As cyberattacks grow more sophisticated and AI-powered threats escalate, enterprises are under pressure to evolve beyond traditional perimeter-based network security. Many are turning to Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), a cloud-native framework that converges network and security functions to protect distributed workforces, optimize network performance, and simplify management across multiple tools.

SASE platforms typically include SD-WAN, secure web gateway (SWG), firewall as a service (FWaaS), cloud access security broker (CASB), and zero-trust network access (ZTNA). They can also encompass a growing list of additional features such as browser isolation, sandboxing and data loss prevention (DLP).

The overall SASE market is projected to climb from $15 billion in 2025 to $28.5 billion by 2028, according to Gartner. Deployments are split between single-vendor SASE platforms and dual-vendor approaches, the research firm says.

With more enterprises adopting SASE architectures and a widening talent gap for security skills, IT professionals who can architect, deploy, and manage these converged platforms are in demand. SASE vendors are responding with certification programs aimed at validating these skills. A growing list of providers – including Cato Networks, Fortinet, Netskope, Palo Alto Networks and Zscaler – now offer credentials that help practitioners prove expertise in their platforms while keeping pace with the shift to cloud-delivered security. Here’s a snapshot of what they’re offering.

Cato Networks: Cato SASE Expert Level 1 Certification

• Overview: This introductory course validates a fundamental understanding of the SASE framework, including the drivers, value, architecture, use cases, and key network and security functions of SASE. It also offers the knowledge required to help an organization more toward SASE adoption.
• **Target professional: **This certification is ideal for IT professionals, network administrators, and security architects.
• Key skills: Certified individuals demonstrate proficiency with the Cato Management Application (CMA) and possess the technical expertise to operate, configure, and troubleshoot Cato SASE Cloud. The certification covers SASE essentials, including converged network and security functions in cloud native architectures.
• **Exam specifics: **Candidates take a two-to-three exam and must receive an 85% or higher to become certified.
• Cost: The self-paced SASE course and exam are free.
• **Prerequisites: **Candidates should have experience in cloud, networking, and security. Cato recommends candidates watch several SASE videos and read three SASE books to prepare for the exam.
• Note: Cato Networks offers several levels of SASE certifications.

Cisco: Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Security

• Overview: While not specific to SASE, the CCNP Security certification proves skills in security infrastructure, including network, cloud, and content security, endpoint protection and detection, secure network access, visibility, and enforcement. Earning the CCNP Security certification proves an IT professional has the know-how to secure and protect networks.
• Target professional: IT professionals with three to five years of IT experience who work with Cisco security products. This is considered an intermediate-level certification for network and security professionals.
• Key skills: Certification holders demonstrate knowledge of identifying common threats and vulnerabilities, understanding encryption and virtual private networks, and implementing core security technologies.
• **Exam specifics: **The Cisco Certified Specials-Security Core exam, or SCOR exam, and the concentration exams make up the CCNP Security Certification. The core SCOR exam is 120 minutes long, and the concentration exam is 90 minutes long. A passing score generally falls within the range of 800 to 850 out of 1,000 points.
• Cost: $400
• Prerequisites: There are no formal prerequisites, but three to five years of experience is recommended for this professional-level certification.
• Note: Cisco offers a SASE Solution Specialization as part of its partner program.

Fortinet: Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist Secure Access Service Edge (FCSS SASE)

• Overview: The FCSS SASE certification confirms a candidate’s ability to design, manage, monitor, and troubleshoot Fortinet SASE solutions. The curriculum covers SASE infrastructures using advanced Fortinet technologies.
• Target professional: Cybersecurity professionals who require the expertise needed to design, manage, support, and analyze advanced Fortinet SASE solutions and who are working with FortiSASE solutions. Network security engineers and those professionals looking to specialize in SASE technologies are also good candidates.
• Key skills: This certification validates skills in designing, administering, monitoring, and troubleshooting Fortinet’s SASE solutions, covering areas such as SASE architecture, user onboarding, security posture and compliance, security profiles, SD-WAN deployments, and FortiSASE analytics and reporting.
• Exam specifics: The FortiSASE Administrator exam (FCSS_SASE_AD-24) is a 60-minute exam consisting of 30 questions with a pass/fail scoring system. To achieve this certification, candidates are required to pass two core exams within two years.
• Cost: $200
• Prerequisites: Fortinet recommends taking the associated Network Security Expert (NSE) courses to prepare for the certification exams. Candidates should have foundational knowledge in network security and cybersecurity before trying to gain this professional-level certification. Fortinet provides study guides through its training portal.
• Note: The FCSS SASE certification consists of two parts: SD-WAN and SASE. The certification uses FortiSASE 25 and FortiOS 7.4 technologies.

Netskope: Netskope SASE Accreditation

• Overview: Netskope’s SASE Accreditation program provides foundational theory and practical knowledge of SASE architecture and implementation with on-demand, self-paced learning modules and quizzes and optional, interactive technical labs for a more hands-on experience.
• Target professional: The program is designed for working practitioners and architects in cybersecurity, networking, and technology, including roles in system administration, network engineering, IT operations, and software development.
• Key skills: The accreditation focuses on core SASE and zero-trust concepts including cloud computing, and software-defined networking (SDN), as well as cloud security components such as Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), and threat protection.
• Exam specifics: The 45-minute exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and requires an 80% to pass. Attendees are given two attempts to pass.
• Cost: Netskope offers this course and exam for free.
• Prerequisites: Attendees should have knowledge of security, network, and architectural principles. No coding or system administrative experience is required.
• **Note: **While sponsored by Netskope, the accreditation course and exam aim to be vendor-agnostic.

Palo Alto Networks: Palo Alto Networks Certified Security Service Edge Engineer

• Overview: This certification validates experienced security service edge (SSE) engineers on their knowledge and skills in deployment configuration, and post-deployment management and configuration, as well as their ability to troubleshoot deployed Prisma Access environments.

• **Target professional: **The certification is designed for SSE and SASE engineers, Prisma Access Specialists, network and security engineers, professional service consultants, and technical support engineers responsible for security and optimizing network and cloud environments.

• Key skills: The certification validates experienced SSE engineers on their knowledge and skills in setting up and configuring Prisma Access and SSE solutions. It also verifies skills in ongoing administration and configuration management of deployed environments, as well as the ability to diagnose and resolve issues in deployed Prisma Access environments.

• Exam specifics: The exam consists of multiple-choice and scenario-based questions with 60 questions total, a duration of 90 minutes, and a passing score of 70%.

• Cost: $250

• **Prerequisites: **There are no formal prerequisites; candidates should have solid knowledge of network security and security architecture principles and experience with SSE/SASE tools like ZTNA, CASB, and SWG.

• Note: This certification bridges the gap between outdated VPNs and AI-powered SASE.

Versa Networks: Versa Certified Security Specialist

• **Overview: **This is Versa Networks’ entry-level SSE certification, designed to validate foundational knowledge of Security Service Edge architecture and the Versa platform. It serves as a stepping stone for network engineers looking to specialize in Versa’s SASE solutions.
• Target professional: Engineers who perform architect, engineering, or planning roles with Versa Security services for more than one year, with hands-on experience managing and operating Versa Secure SD-WAN Platforms.
• **Key skills: **This certification validates skills in administering Versa Security services on SD-WAN platforms, maintaining network security functions within the Versa ecosystem, and diagnosing and resolving security-related issues on Versa Secure SD-WAN platforms.
• **Exam specifics: **The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within the 90-minute timeframe, with a pass/fail result immediately available.
• Cost: $150
• Prerequisites: Candidates must have also completed the Versa Certified SD-WAN Associate (VNX100) or Versa Certified Administrator – SD-WAN Specialist (VNX301) certification programs.
• Note: Versa Certifications are valid for two years.

Zscaler: Zscaler Zero Trust Cyber Associate (ZTCA)

• **Overview: **ZTCA is a foundational zero-trust credentials aimed at validating knowledge around zero trust principles, architectures, and how they differ from legacy network security models.
• **Target professional: **This certification is for anyone wanting to learn the basics of zero trust and it is well-suited for candidates who are newer to zero-trust architectures or who want to formalize their foundational understanding before moving into vendor-specific roles.
• **Key skills: **This certification validates that candidates can recognize the differences between old/legacy architectures and zero-trust models and understand when a zero-trust approach offers advantages. It also teaches the core components of zero trust, such as identity, least privilege, microsegmentation, and continuous verification, and how they integrate into a holistic model.
• **Exam specifics: **The exam consists of 75 questions and runs for two hours, and candidates are allowed three attempts to pass.To earn the credential, candidates must complete the e-learning portion and pass the exam.
• **Cost: **$300
• Prerequisites: Candidates must complete the five-hour e-learning course before taking the exam, and basic knowledge of networking and cybersecurity domains is required.
• **Note: **Zscaler issues a digital badge for its certifications that can be displayed on LinkedIn and other platforms.

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