You can see it againUnder pressure people bring back shapes and positions long after the wording has gone.
Picture superiority · Shepard 1967, Standing 1973
F5F5 Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP ASM (F5-CTS, BIG-IP ASM)
The F5 Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP ASM certification validates your expertise in deploying, configuring, and managing F5 BIG-IP Application Security Manager (ASM) to protect applications from web-based threats. It is designed for security professionals who secure application delivery with F5 technology. Earning it demonstrates your ability to implement and maintain robust web application security.
Exam formatMultiple choice
DeliveryPearson VUE
Free questions472
Content last reviewed 30 July 2026 · Up to date
The certification
What 303 proves, and what it asks of you
What this certification covers, who it is written for, and what the exam itself looks like on the day.
4domains
25objectives
126concepts
What it is
What this certification is
What it validates, who it is written for, and the experience it assumes.
About this certification
The F5 Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP ASM (F5-CTS, BIG-IP ASM) certification validates your skills in deploying, configuring, and managing the F5 BIG-IP Application Security Manager (ASM) to protect applications from a wide range of web-based attacks. This certification is part of F5's progressive professional certification program, which builds on foundational knowledge to demonstrate expertise in specific F5 technologies.
Achieving this certification proves your ability to implement and maintain robust web application security policies, manage traffic, and respond to security threats using BIG-IP ASM. It is a key credential for security professionals who want to demonstrate their proficiency in securing application delivery with F5 solutions.
Who it’s for
This certification is for security professionals, network engineers, and administrators who are responsible for deploying, configuring, and managing F5 BIG-IP ASM to protect web applications. It is ideal for those who work in application security, network security, or security operations roles. Candidates should have a solid understanding of web application security concepts, including common attack vectors, and hands-on experience with F5 BIG-IP ASM.
Recommended experience
F5 recommends hands-on experience with BIG-IP ASM and a foundational understanding of web application security concepts. Experience deploying and managing BIG-IP ASM in a production environment; Understanding of web application security concepts, including OWASP Top 10; Knowledge of BIG-IP LTM fundamentals; Familiarity with security policies and compliance requirements
The syllabus
What you’ll learn
Every domain and objective F5 measures, with the weight they carry on the exam.
The official F5 exam outline · checked 30 July 2026 · See the source
Section 1: Assess security needs and choose an appropriate ASM policy
- Objective 1.01 Explain the potential effects of common attacks on web applications
- Objective 1.02 Explain how specific security policies mitigate various web application attacks
- Objective 1.03 Determine which ASM mitigation is appropriate for a particular vulnerability
- Objective 1.04 Choose the appropriate policy features and granularity
- Objective 1.05 Determine the most appropriate deployment method for a given set of requirements
- Objective 1.06 Evaluate the implications of changes in the policy to the security and vulnerabilities of the application
Section 2: Create and customize policies
- Objective 2.01 Determine the appropriate criteria for initial policy definition based on application requirements (e.g., wildcards, violations, entities, signatures, user-defined signatures)
- Objective 2.02 Explain the policy builder lifecycle
- Objective 2.03 Review and evaluate rules based on information gathered from ASM (e.g., attack signatures, DataGuard, parameters, entities)
- Objective 2.04 Refine policy structure for policy elements (e.g., URLs, parameters, files types, headers, sessions and logins, content profiles, CSRF protection, anomaly protection)
- Objective 2.05 Explain the process to integrate and configure natively supported third-party vendors and generic formats with ASM (e.g., difference between scanning modes, iCAP)
- Objective 2.06 Determine whether the rules are being implemented effectively and appropriately to mitigate the violations
- Objective 2.07 Explain reporting and remote logging capabilities
Section 3: Maintain policy
- Objective 3.01 Interpret log entries to identify opportunities to refine the policy
- Objective 3.02 Determine how a policy should be adjusted based upon available data (e.g., learning suggestions, log data, application changes, traffic type, user requirements)
Section 4: Administer and evaluate ASM implementation
- Objective 4.01 Describe the lifecycle of attack signatures
- Objective 4.02 Evaluate the impact of new or updated attack signatures on existing security policies
- Objective 4.03 Identify key ASM performance metrics (e.g., CPU report, memory report, process requests, logging)
- Objective 4.04 Interpret ASM performance metrics and draw conclusions
- Objective 4.05 Identify and gather information relevant to evaluating the activity of an ASM implementation
- Objective 4.06 Interpret the activity of an ASM implementation to determine its effectiveness
- Objective 4.07 Differentiate between blocking and transparent features
- Objective 4.08 Evaluate whether a security policy is performing per the requirements (i.e., blocking, transparent, or other relevant security features)
- Objective 4.09 Define the ASM policy management functions (e.g., auditing merging, reverting, import, export)
- Objective 4.10 Explain the circumstances under which it is appropriate to use ASM bypass
On the day
The exam itself
Everything F5 publishes about sitting it, and nothing we inferred.
Prerequisites
No mandatory prerequisites — this certification has no required predecessor exam or credential.
Exam code303
CertificationF5 Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP ASM (F5-CTS, BIG-IP ASM)
Exam formatMultiple choice
DeliveryPearson VUE
LanguagesEnglish
After you pass
Where this credential goes next
The path F5 lays out, how the credential is kept, and where to book.
Step-by-step path to F5 Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP ASM (F5-CTS, BIG-IP ASM)
Credential earnedF5 Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP ASM (F5-CTS, BIG-IP ASM) Certification Lifecycle status
This certification is currently active and available. F5 maintains this certification to validate current skills and industry relevance.
Exam status: ActiveMaintained by F5
Exam registration
Register for the exam through Pearson VUE, F5’s authorized testing partner.
Schedule your examVisit the official F5 certification page for exam policies and requirements.
View the official pageYour coach
And when you are serious, your coach Pip takes over
Your coach in the app reads what you have answered with the book closed and tells you one thing to do tonight. It will not count an answer you gave with the page open, and it will tell you when you are not ready.
See how the coach worksBefore you book
Questions people ask
How does the F5-CTS BIG-IP ASM certification relate to other F5 certifications?
The F5 certification program is progressive. The F5-CTS BIG-IP ASM is a Technology Specialist certification that builds on foundational knowledge. Higher-level certifications, such as the F5 Certified Solution Expert (F5-CSE), may build upon the skills demonstrated in this certification.
Do I need to earn a lower-level F5 certification before taking the 303 exam?
While F5's program is progressive, the provided official pages do not explicitly state that a lower-level certification is a mandatory prerequisite for the 303 exam. However, foundational F5 knowledge is recommended.
How do I schedule the F5 303 exam?
You can register for the exam through the F5 Candidate Portal or by contacting F5 Certification. The exam is delivered by Pearson VUE, offering both online and onsite testing options.
What is the retake policy for the F5 303 exam?
The specific retake policy, including waiting periods between attempts, is not detailed on the provided official pages. For the most accurate information, please refer to the F5 Certification Policies and Program Details.
What job roles does the F5-CTS BIG-IP ASM credential map to?
This certification is designed for security professionals, network engineers, and administrators responsible for deploying, configuring, and managing F5 BIG-IP ASM to protect web applications.
Is there a hands-on lab component in the F5 303 exam?
The provided official pages do not specify whether the 303 exam includes a hands-on lab component. For details on the exam format, please refer to the official exam blueprint on the F5 website.
Information freshness · Content last reviewed on 2026-07-30 Up to date
Practice free questions 472 questions, free, no account needed.
The curriculum
The whole exam, mapped and written
Every domain, every objective, and every concept F5 measures — each one written out.
4domains
25objectives
126concepts
105free pages
The domains, and what sits inside them
Every objective below is a page you can open and practise now, without an account.
The official F5 exam outline · checked 30 July 2026 · See the source
1Section 1: Assess security needs and choose an appropriate ASM policy104 questions
Objective 1.01 Explain the potential effects of common attacks on web applications4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Objective 1.02 Explain how specific security policies mitigate various web application attacks15 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →Objective 1.03 Determine which ASM mitigation is appropriate for a particular vulnerability3 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →Objective 1.04 Choose the appropriate policy features and granularity5 concepts · 2 pagesOpen →Objective 1.05 Determine the most appropriate deployment method for a given set of requirements4 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →Objective 1.06 Evaluate the implications of changes in the policy to the security and vulnerabilities of the application4 concepts · 2 pagesOpen →
2Section 2: Create and customize policies126 questions
Objective 2.01 Determine the appropriate criteria for initial policy definition based on application requirements (e.g., wildcards, violations, entities, signatures, user-defined signatures)6 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →Objective 2.02 Explain the policy builder lifecycle5 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →Objective 2.03 Review and evaluate rules based on information gathered from ASM (e.g., attack signatures, DataGuard, parameters, entities)5 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →Objective 2.04 Refine policy structure for policy elements (e.g., URLs, parameters, files types, headers, sessions and logins, content profiles, CSRF protection, anomaly protection)8 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Objective 2.05 Explain the process to integrate and configure natively supported third-party vendors and generic formats with ASM (e.g., difference between scanning modes, iCAP)4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →Objective 2.06 Determine whether the rules are being implemented effectively and appropriately to mitigate the violations4 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →Objective 2.07 Explain reporting and remote logging capabilities2 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →
3Section 3: Maintain policy45 questions
Objective 3.01 Interpret log entries to identify opportunities to refine the policy4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Objective 3.02 Determine how a policy should be adjusted based upon available data (e.g., learning suggestions, log data, application changes, traffic type, user requirements)8 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →
4Section 4: Administer and evaluate ASM implementation197 questions
Objective 4.01 Describe the lifecycle of attack signatures5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Objective 4.02 Evaluate the impact of new or updated attack signatures on existing security policies3 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →Objective 4.03 Identify key ASM performance metrics (e.g., CPU report, memory report, process requests, logging)5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Objective 4.04 Interpret ASM performance metrics and draw conclusions6 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →Objective 4.05 Identify and gather information relevant to evaluating the activity of an ASM implementation6 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →Objective 4.06 Interpret the activity of an ASM implementation to determine its effectiveness4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →Objective 4.07 Differentiate between blocking and transparent features4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →Objective 4.08 Evaluate whether a security policy is performing per the requirements (i.e., blocking, transparent, or other relevant security features)3 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →Objective 4.09 Define the ASM policy management functions (e.g., auditing merging, reverting, import, export)6 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →Objective 4.10 Explain the circumstances under which it is appropriate to use ASM bypass3 concepts · 2 pagesOpen →
Not a table of contents
Every line on this map already opens
In front of every objective the practice pages are already there, free and without an account. This is one objective, opened.
Objective 1.01 Explain the potential effects of common attacks on web applications5 pagesOpen →
Free in front of it
24 questions on this objective, five to a page. Every range above is a real page, open now, with no account.
Reading the map is not the same as knowing the ground
The curriculum tells you what is on the exam. Proving you know it is a different job — and it is the one the closed-book run does.
Free questions
472 questions. No account, no card.
The whole bank is open. 5 questions to a page, every answer explained, and a discussion thread on each one.
472questions
105pages
25objectives
Freealways
Start anywhereObjective 1.01 Explain the potential effects of common attacks on web applications 24 questions · 5 pages
Browse by domain
Every objective, and every page range, is a link — so you can pick up exactly where you left off.
1Section 1: Assess security needs and choose an appropriate ASM policy104 questions
2Section 2: Create and customize policies126 questions
3Section 3: Maintain policy45 questions
4Section 4: Administer and evaluate ASM implementation197 questions
What a practice page gives you
1Five to a page
Short enough to finish, long enough to matter.
2Every answer explained
Not only which one is right — why the others are wrong.
3A discussion on each
Ask, answer, and vote. Every question has its own thread.
A question, and the idea behind it
Every question comes from a concept
These are not trivia. Each one is written against a concept in the book, so when you get one wrong there is somewhere to go and find out why.
The visual book
See it once. Carry it into the exam.
The pages shown here come from our AI-900 book — an example of how each concept is written in plain language and, where the idea needs one, drawn as a full page you can take in at a glance.
126concepts
472free questions
Why a picture, and not another paragraph
Three reasons, and each one is a real finding rather than a slogan.
You can see it againThe whole idea at onceWhere it starts, what happens in the middle, what comes out, and the mistake to avoid.
Multimedia principle · MayerThe look-alikes sit togetherThe pairs the exam tests are drawn side by side, so the difference is seen, not told.
Dual coding · PaivioWhat one page is made of
You are never asked to read a poster here — only to see how one is built. After that, every other page is legible at a glance.
1A numbered strip on top
The idea as a sequence, followed with a finger before a word is read.
2Panels for the parts
What it is, how the machine learns it, when it is the right tool.
3The trap, framed
The distinction the exam tests, given its own box instead of buried in prose.
4One line at the bottom
The sentence to carry into the exam room.
Open book, on purpose
Answer it with the picture beside you
This is the part that teaches. The illustration and the written explanation stay where they are while you work, so a scenario stops being a memory test and becomes something you can simply look at.
It teaches · it does not count
A smartphone uses AI to unlock when the owner looks at the camera. Which AI capability is being used?
AImage classification
BFacial recognition
COptical character recognition
DObject detection
Look at the five steps. Detect finds a face, align straightens it, encode turns it into numbers, search compares it with a stored face, and decide answers one question: is this the same person? Classification would only say “a face”. Detection would only draw a box. Neither decides whose.
Then the page shuts, and it starts counting
The same questions come back with the book closed — that run is the one that counts. After it, your coach picks one thing for tonight, sized to the time you have, and brings pages back before you lose them.
Testing effect · Roediger & Karpicke 2006 · spacing effect · Cepeda et al. 2006
Official resources
Straight from F5
Where the exam is defined, scheduled and scored.
2official links
126concepts mapped
The source
F5’s own pages
We link to them rather than repeat them, so nothing here goes stale behind them.
Checked against the source
Every objective on the official F5 outline already has questions here
We build from the official skills outline, not from a summary of it — 25 objectives, 126 concepts written under them, and free questions against every one. When F5 changes the outline, this page changes with it.
25objectives on the outline→126concepts written→472free questions
An official page tells you what will be asked. It cannot tell you what you will get right.
That is the only question worth answering the night before, and no link answers it. You answer it by taking the questions with the book closed, and seeing what comes back.