The digital world isn't waiting for anyone. As remote work and cloud-first strategies become standard, so must our skill sets evolve. One of the most critical shifts? The merger of networking and security into a single framework: Secure Access Service Edge, better known as SASE.
Organizations no longer treat network and security as separate conversations. They want professionals who understand both worlds and can speak both dialects. This is where certifications shine. They prove that you not only understand the jargon—but you can apply it in high-stakes environments.
But with dozens of certifications out there, which ones carry weight in the real world?
Let’s break down seven certifications that actually matter. Each helps validate your converged skills across cloud security, network architecture, and Zero Trust models. Whether you're starting your journey or cementing your role as a trusted expert, these certifications belong on your radar.
Cato Networks: Cato SASE Expert Level 1 Certification
If there’s one certification that focuses solely on the essence of SASE, it’s this one from Cato Networks. Unlike traditional programs that mix in legacy systems, Cato’s Expert Level 1 zooms in on modern networks built for today’s demands.
This course walks you through core principles like identity-aware routing, real-time optimization, and secure cloud connectivity. And it does so in a way that's digestible—without watering down the technical depth. It teaches you how to think about networks differently. Less about hardware, more about edges and policies.
Don’t be fooled by its vendor label. While it does reference Cato’s platform, it emphasizes transferable concepts. You’ll explore how SD-WAN, Secure Web Gateways, and Zero Trust combine to create a seamless security fabric.
Designed for network administrators, SOC analysts, and system architects, it’s especially valuable for those working in hybrid environments. If you're facing challenges with multiple security tools, this cert gives you the blueprint to bring everything under one umbrella.
And here’s a bonus: it’s free. For a certification with this much value, that’s not something you see often.
Cisco: CCNP Security Certification
Cisco has been a dominant player in the networking world for decades. With the rise of SASE, the company has adapted—offering deep-dive training that hits both classic and emerging security needs. The CCNP Security certification is their most strategic play in this space.
Though not branded as “SASE,” it covers key SASE building blocks. You’ll learn about secure access control, advanced threat protection, and automation through Cisco’s security portfolio.
The structure includes a core exam plus a specialization. That flexibility allows professionals to tailor the certification based on their role—whether they're dealing with firewalls, identity services, or secure endpoints.
More importantly, the CCNP Security trains your mind to think in terms of architecture. Not just tools. It helps you design solutions that scale across multi-cloud and hybrid environments.
Employers recognize this cert. And when hiring managers see CCNP Security on your resume, they know you didn’t just memorize answers. You learned how to secure a network from every angle.
Fortinet: FCSS SASE Certification
Fortinet doesn’t just offer cybersecurity products—they’ve built a comprehensive training ecosystem around them. The Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist (FCSS) SASE Certification is part of this effort.
This program dives into Fortinet’s unified SASE framework. It guides learners through their Secure SD-WAN, CASB, FWaaS, and Zero Trust Network Access tools. But more than just theory, it pushes you into practical configuration and real-world architecture planning.
What makes it stand out? The curriculum mirrors real deployment scenarios. You learn not just how features work, but how they interact in enterprise settings—across multiple branch locations, cloud providers, and user profiles.
The FCSS certification doesn’t waste time on obsolete protocols. Instead, it focuses on what’s happening now—what companies are actively deploying.
Network architects, security engineers, and IT managers working with Fortinet tools will find this certification especially useful. But its real power lies in its ability to sharpen skills that extend beyond one vendor’s ecosystem.
Netskope: SASE Accreditation
If your organization is heavy on SaaS adoption and cloud-native architecture, the Netskope SASE Accreditation is a game-changer.
It’s built to address the biggest question in cloud security: how do you protect sensitive data in environments you don’t fully control?
This certification answers that by teaching how to enforce policies in motion. You’ll gain insights into risk-based access, traffic shaping, and visibility across multiple SaaS, IaaS, and web environments.
What separates Netskope’s approach is its emphasis on context. Not just who is accessing a resource—but what data is involved, how sensitive it is, and where it’s going.
For SASE professionals, this shift from perimeter-focused defense to user-and-data-centric protection is critical.
This course is best suited for cloud engineers, data protection officers, and IT leaders managing SaaS-heavy workloads. If your job involves securing remote access to tools like Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, this is worth every second.
Palo Alto Networks: Security Service Edge Engineer Certification
SASE is built on two main foundations—network and security. Palo Alto’s Security Service Edge (SSE) Engineer Certification zeroes in on the latter.
It’s part of the Prisma Access learning path, offering deep training in firewall-as-a-service, Secure Web Gateway, and Cloud Access Security Broker features.
The course’s greatest strength lies in scenario-based problem-solving. You’re not spoon-fed answers. Instead, you’re taught how to assess business requirements and implement security models that support them.
This mirrors real-life decision-making in tech environments. And it reinforces concepts like user identity, device trust, and policy enforcement in remote access scenarios.
What’s more, Palo Alto's name carries industry clout. If you’re aiming for roles in cloud security, enterprise architecture, or MSSPs, this certification adds serious leverage.
It’s not a beginner’s course, but it’s accessible for professionals with networking or security experience.
Versa Networks: Certified Security Specialist
Versa Networks might not have the brand awareness of Cisco or Palo Alto, but in the SASE world, they’re making waves.
The Versa Certified Security Specialist (VCSS) is tailored for professionals dealing with distributed networks. Especially those with a heavy edge and SD-WAN focus.
This certification teaches you how to manage security from the edge—not just from the data center. It dives into micro-segmentation, secure routing, orchestration, and application performance.
What’s great here is that Versa takes a real-world approach. The scenarios covered often include service provider and multi-tenant environments. That’s especially relevant for consultants and MSPs who handle multiple client infrastructures.
The exam doesn’t just test technical knowledge—it examines your ability to troubleshoot and plan SASE rollouts.
VCSS is best for mid-to-senior-level professionals. Those who already manage multi-site deployments and are moving toward cloud-first security.
Zscaler: Zero Trust Cyber Associate (ZTCA)
For anyone dipping their toes into SASE and Zero Trust, the ZTCA is a smart entry point.
Zscaler designed this certification to educate rather than overwhelm. It covers the basics of Zero Trust, including user identification, authentication, segmentation, and access policy enforcement.
What makes ZTCA so effective is its clarity. The content is free from excessive jargon. Instead, it focuses on real business use cases—like enabling secure access for remote employees or applying conditional policies to cloud apps.
Even if you’re not a Zscaler customer, the insights are broadly applicable. Concepts like least privilege, traffic inspection, and device posture checks translate across vendors.
ZTCA is ideal for junior security professionals, support engineers, and IT managers beginning their journey toward modern cloud security frameworks.
It also sets a solid foundation for more advanced certifications, both from Zscaler and other providers.
Conclusion
The IT world keeps evolving. What worked five years ago may no longer apply today. The fusion of networking and security—once two separate silos—is now shaping enterprise architecture.
SASE is the result of that evolution. And it’s not a temporary trend.
For professionals aiming to stay relevant, certifications offer more than bragging rights. They represent real, applicable skills that employers crave.
The seven certifications covered here offer a wide spectrum—from vendor-neutral overviews to platform-specific deep dives. Whether you’re a beginner exploring Zero Trust or a seasoned architect planning global rollouts, there’s a cert here for you.
Each one proves a commitment to modern practices. And each can help open doors in an industry where convergence is the new normal.
So ask yourself: Are your current skills enough for the future of IT?
If not, it’s time to level up.
