F5 BIG-IP Training Path: From Administrator to Solutions Expert (F5-CA, F5-CTS, F5-CSE)
This page brings together our whole F5 BIG-IP training offer and helps you decide where to start. The F5 program has three tiers: the certified administrator (F5-CA, BIG-IP), module specialists (F5-CTS LTM, DNS, ASM, APM) and solutions experts (F5-CSE Security and Cloud). Since May 2025 the old 101 exam is gone, replaced by five short exams, which changes how you prepare for the first tier.
401 Security Solutions: requires F5-CA plus F5-CTS LTM, ASM, APM
402 Cloud Solutions: requires F5-CA plus F5-CTS LTM, DNS
Prerequisites
To start: networking basics (OSI model, TCP/IP, addressing, routing, switching)
Each tier builds on the one below: F5-CA before F5-CTS, and the required F5-CTS titles before F5-CSE
Target audience
Network and system administrators running BIG-IP devices
Security engineers protecting web applications
Architects designing multi-site or cloud deployments
Training managers building an F5 upskilling plan
The exam
The first tier, F5-CA, BIG-IP, is now earned by passing five 30-minute exams, F5CAB1 to F5CAB5, in any order, either online through Certiverse (US$50) or at a Pearson VUE center (US$65); the passing score is 245. Exam 201 remains open only to candidates who were already eligible. Specialist exams 301a/301b, 302 and 303 last 90 minutes each and the expert exams 401 and 402 last 105 minutes; 301a, 301b, 303, 401 and 402 cost US$180 each and are taken at a proctored Pearson VUE center. Certifications are valid for two years; the administrator tier renews through exam F5CABR (50 questions, 60 minutes, passing score 245).
Preparation tips
Start with Administering BIG-IP even if you already use the platform: the F5CAB exams also cover system administration
Pick your specialty according to your job, not how easy the exam looks
Track your pass dates: every title expires after two years
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is the F5 101 exam still available?
No. F5 retired exam 101 on 30 April 2025. The administrator tier now goes through exams F5CAB1 to F5CAB5.
Which F5 course should I take first?
Administering BIG-IP. It underpins the whole path and is the recommended starting point before the LTM, DNS and Advanced WAF courses.
Are there F5 exams 202, 501 or 601?
No, F5 has never used those numbers. The real codes are F5CAB1–5, 301a/301b, 302, 303, 304, 401 and 402.
How long is an F5 certification valid?
Two years from the date you earn it. For F5-CA, you renew with exam F5CABR.
Are the courses available in French?
Yes, we teach them in French or English, live online, in Casablanca or at your site, for learners anywhere in the world.