Training & Support

Certification Frequently Asked Questions

Training Courses and Locations

Certification Status

Exam and Testing Procedures

Training Courses and Locations

How do I find training?

All courses offered at F5 training facilities are listed in our Course Schedules section. Click on the link for your region.

How can my organization become an F5 Authorized Training Center (ATC)?

For more information, go to the Authorized Training Center page, contact your local F5 sales representative, or call F5 directly at 1-888-88-BIG-IP in North America. (Outside North America, call +206-272-5555.)

Certification Status

What if I have an exam or certification question?

Send all questions regarding exams or certification to to ensure a timely response.

Is there a telephone number I can call for information on my certification status?

All certification status inquiries should be sent via e-mail to .

Once I complete all certification requirements, when will I receive my Certificate?

Once the requirements are completed and successful exam results are received from Prometric, your certificate will be mailed to the address you registered with at Prometric. This process typically takes about one month.

How can I get a copy of my transcript or see which exams I have passed?

Send all exam transcript requests to Prometric.

How can I get a copy of my Certificate(s)?

Send all certificate copy requests to . Include the name of the company you worked for at the time of the exam, the country location, and a return address where we can send the certificate.

Exam and Testing Procedures

Are there any recommendations concerning exam preparation?

The exams available as of January 1, 2008, are primarily built on training curriculum taught since mid-2005. They are based on versions 9.0-9.3 of BIG-IP, version 9.0-9.3 of GTM, and version 6.0 of FirePass. A thorough review of the class Student Training Manuals (only provided by attending a scheduled F5 class) will provide you with all you need to know to pass the specific exam. In addition, a review of the new features in the latest versions is recommended. New features and details can be found at http://support.f5.com and in the Training Manual Release Notes sections for the individual products. As an additional aid, there are Practice Exams available for all products.

How are the F5 Certification exams developed?

The exam questions are developed by F5 Content Developers and psychometrically reviewed and approved by Prometric.

How do I register for an F5 Certification exam?

All exams are provided by Prometric Testing Centers worldwide in English. Read the complete instructions for certification exam registration. You can register directly through the Prometric Web site, where you will find F5 certification exams under Information Technology (IT) Certification - F5.

How much do certification exams cost?

The cost of certification exams varies depending on region. In the US and Canada, the cost of an exam is approximately US$125. International exams range from approximately US$165 to US$250, depending on the location and taxes. For specific pricing, see the Prometric price list.

How many questions are on the F5 Certification exams, and how long does it take to complete them?

There are approximately 50 test questions on each exam. The test taker will have one hour to complete the exam (or 90 minutes in non-English speaking countries).

What should I bring with me when I go to the testing center?

Prometric Testing Centers require two forms of identification. One form must be a currently valid, official government-issued photo ID with signature. Acceptable government-issued photo IDs include a driver's license, state-issued photo ID, military ID, and passports. The second form of ID must have the candidate's signature on it. Typically, candidates are not allowed to take anything into the testing environment except a pencil and scratch paper. (Some centers use dry erase markers and laminated boards.) Anything that candidates bring with them must be checked in with the testing proctor, including cell phones, calculators, coats, bags, etc. Contact your local Prometric Testing Center for more details.

How and when will I get my exam results?

You will receive a document directly from the Prometric Testing Center following your exam with pass or fail results.

If I don't pass an exam, how soon can I take it again?

If this is the first time you have failed an exam for this product, we recommend that you spend additional review time and wait 30 days before retaking the exam. If you have failed an exam for the second time, we recommend you take the associated course again before retaking the exam.

What if I need extra time or equipment to take an exam because of special circumstances such as a disability or if the exam is not available in the language of my choice?

Currently all F5 exams are published in English only (except in Japan). A 30-minute extension is granted in countries where English is not the primary language. If a candidate needs special accommodations because of a disability, then extended testing time may be provided. F5 will determine whether special accommodations are appropriate in each instance. For time extensions of this nature, we will need notification at least 30 days prior to the desired testing date.