Configuring BIG-IP LTM: Local Traffic Manager Training – Toward F5-CTS LTM
This three-day course takes BIG-IP Local Traffic Manager well beyond routine administration: load-balancing methods, persistence, application monitoring, virtual servers, SNATs, profiles, iRules and local traffic policies. It follows F5's Configuring BIG-IP LTM outline and ends with a capstone lab project. It is the recommended technical groundwork for exams 301a and 301b, which lead to the F5-CTS, BIG-IP LTM credential. Labs take up most of the three days, and each chapter builds on the previous one, so by the end you have assembled a complete, working application delivery configuration yourself.
Pick and tune the right load-balancing method for each application
Set up reliable persistence and understand how it interacts with profiles
Design health monitors that genuinely reflect application state
Configure the various virtual server types and their SNATs
Change traffic behavior with profiles, iRules and local traffic policies
Apply hardening best practices to an LTM deployment
Program
Refresher and local traffic configuration
BIG-IP system introduction
Local traffic configuration review
Load balancing, persistence and monitoring
Static and dynamic load-balancing methods
Persistence profiles and scenarios
Application health monitors
Virtual servers, SNATs and networking
Virtual server types and match order
SNATs and address translation
Selected networking topics
Customizing traffic
Changing traffic behavior with profiles
Introduction to iRules
Local traffic policies
Hardening and final project
Hardening the LTM deployment
Capstone lab project
Prerequisites
Completion of Administering BIG-IP, or F5-CA, BIG-IP certification, or a pass on the Administering BIG-IP Equivalency Assessment
Networking knowledge: OSI encapsulation, routing and switching, Ethernet and ARP, TCP/IP, addressing and subnetting
Target audience
System and network administrators who install, configure and run BIG-IP LTM
NetOps and DevOps teams publishing applications behind BIG-IP
Candidates for exams 301a and 301b
Engineers moving from another load balancer who need to map their existing designs onto BIG-IP
The exam
There is no F5 exam “202”. This course prepares you for the F5 Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP LTM title, earned by passing two exams: 301a (architect, set up and deploy) then 301b (maintain and troubleshoot). Each runs 90 minutes, costs US$180 and is taken in English at a proctored Pearson VUE center; the passing score is 245. 301a must be passed before you can sit 301b. F5 certifications are valid for two years. You schedule the exams separately after the course.
Preparation tips
Rebuild the final project in your own lab without looking at the answer key
Compare each load-balancing and persistence method using real requests
Follow up with our dedicated 301a/301b prep for the troubleshooting side
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is there an F5 202 exam?
No. F5 has never had an exam 202. The LTM level after administrator is the 301a and 301b exam pair.
Do I need Administering BIG-IP first?
F5 requires that course, the F5-CA certification or a pass on the equivalency assessment beforehand.
Does the course cover iRules?
Yes, with a hands-on introduction, plus local traffic policies as a script-free alternative for common use cases.
Is this course enough to pass 301a and 301b?
It covers most of the features tested, but personal lab time and a blueprint review are still needed.
Which formats do you offer?
Live online, in person in Casablanca or on-site at your organization, in French or English.