To excel in the NSE7_EFW-7.2 exam, it's crucial to have efficient study methods and a clear understanding of exam strategies.
Learning Methods for NSE7_EFW-7.2
1. Build a Strong Foundation
- Focus Areas:
- System Configuration: Interface setup, HA (High Availability), and performance optimization.
- Security Profiles: Web Filtering, IPS, Application Control, Antivirus, and DNS Filtering.
- Routing and VPN: Static and Dynamic Routing, SD-WAN, IPsec, SSL VPN, and ADVPN.
- Method:
- Start with theory to understand how features work, then immediately apply it in a lab environment.
- Use FortiGate virtual appliances (VM) to practice real-world scenarios.
2. Hands-On Practice
- Why it’s Essential: The exam heavily focuses on troubleshooting and advanced configurations.
- What to Do:
- Configure features like IPsec VPN, SSL VPN, and Web Filtering in a lab setup.
- Simulate issues and practice troubleshooting with commands like:
diagnose vpn tunnel list
diag debug flow
get system interface.
- Example Scenarios:
- Test an SSL VPN user’s connection failure and resolve it.
- Simulate an OSPF route not being advertised.
3. Use the Pomodoro Technique
- Why it Works: Improves focus and productivity by breaking study time into manageable chunks.
- How to Apply:
- Study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break.
- Dedicate each Pomodoro session to specific tasks (e.g., one session for Web Filtering, another for IPS).
4. Spaced Repetition for Retention
- Why it’s Effective: Reinforces memory by reviewing material at increasing intervals.
- How to Apply:
- Review concepts after 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days.
- Use flashcards for CLI commands, configuration steps, and troubleshooting techniques.
5. Simulate Real-World Scenarios
- Why it’s Critical: The exam tests your ability to solve practical problems.
- What to Do:
- Set up labs for:
- HA configurations (Active-Active vs. Active-Passive).
- SD-WAN failover using performance metrics (e.g., latency, jitter).
- VPN connectivity between branch offices.
- Document solutions for future reference.
6. Active Recall
- Why it’s Powerful: Forces you to retrieve information, reinforcing understanding.
- How to Apply:
- Write down questions from the material, such as:
- “How do you configure SSL inspection?”
- “What are the steps to troubleshoot a BGP neighbor issue?”
- Answer them without referring to notes.
7. Use Official Fortinet Resources
- What to Use:
- Fortinet’s official NSE7 training materials.
- Fortinet documentation for FortiOS, FortiManager, and FortiAnalyzer.
- Practice labs from the Fortinet NSE Institute.
Exam Tips for NSE7_EFW-7.2
1. Understand the Exam Objectives
- Focus Areas:
- Advanced troubleshooting and configurations for FortiOS 7.2.
- Integration of FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer.
- Security profile deployment and routing protocols.
- How to Use Objectives:
- Ensure all your study efforts align with the key topics listed in the exam guide.
2. Prioritize Troubleshooting Skills
- Why: Many exam questions are scenario-based, testing your ability to diagnose and resolve issues.
- How:
- Learn to interpret logs for troubleshooting:
- Use
diagnose debug application commands.
- Check system performance with
diagnose sys top.
- Memorize common diagnostic workflows (e.g., VPN tunnel debugging, HA status checks).
3. Familiarize Yourself with CLI
- Why: The CLI is often the fastest way to troubleshoot and configure Fortinet devices.
- Key Commands:
get system status: Verify firmware version and device status.
diagnose sys ha status: Check HA cluster health.
diagnose vpn tunnel list: View active VPN tunnels.
diag debug flow: Trace packet paths and identify policy issues.
4. Learn to Read Questions Carefully
- Why: Questions often include subtle hints about the issue.
- How:
- Look for keywords like "IKEv2," "SSL inspection," or "SD-WAN."
- Focus on what the question is asking (e.g., whether it’s about configuration or troubleshooting).
5. Time Management During the Exam
- Why: With 35 questions in 60 minutes, you have about 90 seconds per question.
- How:
- Answer straightforward questions first.
- Mark tricky questions and return to them after completing the rest.
- Ensure all questions are answered—unanswered questions score zero.
6. Use Elimination Strategies
- Why: Even if unsure of the correct answer, you can improve your chances by eliminating wrong options.
- How:
- Rule out answers that are irrelevant to the question (e.g., disabling SSL inspection for a VPN problem).
- Compare the remaining answers logically.
7. Simulate Exam Conditions
- Why: Practicing under exam-like conditions builds confidence.
- How:
- Use mock exams to practice answering 35 questions in 60 minutes.
- Identify areas where you struggle and revisit those topics.
8. Review High-Impact Topics
- What to Focus On:
- System Configuration:
- HA modes and session synchronization.
- Interface troubleshooting.
- Central Management:
- Policy packages and FortiManager logs.
- Security Profiles:
- Web Filtering SSL inspection, IPS, and Antivirus.
- Routing:
- OSPF neighbor relationships and BGP route filtering.
- VPN:
- IKEv2 Phase 1/2 configurations.
- SSL VPN split tunneling and troubleshooting.
9. Stay Calm During the Exam
- Why: Stress can impair your ability to think logically.
- How:
- If a question seems overwhelming, take a deep breath and break it into smaller parts.
- Focus on what you know and eliminate irrelevant details.
10. Post-Exam Review
- Why: If available, reviewing your results helps identify weak areas for future improvement.
- How:
- Note down questions you found challenging and revisit those topics.
Final Recommendations
- Combine Theory with Practice:
- Spend 50% of your study time practicing configurations and troubleshooting.
- Focus on Troubleshooting Techniques:
- Practice identifying and resolving issues using CLI commands.
- Stay Consistent:
- Stick to a structured study plan and review concepts periodically.
- Use Fortinet Resources:
- Leverage official documentation, training materials, and practice exams.
By using these study methods and exam strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed in the NSE7_EFW-7.2 exam.