Network Security Professional Program
Mid-level cybersecurity training for professionals ready to move deeper into security-focused IT roles.
15-week Program
Starts on April 7, 2026
Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) Certification
SUPPORTED BY
Build Security Skills That Strengthen IT Teams
Train for the Future of Tech, Starting Now
This tuition-free* program is designed for individuals who already have a foundation in IT and want to deepen their skills in Cybersecurity, network security, and security operations.
The Fortinet Security Professional Program is a 15-week training program that combines hands-on technical learning with career support. Participants build practical, job-ready skills used by real IT and security teams, while working with Fortinet technologies and broader security concepts.
This is an intermediate program. It’s built for people who already have education and/or professional experience in technology and are ready to step into more security-focused, mid-level roles. Please see the Program Eligibility details below to ensure you are qualified. If you’re not sure whether this is the right fit, our admissions team will assess your application and recommend a suitable program based on your background.
*There is never a fee associated with applying to or joining any NPower Canada program. NPower Canada, and our staff will not ask for payment details at any time, before, during, or after the program. Our programs are always provided for free, thanks to our generous funders.
This is a competitive, intermediate program that requires prior education and experience in the IT field. Please see the Program Eligibility details below to ensure you are qualified. If you’re not sure whether this is the right fit, our admissions team will assess your application and recommend a suitable program based on your background.
The Network Security Professional Program is available in English and available to residents of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Ontario*.
*Residents of these locations in ON can apply:
Ontario – Cambridge, Greater Toronto Area, Kingston, Kitchener, Hamilton, London, Waterloo, Windsor, Gananoque, and Ottawa.
Please visit our application page to find out when the next available program is in your province. We can only accept a number of participants in each location and the next program may be full. Early applications are encouraged.
What You'll Learn:
Throughout the program, participants gain hands-on experience in:
- Network security fundamentals and secure infrastructure design
- Threat protection, monitoring, and incident response
- Security operations tools and workflows
- Interpreting logs, alerts, and security events
- Applying cybersecurity best practices across IT environments
While Fortinet tools are central to the training, the focus is on core security and networking concepts that transfer across platforms, organizations, and roles.
Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) Certification
Participants complete the Fortinet Network Security Expert (NSE) certification pathway, which follows a stackable model.
You’ll start with NSE Levels 1–3, covering foundational cybersecurity, networking, and security concepts. After that, you’ll choose a specialization and complete NSE Levels 4–5, which goes deeper into specific tools, technologies, and real-world security operations.
By the end of the program, you’ll earn multiple industry-recognized certifications that build progressively and align with different cybersecurity career paths.
Career Outcomes
While the training focuses on cybersecurity, graduates are prepared for a wide range of entry- to mid-level roles across IT and security teams, including:
- Technical support
- Network operations
- Systems or infrastructure support
- Security operations and analyst roles
Career Support
Career management days focus on helping participants prepare for real-world hiring processes, including:
- Resume development
- Interview preparation
- Job search strategy
- Understanding employer expectations in IT and security roles
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
This is a competitive, intermediate program intended for candidates with prior education and professional experience in technology.
- At least 18 years old
- Must hold a high school diploma, GED, CAEC or equivalent.
- Must already possess basic computer skills and be comfortable working with a computer: typing, email, internet navigation.
- Mandatory Intermediate to Advanced English Level (minimum CLB level 7-8 examination score) for non-native English Speakers. Applicants may be required to take an English evaluation exam.
- Must be eligible to work full-time in Canada and maintain legal status (Citizen, Permanent Resident, Open Work Permit) with a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Must disclose information that would be included in a criminal record check as this may be required to be placed as part of our program.
- Must have an annual household income below $105,000 and an annual individual income below $50,000.
- Must be facing unemployment, underemployment, or financial barriers to employment or post-secondary education.
- Familiar with the Microsoft Azure Environment, Windows and Linux OS.
In addition to meeting NPower Canada’s standard eligibility criteria, applicants must:
- Have at least one year of prior internship or professional experience in cybersecurity, information security, networking, computer science, or computer engineering.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or post-secondary diploma in a related field such as cybersecurity, computer science, information technology, or networking.
- Cannot hold one or more of the Fortinet NSE 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 certifications, the GIAC Certified Detection Analyst (GCDA) or the GIAC Certified Intrusion Analyst (GCIA) certifications.
- Have professional experience with networking tasks, technical support, reading and interpreting scripts, and cloud and networking concepts (protocols).
- Be able to obtain security clearance and/or pass a background check.
If you’re unsure whether this program is the right fit, our admissions team will review your application and may recommend another program based on your background.
Tuition Free, Always
There is never a fee to apply to or participate in any NPower Canada program. We will never ask for payment details at any stage. Our programs are provided at no cost thanks to our generous funders.
Availability
This program is delivered in English and is available to eligible residents of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.*
Please visit the application page for upcoming start dates in your province. Space is limited and programs may fill quickly. Early applications are encouraged.
Successful graduates will benefit from:
Personal and professional development
Career search support
Post-hire coaching and support
Corporate mentors and guest speakers
Learn from our graduates
What Participants Say About Us
We're here to help! If for any reason you are not admitted into this program, we can connect you to other great
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