Table of Contents
In today's digital-first landscape, cybersecurity skills are in high demand—but gaining those skills doesn’t have to break the bank. Fortinet, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, has made a bold and generous move to make expert training more accessible by offering free cybersecurity courses. This initiative opens the door for IT professionals, students, and anyone interested in cybersecurity to pursue Fortinet certifications without any cost barriers.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what’s included, how to access the training, and how it can help you prepare for Fortinet certification exams—for free.
Why Is Fortinet Offering Free Training?
Fortinet launched its Free Training Initiative to help close the global cybersecurity skills gap. According to industry research, there’s a significant shortage of trained cybersecurity professionals worldwide. To address this, Fortinet has committed to providing widespread access to foundational and advanced cybersecurity training.
This initiative aligns with Fortinet’s vision to not only protect networks but also to empower the workforce of tomorrow with critical security knowledge.
What Training Is Available for Free?
Through the Fortinet Training Institute, Fortinet offers a wide variety of self-paced, on-demand courses that mirror the same content used by professionals within the industry. These courses span from entry-level to advanced, covering:
-
Network Security Fundamentals
-
Secure SD-WAN
-
Cloud Security
-
Zero Trust Access
-
Operational Technology (OT) Security
-
FortiGate Essentials and Configuration
-
Fortinet Product Demos
Courses are aligned with Fortinet’s NSE (Network Security Expert) certification program, making them directly relevant to anyone pursuing official Fortinet credentials.
Certifications You Can Prepare for Free
Although the certification exams themselves typically require a paid voucher, Fortinet offers free training courses that prepare you for the following certification levels:
| NSE Level | Focus Area | Training Cost | Exam Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSE 1 | Threat Landscape | Free | Free |
| NSE 2 | The Evolution of Cybersecurity | Free | Free |
| NSE 3 | Fortinet Solutions Overview | Free | Free |
| NSE 4–8 | FortiGate, Advanced Security, and Expert Topics | Free (training) | Paid (exam voucher) |
How to Access Free Fortinet Training
Getting started is simple and requires no upfront payment. Just follow these steps:
-
Visit the Fortinet Training Institute:
Go to training.fortinet.com. -
Create a Free Account:
Sign up with your email and verify your profile. -
Enroll in Free Courses:
Browse the catalog and enroll in any available course labeled “Free”. -
Complete the Training Modules:
Courses are self-paced and include video lectures, labs, and quizzes. -
Earn Your Badge or Certificate:
Upon successful completion, receive a digital badge or printable certificate for NSE 1–3. -
Continue Toward Higher Certifications:
Use free training to prepare for NSE 4–8 exams and decide when you’re ready to invest in exam vouchers.
Benefits of Fortinet’s Free Cybersecurity Training
-
✅ No Cost to Learn: 100% free access to industry-standard training
-
📈 Career Growth: Gain in-demand skills for network security, SD-WAN, and cloud defense
-
🌍 Global Recognition: Certifications are recognized by employers worldwide
-
🧠 Up-to-Date Content: Courses are regularly updated to match evolving threats and technologies
-
💼 Job-Ready Skills: Learn practical skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace
