Exam Comparison
NSE4 vs CISSP
Comparing the Fortinet NSE 4 — FortiGate Security and the ISC2 CISSP. Both fall under IT Certifications. Both are covered by the Cyber Security Cert Exam Prep: CISSP, CEH & CySA+ app.
NSE4 vs CISSP: At a Glance
| Detail | NSE4 | CISSP |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Fortinet NSE 4 — FortiGate Security | ISC2 CISSP |
| Governing Body | Fortinet | ISC2 |
| Number of Questions | 60 | 125 |
| Time Limit | 105 minutes | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 72% (approx 43/60) | 700/1000 |
| Exam Fee | Free with NSE training completion (exam voucher required) | $699 USD |
| Category | IT Certifications | IT Certifications |
| C3RT App | Cyber Security Cert Exam Prep: CISSP, CEH & CySA+ Soon | Cyber Security Cert Exam Prep: CISSP, CEH & CySA+ Soon |
Content Areas Compared
NSE4 Domains
- FortiGate System Administration and Basic Configuration
- Firewall Policy Configuration and NAT
- Layer 3 Routing (static, policy-based, SD-WAN)
- Firewall Authentication (local, LDAP, RADIUS)
- SSL VPN Configuration and Troubleshooting
- IPsec VPN (site-to-site and dialup)
- Security Profiles (AV, Web Filter, App Control, IPS, DNS Filter)
- High Availability (active-passive, active-active)
- Logging, Monitoring, and Diagnostics
CISSP Domains
- Security and Risk Management(15%)
- Asset Security(10%)
- Security Architecture and Engineering(13%)
- Communication and Network Security(13%)
- Identity and Access Management(13%)
- Security Assessment and Testing(12%)
- Security Operations(13%)
- Software Development Security(11%)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between NSE4 and CISSP?
The NSE4 (Fortinet NSE 4 — FortiGate Security) is administered by Fortinet and consists of 60 questions. The CISSP (ISC2 CISSP) is administered by ISC2 and consists of 125 questions. Both are IT Certifications credentials.
Can I take both the NSE4 and the CISSP?
Yes, the NSE4 and CISSP are separate credentials with separate eligibility requirements. Each is awarded by a different governing body (Fortinet and ISC2 respectively). Check the official requirements for each before registering.
Which should I take first, NSE4 or CISSP?
The right sequence depends on your career goals and current credentials. The NSE4 is offered by Fortinet with a passing score of 72% (approx 43/60), while the CISSP is offered by ISC2 with a passing score of 700/1000. Review the eligibility requirements for each with the respective governing bodies before deciding.
Does C3RT cover both the NSE4 and the CISSP?
C3RT is building apps for both the NSE4 and the CISSP. Both will be available on iOS and Mac.
The Fortinet NSE 4 — FortiGate Security (NSE4) is administered by Fortinet. The ISC2 CISSP (CISSP) is administered by ISC2. C3RT is not affiliated with either organisation. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.