Fortinet NSE 5 - FortiSASE and SD-WAN 7.6 is Fortinet's advanced practical capability certification for "cloud-edge collaboration" and "global secure access" scenarios.

1. Introduction to the Fortinet NSE 5-FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6 certification

Fortinet NSE 5-FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6 is an advanced specialized certification in Fortinet's network security certification system, focusing on verifying practitioners' practical abilities in enterprise wide area network architecture design, deployment, configuration, optimization, and troubleshooting based on Fortinet 7.6 version SASE and SD-WAN solutions.

Fortinet NSE 5-FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6 is Fortinet's core qualification for "cloud edge collaboration" and "global secure access" scenarios, and it is also a key step in the transformation from "security operations" to "cloud native wide area network and SASE experts."

In the process of digital transformation, enterprises are facing challenges such as "branch interconnection and decentralization, rapid increase in remote work, and strong demand for cloud application access." Traditional wide area networks have problems such as high cost, poor flexibility, and fragmented security protection. Fortinet SASE and SD-WAN solutions are deeply integrated through "wide area network optimization + global security protection + cloud native architecture" to achieve efficient and secure interconnection of "branch headquarters cloud remote users."

The core positioning of this certification is to cultivate "enterprise level SASE and SD-WAN architecture implementation experts in the Fortinet ecosystem." Not just a device configurator, but someone who can design an integrated solution covering "branch interconnection, cloud access acceleration, remote security access, and global threat protection" based on business needs, to solve complex wide area network problems and ensure that enterprise networks are "efficient, secure, and scalable."

When designing wide area network and security access solutions for multinational enterprises, NSE 5 certificate holders will use Fortinet SD-WAN to achieve intelligent interconnection between branches and headquarters, as well as between branches; Integrate SASE components to provide consistent security access control for remote users and branches; Optimize cloud application access paths and reduce latency by accessing nodes nearby; Centralize SD-WAN and SASE policies through FortiManager to achieve unified operation and maintenance of global networks and security.

2. Why Earn Your Fortinet NSE 5-FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6 Certification? 

As Fortinet's core advanced certifications for "cloud edge collaboration" scenarios, NSE 5-FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6 are often listed as "essential requirements" when recruiting for wide area network related positions as Fortinet partners, and are the core criteria for distinguishing ordinary network security personnel from cloud native wide area network experts.

The NSE 5-FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6 certifications focus on the latest features of FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6, which can prove the practical ability to independently complete enterprise level SASE and SD-WAN solution design, deployment, and operation. It can directly undertake core projects and become a technical core backbone.

Holders of NSE 5-FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6 certificates can join the Fortinet Advanced Technology Community to access official SASE best practices, industry cases, and exclusive technical support; priority participation in Fortinet Wide Area Network and SASE Technology Summit, offline training, and opportunities to connect with experts in the same field and high-end projects, laying the foundation for advanced NSE 6-7 expert level certification.

3. Overview of the Fortinet NSE 5-FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6 Certification

For professionals dedicated to becoming experts in the field of network and security integration, responsible for designing and operating modern enterprise wide area networks and secure access services, certification around Fortinet SASE and SD-WAN 7.6 solutions is a crucial advanced qualification.

Fortinet NSE 5-FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6 certifications focus deeply on the full lifecycle management of secure access service edge architecture, aiming to systematically verify whether you have the expert level ability to deeply integrate the agility of SD-WAN with cloud native security capabilities to build efficient, intelligent, and secure global enterprise networks.

You need to have a deep understanding of the Overlay/Underlay principles of SD-WAN and the value of SASE's "network + security" integration, and master the complete component ecosystem from FortiGate to FortiASE Cloud, laying the foundation for designing architectures that adapt to different business scenarios.

SD-WAN core configuration and deployment are the core of implementing intelligent networks. You will learn to configure SD-WAN member links and SLA quality detection, and design intelligent routing and load balancing strategies based on application and link status to ensure the best user experience for critical businesses.

The SASE component integration and security protection module is the essence of certified security. You need to master the integration of ZTNA zero trust access and SWG secure web gateway, and configure a unified cloud firewall and IPS to provide consistent and deep security protection for all users and branches.

You will learn how to use cloud routing optimization and protocol optimization techniques to directly accelerate access to cloud applications such as Office 365. At the same time, proficient in detailed configuration of ZTNA, achieving dynamic and minimum permission access control based on identity and device compliance.

System optimization and operation management require you to have the ability to continuously optimize and centrally operate. This includes performance tuning, policy optimization, and centralized management of configuration and unified visibility of network security using FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer.

Finally, you need to master systematic troubleshooting methods, be able to quickly locate complex issues such as links, strategies, and ZTNA access, and develop effective emergency plans to ensure the business continuity of the global network.

In summary, obtaining Fortinet NSE 5-FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6 certification not only demonstrates your expert level ability to master the latest network and security integration technologies, but also marks your becoming a core technology leader in building future oriented secure and intelligent network architectures for enterprises.

4. What are the requirements to be a Fortinet NSE 5-FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6?

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

Before obtaining the NSE 5-FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6 certification, you need to pass Fortinet NSE Level 4 certification and have experience in FortiGate basic configuration and network security operations.

We recommend that you have at least 1 year of experience in wide area network or network security, and understand TCP/IP protocol and VPN technology; Familiar with Fortinet product ecosystem, understand SASE core concepts, and reduce learning difficulty. 

(2) Training and examinations:

NSE 5- FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6 covers approximately 60 multiple-choice questions, scenario analysis questions, and practical simulation questions. The exam lasts for 120 minutes. The exam has a maximum score of 1000, with a passing score of 700 or above. The exam fee is approximately $400. 

(3) Qualification maintenance:

The NSE 5- FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6 certificate is valid for 3 years. You need to complete Fortinet's designated continuing education training or pass a higher version of NSE 5 certification within the validity period to renew the certificate's validity.

5. Comparable Certifications to Fortinet NSE 5-FortiASE and SD-WAN 7.6 Certification

• Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise SD-WAN Implementation (300–415)
• VMware SD-WAN Foundations Skills 2024
• VMware Master Specialist - SD-WAN 2024
• Fortinet FCSS - Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)