.
After completing both exams, the certification becomes active and validates advanced skills in deploying and managing Fortinet network security environments.
Track Details & Exam Requirements
To earn the FCSS in Secure Networking certification, candidates must pass the following exams.
🔹 One NSE 6 Exam (Choose One)
Candidates must pass any one of the following NSE 6 exams:
- Fortinet NSE 6 – LAN Edge Architect
- Fortinet NSE 6 – Network Security Support Engineer
- Fortinet NSE 6 – OT Security
These exams validate specialized knowledge in advanced networking solutions, operational technology security, and enterprise network infrastructure management.
🔹 NSE 7 Exam
- Fortinet NSE 7 – Enterprise Firewall Administrator
This exam tests advanced skills in deploying, configuring, and troubleshooting Fortinet enterprise firewall solutions.
What FCSS Secure Networking Certification Validates
With the FCSS in Secure Networking certification, professionals demonstrate the ability to:
- Design advanced network security architectures
- Deploy and manage Fortinet enterprise firewall solutions
- Monitor and troubleshoot complex network security environments
- Implement secure connectivity across enterprise networks
- Configure advanced Fortinet network infrastructure components
- Integrate Fortinet solutions within a unified security architecture
- Optimize performance and protection in enterprise networks
Exam Focus Areas
The FCSS Secure Networking certification focuses on advanced networking and cybersecurity topics including:
- Enterprise network security architecture
- FortiGate firewall deployment and configuration
- Network segmentation and access control
- Advanced routing and switching integration
- Network monitoring and troubleshooting
- Security policy implementation
- Operational technology (OT) security environments
- LAN edge network architecture
Validity & Recertification
Validity Period
The Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist – Secure Networking 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 Secure Networking certification, candidates must renew the certification before it expires.
Option 1 – Retake the Certification Exams
You can renew the certification by passing:
- Any one NSE 6 exam from the FCSS Secure Networking track
- The NSE 7 – Enterprise Firewall Administrator exam
Completing these exams again extends the certification for another 2 years.
Option 2 – Achieve or Renew FCX Certification
You can also extend the certification validity by achieving or renewing the Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX) in Cybersecurity certification.
Doing so extends the FCSS certification for 3 additional years.
If the Certification Expires
If your FCSS Secure Networking certification expires, you must again:
- Pass one NSE 6 exam
- Pass the NSE 7 Enterprise Firewall 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 – Awarded each time you pass an exam included in the FCSS Secure Networking certification track
- Certification Badge – Awarded after completing all certification requirements for FCSS Secure Networking
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:
- Strong knowledge of enterprise networking and cybersecurity concepts
- Hands-on experience with Fortinet security solutions
- Experience configuring FortiGate firewalls and network security infrastructures
- Understanding of network monitoring and troubleshooting tools
Many professionals pursuing this certification already hold Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP) certifications.
Who Should Pursue FCSS Secure Networking?
The FCSS Secure Networking certification is ideal for professionals responsible for implementing and managing advanced network security solutions, including:
- Network Security Engineers
- Enterprise Network Administrators
- Security Operations Engineers
- Cybersecurity Consultants
- Network Infrastructure Engineers
- Security Architects
Career Benefits
Earning the Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist – Secure Networking certification offers several career advantages:
- Demonstrates advanced expertise in Fortinet network security solutions
- Recognized globally by organizations using Fortinet technologies
- Validates skills in enterprise firewall and network security architecture
- Improves career opportunities in network security and cybersecurity roles
- Provides a pathway toward the Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX) certification
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 FCSS level represents the advanced specialist stage within the Fortinet cybersecurity certification framework.
Summary
The Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist – Secure Networking (FCSS Secure Networking) certification validates advanced expertise in designing, administering, monitoring, and troubleshooting enterprise network security solutions using Fortinet technologies.
To earn the certification, candidates must pass one NSE 6 exam and the NSE 7 Enterprise Firewall Administrator 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.