NSE5_FAS_AD-26 & NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2: New Fortinet Cloud Security Certification Exams

Fortinet continues to expand its cloud security certification pathway with the introduction of two new proctored certification exams: NSE5_FAS_AD-26 – Fortinet NSE 5 - FortiAppSec Cloud 26 Administrator and NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2 – Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiDDoS 7.2 Administrator. These new exams provide IT professionals with updated opportunities to validate their technical skills in protecting modern cloud applications, managing application security solutions, and defending networks against advanced DDoS attacks.

As organizations accelerate cloud adoption and rely more heavily on internet-facing applications, the demand for professionals who understand cloud-native security solutions continues to grow. The launch of these exams strengthens Fortinet’s Cloud Security certification path by adding specialized administrator-level credentials focused on application protection and DDoS mitigation technologies.

Overview of the New Fortinet Cloud Security Exams in 2026

The two new exams target different areas of cloud security expertise. While NSE5_FAS_AD-26 focuses on securing web applications through FortiAppSec Cloud, NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2 validates practical skills in deploying, configuring, and managing FortiDDoS solutions.

These exams are designed for security professionals who manage Fortinet cloud security platforms and need to demonstrate practical administration skills.

What Is NSE5_FAS_AD-26 FortiAppSec Cloud 26 Administrator Exam?

The Fortinet NSE 5 - FortiAppSec Cloud 26 Administrator exam evaluates candidates’ knowledge and expertise in deploying, configuring, managing, and operating FortiAppSec Cloud environments for securing web applications and APIs in hybrid-cloud environments.

The exam tests practical understanding of FortiAppSec Cloud configuration and operation, including:

● Web Application Firewall (WAF) protection

● API security

● Bot mitigation

● Global Server Load Balancing (GSLB)

● Application availability

● Threat analysis

● Security integration with Fortinet Security Fabric

NSE5_FAS_AD-26 Exam Information

NSE5_FAS_AD-26 Exam Topics

Successful candidates should have applied knowledge and skills in the following areas:

Platform Architecture and Deployment

This domain focuses on understanding FortiAppSec Cloud architecture, deployment models, and the configuration requirements needed to operate the platform effectively.

Web Application and API Protection

Candidates should understand how to configure security controls to protect applications and APIs, including WAF capabilities, security policies, and threat protection mechanisms.

Bot Protection and Traffic Management

This section covers bot mitigation techniques, traffic management functions, GSLB-related concepts, and maintaining application availability under different traffic conditions.

Monitoring and Analytics

Candidates should understand how to monitor security events, analyze application traffic, and use available analytics capabilities to identify potential security issues.

Who Should Take NSE5_FAS_AD-26?

The NSE5_FAS_AD-26 exam is designed for network and security professionals responsible for:

● Deploying FortiAppSec Cloud

● Configuring and managing application security policies

● Monitoring web application protection

● Managing WAF and API security

● Analyzing application security events

Recommended candidates include:

● Cloud Security Administrators

● Application Security Engineers

● Network Security Professionals

● Security Operations Engineers

● Fortinet Security Solution Administrators

What Is NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2 FortiDDoS 7.2 Administrator Exam?

The Fortinet NSE 6 - FortiDDoS 7.2 Administrator exam evaluates candidates’ knowledge and expertise in deploying, configuring, and operating FortiDDoS solutions to detect and mitigate DDoS attacks while maintaining service availability.

The exam focuses on practical administration skills, including:

● FortiDDoS deployment

● Configuration and operation

● DDoS attack detection

● Traffic behavior analysis

● Mitigation techniques

● Troubleshooting scenarios

● Service availability protection

NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2 Exam Information

NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2 Exam Topics

Successful candidates should have applied knowledge and skills in the following areas:

DDoS Fundamentals

This domain evaluates understanding of DDoS attack concepts, attack methods, and the role of FortiDDoS in protecting critical services.

Deployment, Configuration, and Baselining

Candidates should understand FortiDDoS deployment requirements, system configuration, and traffic baseline concepts.

Protection and Mitigation Controls

This section focuses on configuring protection policies, managing mitigation mechanisms, and responding to different DDoS attack scenarios.

Monitoring, Logging, and Analysis

Candidates should understand how to monitor FortiDDoS performance, review logs, analyze attack events, and troubleshoot security issues.

Who Should Take NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2?

The NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2 exam is intended for professionals responsible for deploying, managing, and troubleshooting FortiDDoS solutions.

Recommended candidates include:

● Network Security Engineers

● Security Architects

● SOC Analysts

● Infrastructure Security Engineers

● Fortinet Solution Administrators

Professionals working with critical applications, online services, and enterprise network protection will benefit from this certification.

How These Two Exams Fit into the Fortinet Cloud Security Certification Path

The two certifications address different but complementary security challenges.

Together, these exams help security professionals develop stronger capabilities across application security and network resilience.

How to Prepare for NSE5_FAS_AD-26 and NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2

Effective preparation requires more than memorizing concepts. Candidates should focus on understanding product functionality and applying knowledge to real-world scenarios.

1. Review Official Exam Topics

Start preparation by studying the official exam objectives and understanding which knowledge areas carry higher percentages.

For example:

● NSE5_FAS_AD-26 places significant emphasis on web application/API protection and bot protection.

● NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2 focuses heavily on deployment, configuration, baselining, and mitigation controls.

2. Gain Hands-On Product Experience

Practical experience with FortiAppSec Cloud or FortiDDoS helps candidates better understand configuration workflows, monitoring methods, and troubleshooting processes.

3. Practice with Updated Exam Questions

Updated practice questions and exam preparation resources can help candidates become familiar with exam-style scenarios, review important technical concepts, identify knowledge gaps, and improve confidence before the certification exam.

Frequently Asked Questions About NSE5_FAS_AD-26 and NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2

Are NSE5_FAS_AD-26 and NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2 official Fortinet certification exams?

Yes. Both are part of Fortinet’s NSE Cloud Security certification pathway and are delivered as proctored exams.

What is the difference between NSE5_FAS_AD-26 and NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2?

NSE5_FAS_AD-26 focuses on FortiAppSec Cloud application security administration, while NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2 focuses on FortiDDoS 7.2 deployment, management, and attack mitigation.

Which exam should beginners choose?

Candidates interested in application security may start with NSE5_FAS_AD-26. Professionals with stronger network security backgrounds may prefer NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2.

Do these exams require hands-on experience?

Hands-on experience is strongly recommended because both exams evaluate administrator-level technical skills.

Strengthen Your Cloud Security Expertise with Fortinet’s New Administrator Certifications

The introduction of NSE5_FAS_AD-26 FortiAppSec Cloud 26 Administrator and NSE6_DDS_AD-7.2 FortiDDoS 7.2 Administrator provides security professionals with new opportunities to validate their expertise in modern cloud security environments. These certifications address two critical areas of cybersecurity today: protecting web applications and APIs from evolving threats, and ensuring service availability through advanced DDoS detection and mitigation capabilities.

As organizations continue moving workloads to cloud platforms, professionals with hands-on knowledge of Fortinet security solutions will play an increasingly important role in building secure and resilient digital infrastructures. Candidates preparing for these exams should focus on the official exam objectives, practical product experience, and updated study resources to develop the skills needed to successfully achieve these new Fortinet certifications.