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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Fortinet
Exam Format
40
Not officially published; approximately 70-80% based on community reports
Associate
Registration
$0 USD
Fortinet Training Institute (online)
Validity
2 years
Complete the latest version of the FortiGate Operator course and pass the exam; Earning a higher-level Fortinet certification (FCP or above) implicitly renews lower levels
NSE_3 Exam Topics and Domains
NSE_3 is organized into 9 weighted domains. Expect to work with FortiGate, FortiGuard, FortiAnalyzer, FortiAP, and more.
1
FortiGate Fundamentals
10%
FortiGate Overview
FortiGate Platform and ArchitectureFortiGate Management InterfacesFortiGuard Services
- Describe the key features and capabilities of FortiGate
- Identify FortiGate management interfaces and access methods
- Explain the role of FortiGuard services in threat protection
2
Network Configuration
15%
Configuring Interfaces and Routing
Interface ConfigurationStatic and Dynamic Routing
- Configure FortiGate interfaces with appropriate addressing and roles
- Set up static routing for network connectivity
- Verify network connectivity through interface and routing diagnostics
3
Firewall Policy Configuration
15%
Firewall Policies
Policy Components and ConfigurationNAT in Firewall PoliciesLogging and Monitoring Policies
- Create firewall policies to control traffic flow between network segments
- Configure NAT for outbound and inbound traffic
- Enable logging and monitoring for firewall policies
4
User Authentication
7%
Authenticating Network Users
Authentication Methods
- Configure user authentication for firewall policies
- Set up local and remote authentication servers
- Implement captive portal and FSSO authentication
5
Security Profiles - Content Inspection
20%
Inspect SSL Traffic
SSL/TLS Inspection
- Configure SSL/TLS inspection to examine encrypted traffic
- Understand the difference between certificate and deep inspection modes
Blocking Malware
Antivirus Protection
- Configure antivirus profiles to detect and block malware
- Understand scanning modes and their impact on performance
Control Web Access Using Web Filtering
Web Filtering Configuration
- Configure web filtering to control user access to websites
- Use FortiGuard categories and URL filters to enforce web access policies
Configuring the FortiGate Intrusion Prevention System
IPS Configuration
- Configure the FortiGate Intrusion Prevention System to detect and block network threats
- Manage IPS signatures and sensor profiles
Controlling Application Access
Application Control
- Configure application control to identify and manage application traffic
- Create application control profiles and apply them to firewall policies
6
Virtual Private Networks (VPN)
13%
Creating IPsec Virtual Private Networks
IPsec VPN Configuration
- Configure IPsec VPN tunnels for site-to-site connectivity
- Understand IPsec Phase 1 and Phase 2 negotiation
Configuring FortiGate SSL VPN
SSL VPN Configuration
- Configure SSL VPN for remote user access
- Understand the differences between SSL VPN web mode and tunnel mode
7
System Administration and Monitoring
10%
FortiGate System Maintenance and Monitoring
System MaintenanceLogging and Monitoring
- Perform basic FortiGate system maintenance tasks
- Monitor FortiGate system health using logs and dashboards
- Configure alert notifications and log forwarding
8
Fortinet Security Fabric
5%
Configuring the Fortinet Security Fabric
Security Fabric Overview and Configuration
- Understand the Fortinet Security Fabric concept and its benefits
- Configure basic Security Fabric connectivity between FortiGate devices
9
High Availability and Infrastructure
5%
FortiGate High Availability (HA)
HA Configuration
- Understand FortiGate High Availability modes and failover behavior
- Configure basic HA for redundancy
Configuring FortiLink
FortiLink Integration
- Understand FortiLink technology for integrated management of FortiSwitch and FortiAP
- Configure basic FortiLink integration
How do I earn this certification?
Passing NSE_3 earns the Fortinet Certified Associate (FCA) Cybersecurity certification. It sits in the Cybersecurity / Secure Networking track.
Next Level Options
- NSE4_FGT_AD-7.6 - NSE 4 - FortiOS 7.6 Administrator
- NSE5_FMG_AD-7.6 - NSE 5 - FortiManager 7.6 Administrator
- NSE5_FAZ_AD-7.6 - NSE 5 - FortiAnalyzer 7.6 Administrator
- NSE5_FSW_AD-7.6 - NSE 5 - FortiSwitch 7.6 Administrator
- NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6 - NSE 5 - FortiSASE 7.6 Administrator
Alternative Paths
NSE4_FGT_AD-7.6 - NSE 4 - FortiOS 7.6 AdministratorNatural next step for deeper FortiGate administration skills. Required for any FCP track.
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_3 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Entry-level cybersecurity professionals and Network administrators in small to medium businesses.
- Understanding of Network Fundamentals
- NSE 1 - Introduction to the Threat Landscape
- NSE 2 - Technical Introduction to Cybersecurity
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