FAQ: F5 Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP LTM BETA exams

F5 Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP LTM exams will be available on the Certiverse platform March 10 - April 30, 2026.

General information about F5 Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP LTM Beta Exams

Q. How many F5 Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP LTM exams are there?

There are six beta exams.

• BIG-IP LTM Specialist Base Configuration and Networking Setup (F5CTSLTM1-B)
• BIG-IP LTM Specialist Virtual Server and Local Traffic Configuration Objects (F5CTSLTM2-B)
• BIG-IP LTM Specialist iRules, Analytics and Templates (F5CTSLTM3-B)
• BIG-IP LTM Specialist Software Upgrades, HA Configuration, and Device Monitoring (F5CTSLTM4-B)
• BIG-IP LTM Specialist Packet Capture/Troubleshooting - TCP/UDP/Application Layer (F5CTSLTM5-B)
• BIG-IP LTM Specialist Packet Capture/Troubleshooting - TLS/SSL (F5CTSLTM6-B)

Q. Do these beta exams have to be taken in a specific order?

No. The beta exams can be taken in any order.

Q. Is there a blueprint for these exams?

Yes. All five exams are combined in one blueprint (attached below).

Q. Are there prerequisites for these beta exams?

Yes. Eligibility for these beta exams requires one of these two options:

Active F5 Certified Administrator, BIG-IP certification 

-or-

Expired F5 CTS, BIG-IP LTM certification

Q. What are the dates for the beta exams?

March 10, 2026 – July 31, 2026

Q. How much do the beta exams cost?

Each of the beta exams cost $20 USD with promo code F5CTSBETA for the first 200 candidates who take the exams. Without the promo code, each beta exam costs $50 USD.

Q. How do I get a promo code to reduce the cost of the beta exams?
The beta exam promo code is F5CTSBETA available to the first 200 people who take the exams.

Q. Are there vouchers for the beta exams?

No. Beta exams must be paid for with a credit card.

Q. Is there a limit to the number of beta participants?

No. There is no limit, and the more people who participate, the better for the quality of the final exams. However, only the first 200 people will be able to take the beta exams at the reduced price of $20 USD each. 

Q. How do I schedule my beta exam?

For detailed instructions, read How do I schedule a BETA exam?

Q. I've passed the 301a, do I need to take all six of the beta exams to achieve certification or can I take the 301b?

You can take the 301b exam for up to two years after the date you passed the 301a exam. The 301b will still be available for candidates who are eligible. However, the 301a exam will be retired in May 2026 after the beta has ended.

Beta Exam Format and Details

Q. What is the format of the beta exams?

The F5 BIG-IP LTM, Certified Technology Specialist beta exams are multiple choice. Some of the questions have exhibits. We recommend you review the entire question and all of the exhibit to answer the question. Most of the beta questions are “select one correct answer,” however there are some beta questions that will prompt you to “select two correct answers.” You must select two correct answers to get credit for that question. Partial credit is not given.

Q. How long are each of the beta exams?

The beta exams are 60 minutes in duration and have up to 60 questions. Exam time will start when the first question appears on your screen. There are no time extensions for beta exams. 

Q. Can I flag questions for review?

Yes, you can flag items for review to change at the end of the exam. However, the exam clock will not stop.

Q. Can I skip questions?

Yes, you can skip questions. However, it is important to flag those questions to review and ensure you have answered them before the end of the exam.

Q. Can I change my answers to the questions?

Yes. You can change it while you are answering the question. You can also flag it to review at the end of the exam and change it then.

Q. What language are the beta exams in?

English

Q. Can I provide feedback to the beta exams?

Yes. You can add comments to each of the questions, but the exam clock will not stop. Your feedback is valuable and F5 Certification reviews all comments. You can also email support@mail.education.f5.com with general feedback. Please do not email exam content in your feedback.

Q. Can I retake the beta exams?

No. You cannot retake beta exams. You can retake any of the F5 Certified Technology Specialist, LTM exams when they are released as a “scored” exam after the beta results have been processed and the scored version is published. This can take up to 30 days after the beta closes.

What to expect when taking a beta exam

Q. How are the beta exams delivered?

The beta exams are delivered online via Certiverse, F5’s preferred beta exam delivery vendor. These beta exams are exclusively online; they are not available in Pearson VUE testing centers.

Q. Where can I get more information about taking exams on the Certiverse Platform?

For general information about taking exams through the Certiverse platform, please see Certiverse Test Taking Resources.

Q. How do I know my laptop will work with the Certiverse platform?

Please check the System Settings on the Certiverse website to confirm you are able to take an exam on your device. 

Beta Exam Results and Certification Credentials

Q. Are the beta exams scored?

Yes. Beta exams will be scored after the beta closes and all of the data from the exams has been analyzed. The process of scoring exams and processing the results may take up to 30 days after the beta period concludes. If you do not pass all exams during the beta, you will be able to take the scored version of the exams once they are published to continue your path to certification.

Q. Do the beta exams count toward the Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP LTM certification?

Yes. If you pass all six exams, you will achieve Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP LTM certification.

If you do not pass all of the exams during the beta, you will be able to take the scored version of the exams once they’re published to continue to work toward achieving your certification.

Certification Development

Q. Can I contribute to the ongoing development of the F5 Certified exams and certifications?

YES! F5 Certification is always recruiting subject matter experts (SMEs) to write and review exam questions.

Please email certdev@mail.education.f5.com to volunteer and we’ll get you started.