NSE5_SSE_AD-26 vs NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6: Exam Updates and Retirement Deadline

Fortinet has introduced the NSE5_SSE_AD-26 Fortinet NSE 5 - FortiSASE and SD-WAN 26 Core Administrator exam as the latest version of its NSE 5 SASE certification exam. Candidates who are planning to earn the NSE 5 in SASE certification should pay attention to this transition because the previous NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6 Fortinet NSE 5 - FortiSASE and SD-WAN 7.6 Core Administrator exam will no longer be available after November 14, 2026. Both versions assess practical knowledge of FortiSASE and Secure SD-WAN, but they differ in their supported product versions and published exam objectives. Understanding these differences can help candidates select the appropriate exam and prepare with the right study resources.

NSE5_SSE_AD-26 vs NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6: Key Differences

The NSE5_SSE_AD-26 exam was released on July 29, 2026, replacing the previous version as the latest exam option in the NSE 5 in SASE certification path. The most significant distinction is the supported FortiSASE version: the new exam focuses on FortiSASE 26, whereas NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6 focuses on FortiSASE 25. Both exams continue to cover SD-WAN configuration, SASE deployment, secure internet access, secure SaaS access, analytics, and troubleshooting.

Both exams use pass-or-fail scoring, and candidates can access their score reports through Pearson VUE. For the latest information about exam availability, product versions, and official objectives, visit the Fortinet FortiSASE and SD-WAN Core Administrator exam page.

What Is Changing in NSE5_SSE_AD-26?

The NSE5_SSE_AD-26 exam continues to assess the practical knowledge required to deploy, configure, administer, and troubleshoot FortiSASE and Secure SD-WAN. Its published blueprint organizes the exam into five domains, with percentage ranges that help candidates prioritize their preparation.

The new blueprint provides detailed coverage of SD-WAN direct internet access, traffic steering, performance service-level agreements (SLAs), routing, SASE provisioning, user authentication, security profiles, endpoint compliance, and log analysis. It also identifies additional task-level details related to SD-WAN rule strategies, data residency and sovereignty, secure SaaS access, and reporting.

These topics are not necessarily all new to candidates who prepared for the 7.6 version. The important distinction is that candidates preparing for NSE5_SSE_AD-26 should use the current blueprint as their primary reference rather than assume that older study materials cover every objective. Reviewing the detailed tasks can help identify knowledge gaps before the exam.

NSE5_SSE_AD-26 Exam Objectives and Weighting

The NSE5_SSE_AD-26 exam blueprint organizes the assessed skills into five domains. Understanding their weightings helps candidates allocate study time according to the official objectives rather than concentrating exclusively on familiar topics.

Decentralized SD-WAN and SASE deployment each account for a published weighting of 20–30%, making them important preparation priorities. However, rules and routing, secure access, and analytics also represent substantial portions of the blueprint and should not be overlooked.

Which Exam Should You Take: NSE5_SSE_AD-26 or NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6?

For most candidates who have not yet scheduled their exam, NSE5_SSE_AD-26 is the recommended choice. It is the latest version, aligns with FortiSASE 26, and provides the current published exam objectives. Starting with the latest blueprint also reduces the risk of investing preparation time in materials that do not fully reflect the intended exam.

Candidates who have already prepared specifically for NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6 may still consider the previous version if they can secure an appointment and complete the exam before its final delivery date. With November 14, 2026, approaching, they should check Pearson VUE availability promptly and confirm the actual examination date before making a decision.

Candidates who are just beginning their preparation, have not yet selected an exam date, or want to align their knowledge with the current product baseline should focus on NSE5_SSE_AD-26. Those who already have 7.6-specific materials can reuse them to review shared concepts, but should supplement them with the current objectives, relevant documentation, and appropriate hands-on practice.

NSE 5 in SASE Certification Requirements

The NSE 5 in SASE certification validates a professional's ability to secure internet and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) access using Fortinet SASE solutions. It covers the design, deployment, and management of small and medium-sized SASE infrastructures.

To earn the certification, candidates must hold an active NSE 4 certification and pass a proctored NSE 5 in SASE exam. The certification is valid for two years from the date the most recent requirement is completed. Candidates should review Fortinet's official NSE 5 in SASE certification requirements before scheduling their exam.

How to Prepare for the NSE5_SSE_AD-26 Exam

Effective preparation combines the official exam objectives, Fortinet training resources, hands-on labs, and regular knowledge checks. Candidates should begin by reviewing the five domains and identifying gaps in their understanding of SD-WAN configuration, SASE deployment, security policy implementation, and analytics.

The recommended resources include the FortiSASE 26 Core Administrator course, the SD-WAN 7.6 Core Administrator course, and the relevant FortiSASE, FortiOS, and SD-WAN administration and deployment documentation. Practical experience is particularly useful for understanding how configuration choices affect traffic behavior, user connectivity, security enforcement, and troubleshooting.

NSE5_SSE_AD-26 practice tests can provide an additional way to assess topic coverage, identify weaker areas, and reinforce technical concepts through explanations. Candidates should use practice tests alongside official documentation and hands-on experience rather than relying on memorization alone. Before the exam, review the current objectives again and verify that preparation materials correspond to the 26 version.

Frequently Asked Questions About NSE5_SSE_AD-26 and NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6

Is NSE5_SSE_AD-26 replacing NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6?

Yes. NSE5_SSE_AD-26 is the latest version of the Fortinet NSE 5 - FortiSASE and SD-WAN Core Administrator exam. The previous NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6 exam will no longer be available after November 14, 2026.

What is the main difference between NSE5_SSE_AD-26 and NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6?

The primary difference is the FortiSASE product-version baseline and the associated exam blueprint. NSE5_SSE_AD-26 focuses on FortiSASE 26 and publishes detailed domain weightings, while NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6 focuses on FortiSASE 25. Both cover core SASE and SD-WAN administration skills.

Can I still take NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6?

Candidates can take NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6 only while it remains available for delivery. Its final delivery date is November 14, 2026. Candidates should confirm appointment availability with Pearson VUE and ensure that their exam is scheduled before the retirement deadline.

Should I use NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6 practice tests to prepare for NSE5_SSE_AD-26?

Older practice tests may help review shared fundamentals, including SD-WAN rules, routing, SASE deployment, security profiles, and analytics. However, candidates should compare the content against the NSE5_SSE_AD-26 blueprint and use current-version practice tests and official documentation to address gaps.

What are the prerequisites for NSE 5 in SASE certification?

Candidates must hold the NSE 4 FortiOS certification and pass a proctored NSE 5 SASE exam within two years. Refer to Fortinet's official certification page for the current requirements and validity rules.

Final Thoughts: Plan Your NSE 5 SASE Exam Transition

The transition from NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6 to NSE5_SSE_AD-26 is important for anyone planning to earn the NSE 5 in SASE certification. Although the two versions share core FortiSASE and SD-WAN concepts, the newer exam uses the FortiSASE 26 product baseline and a detailed, weighted blueprint that candidates should follow when preparing.

If you are already prepared for NSE5_SSE_AD-7.6, check appointment availability and the November 14, 2026 deadline before deciding whether to complete the previous version. If you are starting now or have not scheduled your exam, focus on NSE5_SSE_AD-26, use current official learning resources, and supplement your study with hands-on labs and practice tests aligned with the latest objectives.

Taking time to choose the correct version and build a focused preparation plan can help you use your study time more effectively and approach the NSE 5 SASE exam with greater confidence.