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NSE8_813 Verified 2026 Edition

Fortinet NSE 8 - Recertification Written Exam Practice Test

NSE8_813 is Fortinet's NSE 8 recertification written exam, for current FCX - Cybersecurity holders renewing the highest credential in Fortinet's program. Candidates must hold an active, non-expired FCX or NSE 8 certification and sit it within six months of its expiration. As in the initial written exam, security architecture, networking and SD-WAN are the main areas of the practice test.

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Exam Information

Official specifications published by Fortinet

Exam Format

120 min
55-60
Pass/Fail (no numeric score disclosed)
Expert (NSE 8 / FCX)

Registration

$400 USD
Pearson VUE
English only

Validity

3 years (extends from original expiration date, not from exam date)
Pass the NSE8_813 written recertification exam (if certification is still active); If certification has expired, must retake full practical exams under the current 4th-generation structure (Core + Specialization modules)

NSE8_813 Exam Topics and Domains

NSE8_813 is organized into 7 weighted domains. Expect to work with FortiGate, FortiAnalyzer, FortiAuthenticator, FortiManager, and more.

1

Security Architecture

15%

FortiGate Network Security Products

Chassis SolutionsHardware Product Selection
  • Demonstrate knowledge of FortiGate Network Security products
  • Select appropriate FortiGate chassis solutions for enterprise deployments
  • Understand FortiGate 6000/7000 module architecture

Fortinet Security Fabric Solution Deployments

FortiMail IntegrationFortiSandbox IntegrationHybrid and Cloud Network DeploymentsLogging and Management Protocols
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Fortinet Security Fabric Solution deployments
  • Design resilient logging and management architectures

Fortinet High-Availability Solutions

Core HA ProductsTypes of HA SolutionsHA and Cloud DeploymentsHA Optimization
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Fortinet high-availability solutions
  • Design resilient HA architectures for various deployment scenarios
2

Infrastructure

15%

FortiGate Operation Modes

Transparent Mode and Layer-2 TrafficVDOM and VDOM Links
  • Demonstrate knowledge of FortiGate operation modes
  • Design solutions using transparent mode and VDOMs

FortiGate Hardware Technology

Hardware AccelerationTraffic Flows and Offloading
  • Demonstrate knowledge of FortiGate hardware technology
  • Describe and design hardware accelerated networks with FortiGate devices

Non-FortiGate Hardware Technology

Hardware vs Virtual DeploymentsFortiAnalyzer and FortiSIEM Hardware

Demonstrate knowledge of non-FortiGate hardware technology

Fortinet Solutions for Cloud Security

Private CloudPublic CloudSaaS and SASE

Demonstrate knowledge of Fortinet solutions for cloud security

3

Networking

20%

Advanced Routing and Networking Technologies

Routing ProtocolsAdvanced Routing FeaturesNATIPv6Traffic ShapingVirtual Wire Pairs
  • Demonstrate knowledge of advanced routing and networking technologies
  • Design complex routing topologies with FortiGate

Advanced VPN Design Methodologies

VPN TechnologiesIKE Protocol Differences

Demonstrate knowledge of advanced VPN design methodologies

Fortinet Access Solutions

FortiSwitch Advanced ConfigurationsFortiAP Advanced ConfigurationsFortiExtender Advanced Use CasesFortiOS Access Control FeaturesIntegrated Access Solutions
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Fortinet access solutions advanced configurations and features
  • Demonstrate knowledge of how to integrate Fortinet access solutions

Application Delivery

Load Balancing and Health Checks

Demonstrate knowledge of application delivery

4

Secure SD-WAN

12%

SD-WAN Advanced Architecture and Design

Full-Featured SD-WAN Solution Design

Demonstrate knowledge of SD-WAN advanced architecture and design

SD-WAN Advanced Features

Cloud and Overlay Integration

Demonstrate knowledge of SD-WAN advanced features

SD-WAN Troubleshooting

SD-WAN Troubleshooting Scenarios

Demonstrate knowledge of SD-WAN troubleshooting

5

Security Solutions

18%

Fortinet Application Security Solutions

Application Security DeploymentTroubleshooting Application Security

Demonstrate knowledge of Fortinet application security solutions

Fortinet Network Security Solutions

Inspection Modes and Security ProfilesVoIP SecurityHTTP/2 and SSL InspectionTroubleshooting FortiOS Security Features

Demonstrate knowledge of Fortinet network security solutions

Authentication Mechanisms

SAML AuthenticationExternal Authentication IntegrationTwo-Factor and Certificate AuthenticationSingle Sign-OnRBAC and Certificate Management
  • Demonstrate knowledge of authentication mechanisms
  • Implement SAML, RADIUS, LDAP, FSSO, and certificate-based authentication
6

Security Operations

10%

Fortinet SOC Solution

Advanced Threat Protection IntegrationThreat Analysis and Response

Demonstrate knowledge of Fortinet SOC solution

Fortinet Endpoint Solutions

Network Admission ControlFortiClient ManagementZTNA and Endpoint ProtectionEDR Capabilities

Demonstrate knowledge of Fortinet endpoint solutions

7

Automation

10%

Fortinet Automation Tools and Integrations

Automation Stitches and Fabric Connectors

Demonstrate knowledge of Fortinet Automation tools, solutions, and integrations

Fortinet Built-in Scripting Capabilities

FortiManager Scripting

Demonstrate knowledge of Fortinet built-in scripting capabilities

Fortinet API Configuration and Usage

API Integration

Demonstrate knowledge of Fortinet API configuration and usage

How do I earn this certification?

Passing NSE8_813 earns the Fortinet Certified Expert (FCX) in Cybersecurity / NSE 8 certification. It sits in the Expert Cybersecurity (highest level in Fortinet certification program) track.

Current Level Exams
  • NSE8_88x (Core) - NSE 8 v4 Core Practical Module Required for initial NSE 8 certification under v4 structure (from April 2026)
  • NSE8_88x (Specialization) - NSE 8 v4 Specialization Practical Module Required for initial NSE 8 certification. Specializations include Secure Networking, Security Operations, Application Security. Must pass within 1 year of Core module.

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How to study for this exam?

The most effective way to prepare for NSE8_813 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.

Who should take this exam?

Must hold an active (non-expired) FCX / NSE 8 certification
Must take the exam no earlier than 6 months before the current certification expiration date
  • Extensive hands-on experience with FortiGate and integrated Fortinet solutions in production environments
  • 5+ years of experience in network security and cybersecurity
  • Advanced knowledge of virtual infrastructures, switching, routing, Windows, and Linux
  • Security vulnerability and penetration testing knowledge
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Common Questions

What is the Fortinet NSE8_813 exam?
The NSE8_813 is the Fortinet NSE 8 Recertification Written Exam, released on January 16, 2026 as the replacement for the discontinued NSE8_812 written exam. It is a 120-minute, multiple-choice and multiple-select exam delivered at Pearson VUE test centers worldwide. This exam is exclusively available to candidates who already hold an active FCX / NSE 8 certification and need to recertify before their certification expires.
Who is eligible to take the NSE8_813 recertification exam?
Only candidates who currently hold an active (non-expired) Fortinet FCX / NSE 8 certification are eligible. The exam must be taken no earlier than 6 months before the certification expiration date. Candidates whose NSE 8 has already expired are not eligible for this recertification path and must instead complete the full 4th-generation practical exams (Core + Specialization modules).
How many questions are on the NSE8_813 exam and what is the passing score?
The NSE8_813 exam contains 55 to 60 questions to be completed within 120 minutes. The exam is scored on a Pass/Fail basis. Each question must be answered 100% correctly to receive credit -- there is no partial credit, and no points are deducted for incorrect answers. The exact passing threshold is not publicly disclosed by Fortinet.
What is the difference between NSE8_812 and NSE8_813?
The NSE8_813 replaces the NSE8_812 written exam, which had its last delivery date on December 31, 2025. The NSE8_813 is similar in depth, scope, products, and versions to the NSE8_812. However, the critical difference is that the NSE8_813 is designated solely as a recertification exam, whereas the NSE8_812 was also used as a prerequisite for initial NSE 8 certification. Under the new 4th-generation structure, new candidates no longer need to pass a written exam.
How long does the NSE 8 certification last after passing NSE8_813?
When you pass the NSE8_813 recertification exam, your NSE 8 / FCX certification is extended by 3 years from the original expiration date (not from the date you passed the exam). Additionally, all other active Fortinet certifications you hold will have their expiration dates extended to match your new FCX expiration date.
What topics does the NSE8_813 exam cover?
The NSE8_813 covers the same comprehensive blueprint as the NSE 8 written exam, including Security Architecture, Infrastructure (hardware acceleration, FortiGate operations), Networking (advanced routing, VPN, SD-WAN, NAT), Security Solutions (application security, network security, authentication), Security Operations (SOC solutions, endpoint, management), and Automation (scripting, API, fabric connectors). Questions involve design scenarios with exhibits, configuration extracts, and troublesho
How many times can I attempt the NSE8_813 recertification exam?
For recertification, candidates have a maximum of 3 attempts on the NSE8_813 written exam, with a mandatory 15-day waiting period between each attempt. If the candidate fails all 3 attempts, they must continue attempting the written exam and then also schedule and pass the most updated version of the practical exam to recertify.
What happens if my NSE 8 certification expires before I pass NSE8_813?
If your NSE 8 / FCX certification has expired, you are no longer eligible for the written-exam-only recertification path. You must instead complete the full certification process, which under the 4th-generation structure means passing both the NSE 8 Core practical module and one NSE 8 Specialization practical module.
Can I use study materials or references during the NSE8_813 exam?
No. Reference materials are not permitted in the exam room. The NSE8_813 is a closed-book exam delivered at Pearson VUE test centers. No external documentation, electronic devices, or study aids are allowed during the examination.
What Fortinet products and firmware versions are covered on the NSE8_813?
The NSE8_813 covers the same product and firmware scope as the NSE8_812. Key products include FortiGate (including 3000/5000/7000 series), FortiAnalyzer, FortiAuthenticator, FortiManager, FortiSandbox, FortiADC, FortiWeb, FortiMail, FortiDDoS, FortiAP, FortiSwitch, FortiSIEM, FortiClient, FortiNAC, and FortiExtender. Firmware versions are based on the most current releases, with the candidate expected to have knowledge spanning up to two major releases from when the exam became available.

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