Exam Format

• Exam Code: F5CAB3
• Certification Level: Entry / Associate (part of F5 Certified Administrator, BIG-IP path)
• Exam Duration: ~30 minutes (official duration from certification roadmap)
• Passing Score: Not officially disclosed by F5
• Unscored Content: The exam may include unscored/pre-pilot items that are not identified and do not affect your score.

Exam Details

• Question Types: Multiple-choice and scenario-based questions focused on configuration tasks (official F5 descriptions note concept and ability testing).
• Number of Questions: Typically ~25–30 items (modular exams in this program are short)
• Hands-On Questions: Not specified as performance/lab items in standard exam documentation.

Exam Policies

• Offline Proctoring: Candidates must follow the exam delivery provider’s scheduling, reschedule, and cancellation policies (Certiverse/Pearson VUE).
• Online Proctoring: Available through remote proctoring where supported by the delivery provider.
• Waiting Period: Retake policies are per the exam delivery provider (waiting periods may apply).
• Retake Fee: Full exam fee is payable for each attempt.

Certification Validity and Renewal

• Validity: F5 modular credentials within the Certified Administrator program do not list separate expiry; maintain the BIG-IP Administrator certification via recertification policies from F5 as published.
• Renewal Options: Recertify by passing the F5 Certified Administrator recertification exam or meeting F5 continuing education/maintenance requirements.

Exam Fee

• Base Fee: $50 USD via Certiverse (online proctored).
• Alternative Delivery: $65 USD via Pearson VUE test centers.
• Taxes: Country-specific VAT/GST may apply at checkout.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites listed by F5 for taking the BIG-IP Administration Data Plane Configuration exam. However, it’s recommended that candidates have:

• Understanding of BIG-IP fundamentals and traffic flow concepts.
• Familiarity with virtual server and pool configuration tasks on BIG-IP.
• Practical experience administering BIG-IP systems in production environments.

Exam Topics

The exam assesses configuration and management skills related to BIG-IP data-plane elements including but not limited to:

• Modify and manage virtual servers (including applying persistence and profile configurations).
• Modify and manage pools and pool-related settings (load balancing methods, health checks).
• Apply and interpret profiles and monitors to affect traffic behavior and health.
• Troubleshoot essential data-plane configuration issues based on expected traffic outcomes. (Detailed objectives are reflected in official exam blueprint summaries.)

For an official and complete blueprint, download the exam objectives from the F5 Education Services portal after logging in.

Intended Audience

The BIG-IP Administration Data Plane Configuration exam is ideal for IT professionals who want to validate their BIG-IP configuration skills and build toward the F5 Certified Administrator, BIG-IP certification. This includes roles such as:

• BIG-IP Systems/Network Administrator
• Application Delivery Engineer
• Infrastructure Support Specialist
• ADC (Application Delivery Controller) Technician

Career Impact

Jobs You Can Get

• Successfully completing this exam as part of the BIG-IP Administrator pathway supports roles such as BIG-IP Administrator, Network Systems Engineer, Support Engineer, and Application Delivery Specialist.

Average Salary

• Salaries vary by region, experience, and employer demand; F5 certification holders often see improved job prospects in application delivery networking roles compared with non-certified peers.

Why It’s Valuable

• This exam demonstrates your practical ability to configure and manage key data-plane components of BIG-IP, a skill highly relevant to enterprise ADC deployment, optimization, and operational support.

Exam Mode

• The exam is delivered via online proctoring (Certiverse) or in-person at authorized Pearson VUE test centers.

Exam Booking Link

• Schedule and register for this exam through the F5 certification portal or the appropriate exam delivery partner (Certiverse/Pearson VUE) after creating your candidate profile.

Once you pass the exam:

•  Access your F5 Certification through the F5 Credential Management System
•  Processing Time: Certification status updated after exam result confirmation
•  Log in to F5 Certification Portal
•  Navigate to the Certifications section
•  Download your certificate (PDF format)

Offers