Why was I not awarded a new NSE certification based on the program changes of October 15, 2025?

On October 15, 2025, the Fortinet Training Institute announced updates to the certification program. These updates included:

• Introducing four certification tracks, Secure Networking, SASE, Cloud Security, and Security Operations
• Reintroducing the NSE 1 to 8 numbering at the exam level
• Releasing new exams and discontinuing some exams
• Requiring two exams for all certifications: for FCP, the NSE 4 and an NSE 5 exam, for FCSS, an NSE 6 and an NSE 7 exam

Certification requirements were updated in some cases, such that exams were moved between tracks or levels, which may affect how they count toward certifications.

The new certification exam requirements took effect on October 15, 2025. Requirements completed before this date remain unaffected by the changes. The new requirements apply only from October 15th onward and are not applied retroactively. Any previous exams taken are not reprocessed under the new certification rules to award additional certifications.

However, the revised certification rules apply if one exam was completed before October 15 and the second exam is completed after October 15. If you have passed an exam that is less than two years old and it has not been used for a certification, you can still complete the remaining requirement under the updated program to earn your NSE certification. Review the article linked below that outlines the options available to candidates who started testing before October 15 and are in the process of completing or have completed the second exam after October 15.

For more information see, I have completed one exam. Given the NSE certification program changes happening on October 15, which exam should I take next to earn certification?