Fortinet has officially announced that the FCSS_SDW_AR-7.4 – FCSS SD-WAN 7.4 Architect exam will retire on November 25, 2025, and a new version, the FCSS_SDW_AR-7.6 – FCSS SD-WAN 7.6 Architect, is now available. Candidates currently have the flexibility to take either exam for earning FCSS – Network Security or FCSS – Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) certifications.

If you are pursuing Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist credentials, it is crucial to understand the differences between the two versions and decide which path is right for you.

Overview of the New FCSS – SD-WAN 7.6 Architect Exam

The FCSS – SD-WAN 7.6 Architect (FCSS_SDW_AR-7.6) exam validates your applied knowledge in designing, integrating, administering, troubleshooting, and centrally managing a secure SD-WAN solution with FortiOS 7.6 and FortiManager 7.6.

● Exam Name: FCSS – SD-WAN 7.6 Architect

● Exam Series: FCSS_SDW-7.6-AR

● Exam Duration: 75 minutes

● Format: 38 multiple-choice questions

● Delivery: Pearson VUE, pass/fail scoring with report

● Language: English

● Version Tested: FortiOS 7.6, FortiManager 7.6

Detailed Structure and Domains of the FCSS_SDW_AR-7.6 Exam

● SD-WAN basic setup (members, zones, performance SLAs)

● Rules and routing (rules configuration, routing setup)

● Centralized management (deployment with FortiManager, overlay orchestration)

● Advanced IPsec (hub-and-spoke, ADVPN, multihub/multiregion deployments)

● SD-WAN troubleshooting (rules, sessions, routing, ADVPN)

FCSS_SDW_AR-7.4 vs FCSS_SDW_AR-7.6 – Key Differences

While both versions validate SD-WAN architectural expertise, there are notable updates:

In short:

● 7.4 is still valid, but gradually being phased out.

● 7.6 reflects newer features, especially in centralized management and large-scale IPsec/ADVPN deployments.

● Taking 7.6 is recommended if you’re starting now, as it prepares you for future-proof certification validity.

How to Prepare for the FCSS – SD-WAN 7.6 Architect Exam

1. Review Official Training

Fortinet offers official FCSS training modules covering FortiOS 7.6 and FortiManager 7.6. Ensure you attend hands-on labs focusing on branch deployments, hub-and-spoke topologies, and troubleshooting sessions.

2. Focus on Hands-On Practice

Build a lab with multiple FortiGate devices and FortiManager.

Practice creating SLAs, configuring SD-WAN rules, and deploying ADVPN.

Test routing failover scenarios and document troubleshooting steps.

3. Study Exam Topics in Depth

Basic setup: Performance SLAs, health checks, SD-WAN members.

Routing and rules: Dynamic routing interaction, rule priority

Advanced IPsec: Multiregion design, scalability in large deployment

Central management: Overlay orchestration via FortiManager.

Troubleshooting: Session monitoring, routing failures, ADVPN debugging.

4. Use Updated Study Materials

Since 7.6 introduces new orchestration and management capabilities, ensure your preparation resources (practice exams, dumps, or study guides) are updated to match FortiOS 7.6/Manager 7.6.

5. Practice with Exam Simulators

Mock tests will help you get used to time pressure (75 minutes for 38 questions) and identify knowledge gaps.

Choosing Between FCSS_SDW_AR-7.4 and FCSS_SDW_AR-7.6: Which Exam Is Right for You?

● If you plan to certify quickly before November 2025, FCSS_SDW_AR-7.4 is still valid.

● If you want to future-proof your certification and align with Fortinet’s latest technologies, take FCSS_SDW_AR-7.6.

Recommendation: Unless you’re already well-prepared for 7.4, go for 7.6, as it ensures your certification stays relevant beyond the retirement date.

Final Thoughts: Transitioning from FCSS_SDW_AR-7.4 to the New FCSS_SDW_AR-7.6 Exam

The FCSS – SD-WAN 7.6 Architect exam represents Fortinet's most comprehensive and up-to-date validation for networking professionals specializing in the design, implementation, and management of secure SD-WAN infrastructures. This certification verifies expertise in leveraging FortiOS 7.6's enhanced capabilities for creating resilient and optimized network architectures. With the scheduled retirement of the 7.4 exam version in November 2025, industry professionals would benefit significantly from transitioning to the 7.6 track as soon as possible. Taking this proactive approach ensures that your technical skills remain current with the latest platform advancements, your professional certifications maintain their validity beyond the retirement date, and you stay competitive in the rapidly evolving network security landscape.