A record number of WatchGuard's ANZ partners have been certified in the past year as the security vendor looks to ramp up its growth in the SME market.

The company says more than 250 individuals were certified across sales, demonstration, technical essentials or advanced competency skills in 2015, including more than 70 partner executives or engineers who currently have technical essentials certifications.

Those certifications required a two-hour exam via third-party testing centres, or the completion of an exam taken remotely using approved equipment and supervision.

The training and certification program forms part of the WatchGuardOne channel partner program, launched in 2014.

David Higgins, WatchGuard Technologies Australia and New Zealand regional director, says the record number of certified individuals working within WatchGuard's partner network is testament to the effectiveness of the WatchGuardOne program, and partners' desire to obtain industry leading qualifications and support end-user customers with technical excellence.

“We are very conscious of our channel partners' hard work and dedication in helping us to achieve our success and want to ensure that we provide them with the best training, support and resources so they can deliver better services to existing and potential customers,” Higgins says.

As well as the certifications, more than 450 attendees participated in WatchGuard's Fireware Essentials and Advanced courses across ANZ last year, via one or two-day intensive courses held around both Australia and New Zealand.