👨‍💻 Fortinet NSE 1–2

🧠 1. Certification Name and Issuing Body

• Full name of the certification:

  • NSE 1 – Network Security Associate Level 1

  • NSE 2 – Network Security Associate Level 2

• Issuing organization: Fortinet (as part of the Network Security Expert (NSE) Certification Program)

• Reputation and global recognition:
  Widely recognized entry-level cybersecurity awareness certifications designed for end-users, professionals new to cybersecurity, and non-technical staff. Part of a respected certification track that progresses into highly technical security roles (up to NSE 8).

📚 2. Curriculum and Skills Covered

• Covered domains:

  • NSE 1: Cybersecurity fundamentals, threat landscape, types of malware, basic security concepts

  • NSE 2: The security challenges faced by organizations, and introduction to security infrastructure components

• Depth of content:
  Theoretical and awareness-focused, with engaging, short modules and videos

• Technologies and tools included:
  General cybersecurity concepts, with references to firewalls, VPNs, and network defense (no hands-on labs in NSE 1–2)

• Relevance in the current job market:
  Valuable for general staff, students, and those entering the cybersecurity field; helps companies strengthen their security posture by educating personnel

• Mapping to frameworks:
  Aligned with NICE Framework (PR-AT) – Awareness and Training
  Related to NIST Cybersecurity Framework – Identify and Protect

🧩 3. Prerequisites and Recommended Level

• Are there prior certifications or experience required?
  None – these are introductory-level courses

• What is the expected skill level?
  Absolute beginner / non-technical

• Required knowledge in networking, systems, programming, Linux, etc.?
  No prior knowledge required

💵 4. Cost

• Total cost:
  Free – available on Fortinet’s Training Institute

• Are study materials or lab access included?
  Yes – includes interactive videos, knowledge checks, and certificates

• Are there discounts, scholarships, or regional pricing?
  Not applicable – open-access and globally available at no cost

⏳ 5. Estimated Preparation Time

• Recommended study hours:

  • NSE 1: ~1–2 hours

  • NSE 2: ~3–4 hours

• Is it self-paced or instructor-led?
  Self-paced online

• Learning modes:
  Self-study with short video modules and interactive quizzes

🎯 6. Target Roles and Career Path

• What kind of job roles does it prepare for?
  While not designed for job-specific placement, it is useful for:

  • General staff

  • Non-technical employees

  • HR and administrative personnel

  • Students exploring cybersecurity

• Does it align with your current or future career goals?
  Yes – excellent as an introduction to the cybersecurity field or before pursuing technical certifications

• Is it technical, managerial, or both?
  Non-technical / awareness-focused

🧪 7. Exam Format and Difficulty

• Is the exam online or in-person?
  Online

• Theoretical, hands-on, or both?
  Theoretical (no hands-on labs)

• Proctored exam or testing center?
  No – self-assessment quizzes within each module

• Does it include real-world labs or simulations?
  No

• Length and number of questions:
  Short quizzes after each lesson; certificate awarded upon completion

• Difficulty level or average pass rate:
  Very accessible; intended for broad audiences

📜 8. Validity and Renewal

• Does it expire?
  Certificates may show a completion date, but no formal expiration at this level

• What’s the renewal process?
  No formal renewal needed; learners are encouraged to progress to higher NSE levels

🧰 9. Study Resources Available

• Official documentation:
  Included in Fortinet Training Institute platform

• Recommended books:
  None required; optional supplementary reading on basic cybersecurity concepts

• Online labs or platforms:
  Not applicable at NSE 1–2 level

• YouTube channels, community guides, paid or free courses:
  Fortinet’s official YouTube and blog feature cybersecurity awareness content

• Online communities:
  Fortinet Community, LinkedIn groups, and cybersecurity awareness forums

💼 10. Industry Value and Demand

• Is it frequently mentioned in job postings?
  Rare at this level, but valued internally by organizations for awareness training

• Does it boost your profile with recruiters?
  Slightly – demonstrates initiative and foundational knowledge

• Is it recognized by top companies or certain countries?
  Yes – Fortinet is globally recognized, and the NSE pathway is widely adopted in corporate cybersecurity ecosystems

• What’s the average salary for certified professionals?
  Not applicable at NSE 1–2 level – intended as a starting point, not for role qualification

🧭 11. Related Certifications and Progression

• Is it part of a larger learning path or career track?
  Yes – it’s the beginning of the Fortinet NSE Certification Track (NSE 1–8)

• What can you study after completing it?

  • NSE 3 – Product awareness

  • NSE 4–6 – Technical skill-building for network and security professionals

  • NSE 7–8 – Advanced solution architecture and expert-level exams

• How does it compare or complement other certs?
  Complements courses like CSCU, Cisco Intro to Cybersecurity, and Google Digital Garage, offering foundational awareness before technical training