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Fortinet · Cybersecurity · Entry

Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) in Cybersecurity exam guide

Exam NSE 1 and NSE 2 (formerly FCF)

Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) introduced the threat landscape and basic security concepts through free self-paced courses. Since 15 July 2026 the equivalent credentials are Fortinet NSE 1 and NSE 2, still earned by completing free online courses, and they are a no-cost starting point for anyone exploring cybersecurity.

QuestionsSee official page
Time limitSee official page
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam fee$0 USD
Valid for2 years
DeliveryOnline, self-paced

Format: Self-paced online courses with embedded quizzes; no proctored exam. Fee note: Free courses via the Fortinet Training Institute.

Who it's for

Students, career changers, non-technical staff and new IT hires who want a free introduction to cybersecurity concepts.

What the exam covers

The vendor does not publish a domain breakdown for this exam. Check the official exam page for the current objectives.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: None; designed for beginners.

Keeping it active

Valid 2 years. NSE 1-2 renew by completing the current course versions again.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Describing the modern threat landscape and threat actors
  • Recognizing phishing, malware and social engineering
  • Explaining firewalls, VPNs, sandboxing and endpoint security at a high level
  • Understanding zero trust and cloud security basics
  • Basic security hygiene and awareness

Job roles

IT Support TechnicianSecurity Awareness CoordinatorSOC InternHelp Desk AnalystSales Engineer (entry level)

Where it fits in your path

Take before

No prerequisite certification needed.

You are here

Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) in Cybersecurity

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Create a Fortinet Training Institute account and complete the NSE 1 introductory threat-landscape course.
  2. Week 2: Complete the NSE 2 technical introduction course and its quizzes.
  3. Week 3: Download the Credly badges and start the NSE 3 FortiGate Operator course.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Take notes on terminology - NSE 3 and vendor-neutral exams reuse it.
  • Complete every lesson quiz; course completion is the requirement.
  • Keep your Training Institute account email permanent so badges and renewals stay with you.
  • Pair this with a free hands-on lab (FortiGate VM trial) to make the knowledge concrete.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fortinet FCF still offered?

On 15 July 2026 Fortinet replaced the FCF/FCA/FCP/FCSS/FCX certificates with NSE 1-8 certifications; existing certificates stay valid until expiry and holders were mapped to the new NSE levels.

Is it free?

Yes. NSE 1 and NSE 2 are earned by completing free online courses.

How long is it valid?

2 years; renew by completing the current course versions.

Does FCF/NSE 2 help get a job?

It shows initiative but is introductory; employers value Security+, CC or Fortinet NSE 4 more.

What comes next?

NSE 3 (formerly FCA), which adds the FortiGate Operator course and an online exam.

Official page: www.fortinet.com. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.