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.
Prerequisites
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.
To achieve this certification, you must complete the prerequisite requirements and pass the Core Practical Exam and one Elective Practical Exam within 1 year.
Prerequisite Certifications:
- Fortinet NSE 4 - FortiOS Adminstrator
- Fortinet NSE 5 or 6 certification in any track
- Fortinet NSE 7 certification (same track as the NSE 5 or NSE 6)
Exams
Individuals must complete the NSE 8 core exam, and one NSE 8 elective exam. NSE 8 elective exams are:
- Fortinet NSE 8 - Secure Networking Practical Exam
- Fortinet NSE 8 - Application Security Practical Exam
- Fortinet NSE 8 - Security Operations Practical Exam
The Fortinet NSE 8 - Core Practical exam evaluates your comprehensive knowledge of network security design, configuration, and troubleshooting for complex networks. To attempt this exam, you must have industry experience.
Exam Details
- Exam name: Fortinet NSE 8 - Core Exam
- Format: Onsite at select Fortinet offices and events
- Cost: US$800 per exam
- Language: English
- Number of tasks: To be communicated per exam
- Appointment time: To be communicated per exam
- Task scoring method: Partial credits are available for select tasks. There are no deductions for incorrect answers.
- Task types: Hands-on configuration, troubleshooting, drag and drop, and multiple choice
- Time required between unsuccessful attempts: 30 days
- Time for acknowledgment and training transcripts to be updated with exam grade: 30 days
- Scoring: Pass or fail
- Products: FortiGate 7.6, FortiManager 7.6, FortiAnalyzer 7.6, and FortiAuthenticator 8.0
Exam Topics
The tasks listed in this table represent potential content areas covered in this exam. Your knowledge and skills in these areas will be assessed through design, configuration, and troubleshooting tasks.
- Infrastructure (27% of the exam)
- Networking (40% of the exam)
- Authentication (14% of the exam)
- Fortinet Security Fabric (19% of the exam)
Recertification
The NSE 8 certification awarded will be active for 2 years from the date of the second exam.
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 requires active pre-requisite certifications at renewal. When you renew your NSE 7 certification(s), the following certifications will be renewed, if they are active:
- NSE 1, 2, 3, 4, and NSE 5 and 6 of the same track
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.