Fortinet NSE 4 - FortiOS 7.6 Administrator is an intermediate network security certification focusing on practical operation and configuration skills for FortiGate firewalls.

1. Introduction to the Fortinet NSE 4—FortiOS 7.6 Administrator certification

Fortinet NSE 4—FortiOS 7.6 Administrator is an intermediate core certification in the Fortinet network security certification system, focusing on verifying practitioners' practical abilities in designing, deploying, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting Fortinet firewalls based on the FortiOS 7.6 operating system. It is a core qualification for network security operations and technical support positions in the Fortinet ecosystem, and a key step in the transition from "basic network security" to "Fortinet specialized security."

The FortiGate firewall is the core device for enterprise network boundary security, responsible for key responsibilities such as access control, threat protection, VPN interconnection, and traffic management. The core of Fortinet NSE 4–FortiOS 7.6 Administrator certification is to cultivate "Fortinet firewall practical operation and configuration experts," rather than simply theoretical learners.

Holders of Fortinet NSE 4–FortiOS 7.6 Administrator certification need to be proficient in the core functions of FortiOS 7.6, able to complete basic configuration and advanced protection deployment of FortiGate for enterprise network security needs, solve common faults in daily operation and maintenance, and ensure network boundary security and stability.

For practitioners who wish to deeply cultivate Fortinet products in the field of network security, this certification is not only an official proof of ability, but also a "hard currency" for entering high-value specialized security positions. The recommendation for exam preparation is to focus on practical operations. Repeatedly practicing configuration scenarios through Fortinet simulator, combined with real questions to enhance fault diagnosis and scenario application capabilities.

2. Why Earn Your Fortinet NSE 4- FortiOS 7.6 Administrator Certification?

NSE 4 is Fortinet's most popular intermediate certification with high global recognition, and is a "standard" for companies recruiting Fortinet firewall operations and technical support positions. When recruiting Fortinet partners and large enterprises, they are often listed as "priority or essential requirements," and those without certification are difficult to enter Fortinet's specialized security positions.

The Fortinet NSE 4–FortiOS 7.6 Administrator certification focuses on the latest features of FortiOS 7.6, which proves the practical ability to independently operate FortiGate devices. It can directly undertake Fortinet related projects without the need for extensive pre job training, and quickly get started after joining.

Holders of NSE 4 certification can join the Fortinet technical community to obtain official technical documentation, firmware upgrade packages, and vulnerability alerts; prioritize participation in Fortinet Technology Summit and offline training, connect with experts in the same field and high-end project opportunities, and lay the foundation for advanced NSE 5-7 certification.

3. Overview of the Fortinet NSE 4—FortiOS 7.6 Administrator Certification

For newcomers or practitioners who are committed to becoming network security engineers and hope to master the core operation and management skills of next-generation firewalls, certification around the FortiOS 7.6 system and FortiGate devices is a highly valuable professional qualification.

The Fortinet NSE 4—FortiOS 7.6 Administrator certification focuses deeply on the full lifecycle management of enterprise level firewalls, aiming to comprehensively verify your comprehensive practical abilities in device deployment, security policy implementation, threat protection, high availability assurance, and troubleshooting.

FortiGate basic configuration and management are the starting point for all work. You need to master the initialization settings, interface management, and routing configuration of devices, which are the cornerstone of building a secure network architecture to ensure safe and reliable interconnection between internal and external networks.

As the core of authentication, you will learn how to create refined security policies and implement IP and port based access control through security policies and access control. More importantly, you need to master integrated LDAP/AD domain authentication, implement user identity based permission management, and elevate security control from the network layer to the user layer.

The threat protection and content security module reflects the deep defense capability of modern firewalls. You need to be proficient in enabling and configuring security features such as antivirus, intrusion prevention, and application control, and be able to deploy web filtering and email filtering policies to build a three-dimensional protection system from the network to the application layer.

VPN configuration and remote access mean that you will master two key remote connection technologies. Secure interconnection between sites is achieved through IPsec VPN, and flexible access for remote employees is supported through SSL VPN. Multi factor authentication can be configured to significantly enhance access security.

To ensure business continuity, you need to be able to deploy a dual machine hot standby cluster to achieve seamless switching in case of failure. At the same time, master the configuration of QoS and NAT to optimize critical business experience and achieve external release of internal network services.

4. What are the requirements to be a Fortinet NSE 4–FortiOS 7.6 Administrator?

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

The Fortinet NSE 4 - FortiOS 7.6 Administrator Certification does not require mandatory educational qualifications and is suitable for technical personnel with basic network security experience.

We recommend that you have at least 1 year of experience in network security or firewall operations, with knowledge of TCP/IP protocols and basic network security concepts. Familiar with the Fortinet product ecosystem foundation, prioritize completing NSE 1-3 basic level certification to solidify theoretical foundation. 

(2) Training and examinations:

The NSE 4- FortiOS 7.6 Administrator exam consists of approximately 60 multiple-choice and situational analysis questions. The exam lasts for 120 minutes. Full score of 1000 points, reaching 700 points or above to pass. The exam fee is approximately $400. 

(3) Qualification maintenance:

The NSE 4- Fortios 7.6 Administrator certificate is valid for 3 years. During the validity period, you need to complete Fortinet's designated continuing education training or pass a higher version of NSE 4 certification to renew the certificate's validity.

5. Comparable Certifications to Fortinet NSE 4- FortiOS 7.6 Administrator Certification

• Palo Alto Networks PCNSE (Palo Alto Certified Network Security Engineer)
• Cisco CCNP Security
• Check Point CCSA (Check Point Certified Security Administrator)
• CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701)