Fortinet’s certification ecosystem is evolving again. The trusted FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 is officially being retired, and it’s time to prepare for the modern FCP_FCT_AD-7.4—a robust update aligned with FortiClient EMS 7.4 and Fortinet’s 2025 endpoint security vision. If you're certified or prepping, this guide will show you exactly how to transition and stay ahead.

What Is FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 and Why Is It Retiring?

FCP_FCT_AD-7.2, officially known as the Fortinet Certified Professional – FortiClient EMS 7.2 Administrator, has been the go-to certification for professionals working with endpoint management and security via Fortinet’s FortiClient EMS 7.2. But as technology shifts, so do skills expectations.

Reasons Behind the Retirement:

• The EMS 7.2 interface and features are now outdated.
• Security expectations in enterprise endpoints have evolved.
• Fortinet’s 2025 roadmap focuses on AI-driven, cloud-centric endpoint control.
• New security modules require updated knowledge, which is reflected in FCP_FCT_AD-7.4.

The retirement of FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 is part of Fortinet’s broader certification lifecycle management plan. As stated in the Fortinet certification roadmap, certifications are regularly updated to reflect the latest product versions and market demands.

Timeline: When Is FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 Being Retired?

Fortinet has set the retirement date for FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 in Q3 2025, with final testing slots available until mid-September. After that, candidates must shift to the FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 certification for validating FortiClient EMS skills.

Introducing FCP_FCT_AD-7.4: What’s New?

The FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 certification reflects the latest security and endpoint management enhancements in FortiClient EMS 7.4. It covers a redesigned syllabus, new deployment patterns, policy automation, and tighter integration with FortiAnalyzer and FortiEDR.

Key Enhancements:

• Full coverage of FortiClient EMS 7.4 features
• Integration with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and SASE
• Centralized endpoint compliance and threat detection
• Endpoint security orchestration across hybrid environments

This makes the FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 certification more future-proof for security professionals tasked with endpoint management in large-scale or hybrid environments.

Fortinet EMS 7.4: Why It Matters

EMS 7.4 is a major leap from 7.2. Here are the critical additions:

What’s Covered in the FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 Exam Syllabus?

The updated exam ensures candidates demonstrate:

• Mastery in FortiClient EMS 7.4 deployment
• Policy creation and device grouping
• Real-time threat response
• Role-based access control
• Centralized logging and compliance reporting
• Advanced ZTNA configurations A detailed breakdown can be found on the official Fortinet Learning Portal under the EMS certification path.

FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 vs. FCP_FCT_AD-7.2: Skills Gap Explained

Professionals who earned the 7.2 certification must now adapt to a broader, automation-first architecture.

Transition Guide: How to Move from FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 to FCP_FCT_AD-7.4

Transitioning from the FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 to the FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 certification is more than just passing a new exam—it’s about aligning your skills with Fortinet’s current endpoint security standards, particularly the capabilities introduced in FortiClient EMS 7.4. Here’s a clear, step-by-step path to make your upgrade smooth, effective, and future-ready.

Step 1: Confirm Your Current Certification Status

Start by verifying your existing FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 credential through your Fortinet Training Institute account. Note the expiration date and determine whether you’ll need to renew it immediately or prepare directly for the FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 exam.

Tip: Even if your current certification hasn’t expired, it's highly recommended to prepare for 7.4 now to maintain continuity and market relevance as Fortinet phases out EMS 7.2.

Step 2: Understand the Differences Between EMS 7.2 and 7.4

Before diving into study materials, compare the feature sets between EMS 7.2 and EMS 7.4. Fortinet EMS 7.4 introduces enhancements in:

• Cloud-native endpoint integration
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) enforcement
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) orchestration
• Policy automation and role-based configurations
• Centralized real-time compliance and analytics

This means the FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 certification demands a deeper understanding of modern endpoint protection, threat telemetry, and security automation.

Step 3: Enroll in Official Fortinet EMS 7.4 Training

Fortinet offers an updated training course specific to the new certification through its Learning Institute. These training materials are curated by Fortinet experts and map directly to the FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 exam syllabus, covering:

• EMS 7.4 architecture and setup
• Managing dynamic endpoint groups
• Policy distribution and automation
• Logging and SIEM integrations
• Real-world deployment case studies

Step 4: Set Up a Hands-On Lab with EMS 7.4

No certification preparation is complete without practical experience. Download the latest FortiClient EMS 7.4 virtual appliance and:

• Simulate enterprise endpoint deployments
• Configure ZTNA tags, group policies, and compliance enforcement
• Test FortiAnalyzer integration and log export settings
• Create automated threat response playbooks using FortiEDR

Having your own lab environment significantly improves your confidence with real-world configurations and enhances retention for performance-based exam questions.

Step 5: Use a Verified FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 Practice Test

One of the most effective ways to prepare is by simulating the exam using targeted mock questions. The FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 practice test offers:

• Timed exam simulations
• Domain-specific question sets
• Detailed answer explanations
• Progress tracking and analytics

This ensures you're not only absorbing theoretical concepts but are also ready for exam-day performance.

Step 6: Review Fortinet’s Certification FAQs and Exam Policies

Before booking your exam, read through Fortinet’s updated policies and candidate handbook. Understand the format (usually multiple-choice with some scenario-based items), passing score, question weights, and allowed resources.

Knowing what to expect on exam day helps reduce anxiety and eliminates surprises.

Step 7: Schedule and Attempt the FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 Exam

Once you’ve completed the training, hands-on labs, and practice tests, you’re ready to book your exam via Fortinet’s approved testing provider. Exams can typically be taken online (with proctoring) or at authorized centers globally.

Don’t delay too long—industry trends are shifting quickly, and hiring managers increasingly look for current certifications aligned with Fortinet’s 2025 roadmap.

Step 8: Update Your Resume, LinkedIn, and Professional Profiles

Upon passing the exam, update your credentials on:

• LinkedIn
• Resume
• Fortinet NSE Profile

This will showcase your adaptability to new technologies and your proactive investment in endpoint security expertise.

Why This Certification Still Matters in 2025

Endpoint security continues to be a front-line concern. With remote work, BYOD, and hybrid infrastructures, a Fortinet endpoint certification offers:

• Career advancement in roles like Endpoint Administrator, SOC Analyst, and Zero Trust Engineer
• Proof of skills aligned with 2025's threat landscape
• Recognition by Fortinet partners and MSSPs

Whether you're climbing the career ladder or aligning with regulatory frameworks, FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 ensures your skills match the moment.

Final Thoughts: Move Forward with Confidence

The retirement of FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 isn’t the end—it’s an upgrade. Fortinet’s cybersecurity vision now demands endpoint professionals who are agile, cloud-aware, and automation-savvy. With FCP_FCT_AD-7.4, you’re not just keeping up—you’re leading.

Use the FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 practice test and Fortinet’s training roadmap to ensure your skills remain in demand well into 2025 and beyond.

FAQs: FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 and FCP_FCT_AD-7.4

1. When is FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 officially retiring?
The retirement date is expected in September 2025, with transition windows closing shortly after.

2. Can I still take the FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 exam before it retires?
Yes, you can schedule it until the retirement deadline. After that, only the FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 will be valid.

3. What are the new features of FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 certification?
FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 covers EMS 7.4 architecture, enhanced ZTNA, automation, real-time threat response, and hybrid policy management.

4. How do I prepare for the FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 exam?
Use the FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 practice test, official EMS 7.4 guides, and Fortinet’s training modules for comprehensive preparation.

5. Will my FCP_FCT_AD-7.2 still be valid?
Yes, but only until its expiration. For long-term relevance, transition to 7.4 certification.

6. What’s the format of the FCP_FCT_AD-7.4 exam?
34 Multiple-choice and performance-based questions, 65 minutes duration, aligned to EMS 7.4’s real-world use cases.