Network Segmentation and Zero Trust Design Certification

The Network Segmentation and Zero Trust Design Certification is a free intermediate-level, 20-minute skill test from Science of Apps. It tests network segmentation and zero trust design for security and network engineers — fundamentals (why segment, zero trust principles), segmentation techniques (VLANs, subnets, firewalls, microsegmentation and the DMZ), zero trust architecture (never trust/always verify, identity, least privilege and policy enforcement), and implementation and operations (ZTNA, monitoring and limiting lateral movement). Written to NIST SP 800-207 and CISA zero trust guidance for 2026. Score 70% or more on its 20 questions to earn a verifiable Network Segmentation and Zero Trust Proficiency certificate (SOA-NSZT). Every question is based on published standards and research — including NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust Architecture (NIST), Zero Trust Maturity Model (CISA), Cloudflare One (Zero Trust) documentation (Cloudflare) — and each answer is explained with its source.

Science of Apps offers a free Network Segmentation and Zero Trust Design Certification, updated for 2026 and 2027. It measures fundamentals, segmentation techniques, zero trust architecture and implementation and operations and gives instant results with a shareable certificate.

Read the four skill areas on this page, then take the 20-minute test online — no fee, course or sign-up. You see every answer explained when you finish. Score 70% or more and you get a Network Segmentation and Zero Trust Proficiency certificate straight away, on screen, as a PDF and by email, with a credential ID anyone can verify.

Yes. The questions are original scenarios written by Science of Apps, and each one is based on a public source you can read: NIST SP 800-207 Zero Trust Architecture (NIST); Zero Trust Maturity Model (CISA); Cloudflare One (Zero Trust) documentation (Cloudflare). The source is shown under each question and linked in the answer review. Science of Apps doesn't copy questions from other tests.

Four skill areas with five questions each, drawn from a bank of 10 per area so a retake brings new questions: Fundamentals (Segmentation, ZeroTrust and FlatNetwork); Segmentation Techniques (VLANs, Firewalls and Microsegmentation); Zero Trust Architecture (Verify, LeastPrivilege and Policy); Implementation and Operations (ZTNA, Monitoring and LateralMovement). Every question is an original scenario written to the 2026–2027 standard, with the published source named under it.

Network or security engineer, Security architect, Cloud or infrastructure engineer, Zero trust program lead and Cybersecurity professional. It suits anyone who wants a quick, verifiable way to show Network Segmentation and Zero Trust Design knowledge in 2026 and 2027, from students and career switchers to experienced professionals.

Zero trust is a security model built on "never trust, always verify." It assumes no user, device or network is trusted by default, even inside the perimeter. Access is granted per request based on identity, device posture and context, enforced with least privilege, as described in NIST SP 800-207.

Segmentation divides a network into smaller zones so that a compromise in one area cannot freely spread to others. It limits lateral movement, reduces the attack surface, and lets you apply tighter controls around sensitive systems and data.

Yes. The test is online, in English and free everywhere — people take it from India, the US, the UK, Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. Your certificate is dated with your own local date and can be verified from anywhere at scienceofapps.com/certification/verify/.

20 questions — 5 from each of 4 skill areas — with a 20-minute limit. You need 70% (14 of 20) to pass and 90% for distinction.

We rate it Intermediate: assumes hands-on experience in the role. It has 20 scenario questions — 5 from each of 4 skill areas — and a 20-minute limit. You need 70% (14 of 20) to pass and 90% for distinction.

Nothing. There is no fee to take a test, to receive the certificate, to have it emailed or to verify it, and no sign-up.

On our server, not in your browser. The answers never reach the page until you submit, so a certificate can only be earned by passing. Each certificate gets a unique credential ID stored by Science of Apps.

You see your score for each area and every question with the correct answer and why, with the published source behind it. You can retake after 30 minutes, and the retake draws questions you haven't seen yet.

No. Every certificate is dated, so it always shows when you passed. Retake a test any time for a newer date or a higher score.

Yes. After you pass, Add to LinkedIn opens the Licenses & certifications form with the certificate name, Science of Apps as the issuer, the issue date, your credential ID and the verification link filled in. You can also download it as a PDF or PNG, and it's emailed to you as a PDF.

Every certificate has a credential ID and a QR code. Scanning it, or entering the ID at scienceofapps.com/certification/verify/, shows the holder's name, the certification, the score and the issue date from our records.

No. They are Science of Apps' own assessments of applied skill. They aren't issued by a university or standards body, and they work best alongside a portfolio that shows the skills in real work.