Core and Elective Exams for FCP in Network Security Certification

The FCP in Network Security certification demonstrates your expertise in securing networks and applications by effectively utilizing Fortinet's industry-leading security solutions, which validates your ability to deploy, manage, and monitor Fortinet network security products, ensuring robust protection against evolving cyber threats. To earn FCP in Network Security Certification, you need to pass one core exam and one elective exam within two years. The core exam focuses on FortiGate, Fortinet's flagship firewall product, while the elective exams provide the flexibility to specialize in various other Fortinet solutions.

Core Exam: FCP_FGT_AD-7.4 – FortiGate 7.4 Administrator

The FCP_FGT_AD-7.4 FCP - FortiGate 7.4 Administrator is core exam for the FCP in Network Security certification. This exam evaluates the candidate's applied knowledge and expertise in FortiGate devices, which are central to Fortinet’s next-generation firewall offerings. The FCP_FGT_AD-7.4 exam is designed for network and security professionals responsible for configuring, managing, and troubleshooting FortiGate firewalls in an enterprise environment.

Key topics covered in the exam include:

FortiGate Configuration and Administration: Understanding the setup, configuration, and ongoing management of FortiGate firewalls.

Operational Scenarios: Real-world situations that require troubleshooting and configuration adjustments.

Network Security Best Practices: Ensuring that firewalls are correctly deployed and configured to offer optimal protection against cyber threats.

Passing this exam demonstrates the candidate's ability to effectively secure network environments using FortiGate solutions, a critical component of any organization’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

Elective Exams: Specializing with Fortinet's Security Solutions (Pass one of the following)

After passing the core exam, candidates can choose one of several elective exams to complete the FCP in Network Security certification. These exams allow professionals to specialize in different aspects of Fortinet's broad portfolio of network security solutions.

1. FCP_FAZ_AD-7.4 – FortiAnalyzer 7.4 Administrator

The FCP_FAZ_AD-7.4 exam focuses on FortiAnalyzer, Fortinet's centralized logging and reporting solution. This exam evaluates a candidate's ability to configure, operate, and manage FortiAnalyzer devices, including:

Device registration and centralized log collection

System configuration and reporting

Troubleshooting and ensuring the efficient operation of FortiAnalyzer within a network security infrastructure

This elective is ideal for network and security analysts tasked with managing logs and security events across large enterprise environments.

2. FCP_FAC_AD-6.5 – FortiAuthenticator 6.5 Administrator

For professionals focused on Identity and Access Management (IAM), the FCP_FAC_AD-6.5 exam is highly relevant. This certification validates expertise in configuring and administering FortiAuthenticator, which provides centralized user authentication and Single Sign-On (SSO) solutions.

The exam tests knowledge of:

Managing users and PKI certificates

Configuring authentication policies

Troubleshooting identity-related issues

This is an essential exam for those responsible for ensuring secure access management and authentication within an enterprise.

3. FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 – FortiClient EMS 7.2 Administrator

The FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 exam focuses on FortiClient EMS (Endpoint Management Server), which is used to manage and deploy endpoint protection solutions. The exam covers:

FortiClient EMS installation and configuration

Endpoint protection management

Advanced configuration techniques for securing endpoints

This certification is ideal for professionals managing endpoint protection across a corporate network, ensuring that endpoints are secured from malware and other threats.

4. FCP_FMG_AD-7.4 – FortiManager 7.4 Administrator

The FCP_FMG_AD-7.4 exam evaluates expertise in FortiManager, Fortinet's solution for centralized management of FortiGate devices. This exam tests:

System configuration and centralized management

Device registration and operational monitoring

Troubleshooting network management issues

Network security analysts and administrators responsible for managing multiple FortiGate devices across a large network will benefit from this exam.

5. NSE6_FNC-7.2 – Fortinet NSE 6 – FortiNAC 7.2

The NSE6_FNC-7.2 exam focuses on FortiNAC, Fortinet's network access control solution. The exam evaluates the candidate's knowledge of configuring and administering FortiNAC devices, including:

FortiNAC configuration, operation, and administration

Understanding FortiNAC's role in network access control and security

Troubleshooting network access and device management issues

This elective is crucial for professionals managing network access and security policies for devices connecting to corporate networks.

6. NSE6_FSW-7.2 – Fortinet NSE 6 – FortiSwitch 7.2

The NSE6_FSW-7.2 exam tests knowledge of FortiSwitch, Fortinet's solution for managing switches in a network security environment. The exam focuses on:

Configuration and operation of FortiSwitch devices

Supported deployment topologies

Troubleshooting and ensuring optimal network performance

This exam is designed for professionals who manage FortiSwitch devices as part of an overall network security infrastructure.

7. NSE6_FWF-6.4 – Fortinet NSE 6 – Secure Wireless LAN 6.4/FCP_FWF_AD-7.4 – Secure Wireless LAN 7.4 Administrator

The NSE6_FWF-6.4 Fortinet NSE 6 – Secure Wireless LAN 6.4 exam will retire on January 31, 2025, which focuses on Fortinet's wireless LAN solutions integrated with FortiGate devices. Candidates will be tested on:

Configuring and managing the FortiGate integrated wireless controller

Troubleshooting wireless network issues

Configuring and managing FortiPresence and FortiPlanner products

This exam is ideal for professionals responsible for deploying and managing secure wireless networks in enterprise environments.

The new upgrade test is FCP_FWF_AD-7.4 Secure Wireless LAN 7.4 Administrator exam, which focuses on FortiGate's wireless LAN solutions but places emphasis on advanced configuration and troubleshooting. Candidates will be tested on their ability to:

Deploy and configure wireless networks using FortiGate integrated wireless controllers

Manage wireless network security and troubleshoot issues

Use FortiPresence for advanced location-based services

This elective is geared towards network professionals who specialize in securing and managing wireless networks within enterprise settings.

Earning the FCP in Network Security certification provides professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to secure networks using Fortinet's powerful suite of solutions. By passing the core exam focused on FortiGate, and choosing one of the specialized elective exams, candidates can demonstrate their expertise in various aspects of network security, from endpoint protection to access management and centralized logging. This certification offers professionals a competitive edge in the ever-evolving field of network security.