Question 1

How do I start with F5 certification?

Accepted Answer

Begin with the F5 Certified Administrator, BIG-IP (F5-CA). Pass all five modular exams: F5CAB1 (Install/Config/Upgrade), F5CAB2 (Data Plane Concepts), F5CAB3 (Data Plane Configuration), F5CAB4 (Control Plane Administration), and F5CAB5 (Support/Troubleshooting). Each exam costs $50 online or $65 at a test center, takes 30 minutes with 25-30 questions. Passing score is 245.

Question 2

Do F5 certifications expire?

Accepted Answer

Yes, F5 certifications are valid for 2 years from the date all requirements are fulfilled. A recertification exam (F5CABR, $100 online / $130 at test center, 60 minutes, 50 questions) is available for F5-CA holders to renew their status without retaking all five exams.

Question 3

Does F5 offer online proctoring?

Accepted Answer

Yes, F5 offers online proctoring through Certiverse for most exams, as well as in-person testing at Pearson VUE test centers. Online delivery requires a webcam and government-issued ID. The modular BIG-IP Administrator exams are available exclusively via Certiverse online, with Pearson VUE availability rolling out.

Question 4

What are the F5 Technology Specialist certifications?

Accepted Answer

F5-CTS certifications require the F5-CA as a prerequisite, plus specialist exams ($180 each, 90 minutes). Options include: BIG-IP LTM (301a + 301b), BIG-IP DNS (302), BIG-IP ASM (303), and BIG-IP APM (304). Each validates deep expertise in a specific F5 product module for advanced deployment and troubleshooting.

Question 5

How much do F5 certification exams cost?

Accepted Answer

BIG-IP Administrator exams (F5CAB1-5) are $50 each online via Certiverse or $65 each at Pearson VUE ($250-$325 total for all five). Recertification (F5CABR) is $100 online / $130 test center. Specialist exams (301a, 301b, 302, 303, 304) are $180 each. Solution Expert exams (401, 402) are $180 each. Pre-Sales (202) is $180.

Question 6

What is the retake policy for F5 exams?

Accepted Answer

After the first failure: 15-day wait. After second failure: 30-day wait. After third failure: 45-day wait. After fourth failure: 1-year wait. After fifth or more: 90-day wait. Each retake requires a new exam purchase at full price. Plan your study thoroughly to avoid the escalating wait periods.

Question 7

What are the F5 Solution Expert certifications?

Accepted Answer

F5-CSE is the highest tier, with two tracks: Security (401) and Cloud (402). Each requires F5-CA plus multiple F5-CTS certifications as prerequisites. For Security: F5-CA + F5-CTS LTM + F5-CTS DNS + F5-CTS ASM + F5-CTS APM + exam 401 ($180). For Cloud: F5-CA + F5-CTS LTM + F5-CTS DNS + exam 402 ($180). These are architect-level credentials for designing large-scale solutions.

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