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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Fortinet
Exam Format
80% per module quiz
Fundamentals
Registration
$0 USD
Validity
2 years
Retake the current version of the NSE 2 course and quizzes before certification expires
NSE_2 Exam Topics and Domains
NSE_2 is organized into 7 weighted domains. Expect to work with FortiAnalyzer, FortiAuthenticator, FortiCASB, FortiClient, and more.
1
Cryptography and the Public Key Infrastructure
15%
Symmetric Cryptography
Symmetric Encryption AlgorithmsKey Stretching and Salting
- Describe the purpose and operation of symmetric encryption
- Identify common symmetric encryption algorithms such as AES and IDEA
- Explain the difference between block ciphers and stream ciphers
Asymmetric Cryptography
Public and Private Key Encryption
- Explain the concept of asymmetric cryptography
- Describe how public and private keys work together
Hashing and Digital Signatures
Hashing FunctionsDigital Signatures
- Describe how hashing functions ensure data integrity
- Explain the role of digital signatures in authentication and non-repudiation
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)
PKI Components
- Identify the components of a PKI system
- Explain the role of Certificate Authorities and Registration Authorities
- Describe how encryption supports confidentiality in communication
2
Secure Networking
20%
Firewall Technologies
Firewall Types and Packet Inspection
- Describe the purpose and types of firewalls
- Explain stateful inspection vs packet filtering
- Understand how application layer gateways work
Network Perimeters and Segmentation
Network Security ZonesMicro-Segmentation
- Explain the concept of network perimeters and security zones
- Describe the benefits of network segmentation and micro-segmentation
SD-WAN
Software-Defined Wide Area Network
- Describe SD-WAN technology and its objectives
- Explain how SD-WAN improves network performance and reduces costs
SASE (Secure Access Service Edge)
SASE Architecture and Capabilities
- Define SASE and its core capabilities
- Explain how SASE converges networking and security in the cloud
Sandbox Technology
Sandboxing for Threat Detection
- Explain the purpose and operation of sandbox technology
- Describe how sandboxes detect advanced and zero-day threats
Centralized Security Management
Security Fabric and Centralized Management
- Describe the benefits of centralized security management
- Explain the concept of a security fabric architecture
Switch and Port Security
Switch Security Fundamentals
- Identify common switch vulnerabilities
- Explain port security mechanisms
3
Authentication and Access Control
15%
Authentication Methods
Authentication Factors802.1x Authentication and Single Sign-On
- Describe the three types of authentication factors
- Explain multi-factor authentication and its benefits
- Describe how 802.1x and SSO authentication work
Access Control Models
Access Control Types
- Identify the main access control models
- Apply the principle of least privilege
- Explain authentication governance and access control decision-making
Network Access Control (NAC)
NAC Concepts and Device Profiling
- Describe the purpose and operation of Network Access Control
- Explain how NAC uses device profiling for security enforcement
4
Secure Remote Access
12%
VPN Technologies
SSL VPN and IPsec VPN
- Describe the purpose and types of VPN technologies
- Explain the differences between SSL VPN and IPsec VPN
- Describe how VPNs provide secure remote access
Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)
ZTNA Concepts and Architecture
- Define the zero trust security model
- Explain how ZTNA provides secure access compared to VPN
- Describe the components and operation of ZTNA
5
Endpoint Security
13%
Endpoint Protection
EPP and EDRPolymorphic Malware Detection
- Describe EPP and EDR and their roles in endpoint security
- Explain how polymorphic malware evades traditional detection
IoT and BYOD Security
Internet of Things SecurityBYOD Security
- Describe IoT security challenges and communication protocols
- Explain BYOD security risks and mitigation strategies
6
Secure Data and Applications
13%
Web Application Security
Web Application Firewall (WAF)
- Describe the purpose and operation of a Web Application Firewall
- Identify common web application threats that WAF mitigates
Email Security
Phishing Prevention and Secure Email Gateway
- Describe phishing threats and prevention strategies
- Explain how secure email gateways protect organizations
Web Filtering and Content Protection
Web Filter Technologies
- Describe web filtering technology and its purpose
- Explain how content protection policies are enforced
Data Protection and Application Hardening
Data Classification and Loss Prevention
- Describe data classification and its role in security
- Explain data loss prevention strategies
- Describe application hardening best practices
7
Cloud Security and Virtualization
12%
Cloud Computing Security
Cloud Service Models and SecurityCloud Access Security Broker (CASB)Multi-Cloud and Cloud Data Protection
- Describe cloud service models and their security implications
- Explain the shared responsibility model
- Describe the purpose and operation of CASB
Virtualization Security
Virtual Machine and Hypervisor Security
- Describe virtualization security challenges
- Explain how hypervisors provide isolation between virtual machines
How do I earn this certification?
Passing NSE_2 earns the Fortinet Certified Fundamentals (FCF) in Cybersecurity (partial) certification. It sits in the Cybersecurity Fundamentals track.
Next Level Options
- NSE_3 - FortiGate Operator
- NSE_4 - FortiOS Administrator
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for NSE_2 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
Who should take this exam?
- NSE 1 - Introduction to the Threat Landscape (recommended foundation)
- Basic understanding of cybersecurity concepts
- Interest in pursuing an IT or cybersecurity career
Related practice tests
- FCP-PCS-7.4FCP - Public Cloud Security 7.4 Administrator
- FCP-FML-AD-7-4FCP - FortiMail 7.4 Administrator
- FCP-FWB-AD-7-4FCP - FortiWeb 7.4 Administrator
- FCP-FMG-AD-7-6Fortinet FCP - FortiManager 7.6 Administrator
- FCSS-SASE-AD-25Fortinet FCSS - FortiSASE 25 Administrator