What is the Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS)? 

At VectorUSA, we believe that delivering the best cybersecurity services starts with investing in our team’s expertise. Over the years, we have heavily focused on Fortinet training and certifications, achieving expert-level certifications across the entire product suite Blog.VectorUSA.

Two achievements in particular set us apart: multiple Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS) certifications earned by our engineers, and our exclusive status as a Fortinet Engage Preferred Services Partner (EPSP) – one of only two such partners in California. In this blog, we explain what the FCSS certification entails, what the EPSP program means, and how these milestones translate into tangible benefits for our clients.

Investing in Expertise

Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS) badge for the Secure Networking track. The Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS) is an advanced technical certification within Fortinet’s Network Security Expert program. An FCSS credential validates the earner’s ability to design, administer, monitor, and troubleshoot network security infrastructures using advanced Fortinet solutions. Credly.com

In practice, this means an engineer with an FCSS has proven hands-on expertise in Fortinet’s products and architectures. Earning the certification is no simple task – it requires passing multiple rigorous exams (one at NSE 6 level and one at NSE 7) to demonstrate advanced knowledge Fortinet.com. Unlike a partner specialization which is a company-level designation in a specific solution area, FCSS is an individual certification – a testament to an engineer’s personal expertise rather than a company specialization category.

At VectorUSA, we are proud to have six team members who hold FCSS certifications. This collective achievement showcases the breadth of our team’s skills – covering everything from secure networking and cloud security to cutting-edge areas like SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) and security operations. 

Our engineers’ FCSS credentials assure clients that when they work with VectorUSA, their projects are handled by seasoned Fortinet experts who can architect complex solutions and solve tough problems efficiently. We continuously encourage and support our talent in pursuing such certifications, reflecting our ongoing investment in building critical expertise in Fortinet technologies Blog.VectorUSA. This commitment to training ensures our team stays ahead of the curve on Fortinet’s latest advances and best practices.

Engage Preferred Services Partner (EPSP) 

In addition to individual certifications, VectorUSA has also attained an exclusive company-level honor: we are a Fortinet Engage Preferred Services Partner (EPSP) Blog.VectorUSA. This prestigious designation, which is part of Fortinet’s partner program, is awarded only to top-tier partners who excel in designing, implementing, and supporting complex Fortinet solutions. Fortinet rigorously vets EPSP candidates – each partner undergoes thorough evaluation to ensure they meet Fortinet’s highest standards and best practices. The EPSP status essentially recognizes VectorUSA as a trusted advisor with advanced expertise in delivering Fortinet professional services Fortinet.com.

Being named an EPSP is a rare honor. (The program is national, and VectorUSA is proud to be one of just two EPSP partners in California.) It is also invitation-only – a reflection that Fortinet has confidence in our technical capabilities and service quality. In practical terms, the EPSP badge gives us direct alignment with Fortinet on service delivery. Fortinet provides EPSP partners with special access and support to ensure we can serve customers at an exceptional level.

According to Fortinet, EPSP partners benefit from things like tailored training, close collaboration with Fortinet’s own experts, and a tight-knit relationship on business opportunities Fortinet.com. This means our team can leverage Fortinet’s resources to sharpen our skills further and deliver solutions with even greater efficiency and confidence.

How Do These Achievements Benefit Our Clients?

Earning multiple FCSS certifications and the EPSP partner status isn’t just about hanging plaques on a wall – it directly elevates the quality of service we provide to our clients. Here are some of the key benefits that our customers enjoy as a result of these achievements:

• Expert Design and Implementation: Our FCSS-certified engineers have proven ability to design, configure, and troubleshoot Fortinet solutions end-to-end. This ensures that even complex security deployments are done right the first time, following Fortinet-recommended best practices. Clients get top-tier, resilient solutions architected by specialists who deeply understand Fortinet technologies.
• Faster Issue Resolution: As an EPSP partner, VectorUSA has a direct line to Fortinet experts for support. If any challenges arise, we can collaborate immediately with Fortinet’s top support and engineering teams. This means problems are resolved faster, minimizing downtime for our clients. Essentially, our customers enjoy a level of support escalation and responsiveness that most providers cannot offer.
• Access to Cutting-Edge Expertise: Through the EPSP program, our team receives specialized Fortinet training and continuous enablement. We are constantly updating our knowledge on emerging threats, new Fortinet features, and innovative security strategies. Our clients benefit from this continuous learning because we bring the latest and greatest solutions to the table. Whether it’s adopting a new Fortinet security service or optimizing an existing system, our advice is informed by up-to-date expertise.
• Reliable, Best-Practice Solutions: Fortinet’s EPSP evaluation guarantees that partners like VectorUSA meet strict quality benchmarks. We have been thoroughly vetted for technical skill and service delivery excellence. For our clients, this serves as a stamp of assurance – you are working with an elite partner who will maximize the value, performance, and reliability of your Fortinet investments. In other words, we act as a trusted advisor committed to your long-term success with Fortinet’s technology.
• Enhanced Support & Collaboration: As an EPSP, we collaborate closely with Fortinet’s Professional Services on complex projects, gaining insights from the source on optimal configurations and methodologies. This collaborative approach allows us to deliver solutions that are not only robust but also aligned with Fortinet’s recommended architectures. Our clients effectively get Fortinet’s own best practices baked into every project, resulting in stronger security postures and smoother deployments.

Continual Commitment to Excellence

In summary, VectorUSA’s six FCSS-certified specialists and our EPSP partner status are more than just accolades – they are a reflection of our continuous drive to be the best possible partner for our clients. We do not settle; our team is constantly pushing to learn more, earn new credentials, and sharpen our skills. As Fortinet evolves its technologies, we evolve alongside as early adopters and experts.

By choosing to work with VectorUSA, you are engaging a team that Fortinet itself has recognized for technical excellence and service quality. We leverage that expertise every day to design secure networks, solve cybersecurity challenges, and support our customers’ missions. Whether it’s providing world-class implementation, faster support, or innovative solutions, our goal is to translate our Fortinet knowledge into real value for your organization. We are excited to continue raising the bar and helping our clients thrive securely in today’s ever-changing threat landscape.

Bottom line:

Our Fortinet Certified Solution Specialists and EPSP designation empower us to deliver exceptional cybersecurity services – and we’re committed to staying at this leading edge for years to come. Your security deserves nothing less than the very best, and at VectorUSA, that’s exactly what we strive to provide.