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 Solution Expert, Cloud
The F5 Certified Solution Expert, Cloud certification validates your ability to identify business requirements for cloud solutions and translate them into technical requirements. Designed for experienced cloud infrastructure professionals, it demonstrates you can integrate multiple components into an optimized cloud solution and communicate its value. Earning it proves you have completed the entire F5 Cloud track and can architect across the full application stack.
Exam formatProctored exam delivered at a test center
Duration105 minutes
DeliveryPearson VUE
Passing score245
Free questions707
Content last reviewed 30 July 2026 · Up to date
The certification
What 402 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.
5domains
29objectives
196concepts
US $180exam fee
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 Solution Expert, Cloud certification is the capstone of the F5 Cloud track. Candidates who pass Exam 402 demonstrate the skills and understanding to identify business requirements for cloud solutions and translate those business needs into technical requirements. They also have the ability to develop and communicate the value of a solution that meets these technical requirements, integrating across multiple components to create an optimized cloud solution.
This certification is designed for professionals who work directly with cloud infrastructure and have experience with roles such as network architecture, application architecture, and working with cloud service providers. The minimally qualified candidate has a sufficient level of knowledge across a range of products and solutions with a focus on integration of multiple components into the most optimal cloud solution.
Who it’s for
This certification is for experienced cloud infrastructure professionals who work directly with cloud infrastructure and are likely to have additional experience with roles such as network architecture, application architecture, and working with cloud service providers. The ideal candidate has a sufficient level of knowledge across a range of F5 products and solutions, with a focus on integrating multiple components into the most optimal cloud solution.
Recommended experience
Experience working directly with cloud infrastructure, with additional experience in network architecture, application architecture, and working with cloud service providers. Experience with cloud infrastructure and cloud service providers; Understanding of network architecture and application architecture; Knowledge of F5 products and solutions with a focus on integration
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 : FOUNDATIONAL CLOUD CONCEPTS
- 1.01 Compare and contrast the various cloud business models and technologies
- 1.02 Apply concepts related to cloud Identity Access Management technologies
- 1.03 Describe the terminology, modules, and technical requirements related to application bursting and mobility
- 1.04 Apply concepts related to application bursting and mobility
Section 2 : CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN
- 2.01 Describe the F5 licensing and support characteristics for cloud deployments
- 2.02 Evaluate variables relevant to the design of a cloud solution that meets business requirement
- 2.03 Enumerate the available permutations and combinations of F5 virtualization technologies
- 2.04 Recognize the constraints imposed by various SDN technologies on F5 components
- 2.05 Relate technical requirements to F5 platforms and virtualization technologies
- 2.06 Evaluate variables relevant to architeching solutions using single and multi-tier F5 products in various cloud environments
- 2.07 Evaluate the variables relevant to the design of green-field data centers and application delivery architectures to function as a cloud service provider
- 2.08 Apply key concepts related to the design on-demand provisioning of application services
- 2.09 Evaluate variables relevant to the design of on-demand provisioning of application services
Section 3 : CLOUD MIGRATION
- 3.01 Evaluate variables relevant to the creation and validation of a Cloud migration plan for applications
- 3.02 Apply key concepts required for the implementation of a Cloud migration plan for applications
- 3.03 Evaluate variables relevant to the implementation of a cloud migration plan for applications
- 3.04 Apply key concepts required to leverage technologies to integrate with various SDN environments
- 3.05 Evaluate variables rlevant to the leveraging of technologies to integrate with various SDN environments
Section 4 : CLOUD DEPLOYMENT
- 4.01 Analyze cloud service provider instance sizing and location as it relates to BIG-IP requirements
- 4.02 Apply the key concepts required to deploy F5 instances on a cloud infrastructure
Section 5 : CLOUD ORCHESTRATION AND AUTOMATION
- 5.01 Apply the N/E/S/W-bound API model in order to orchestrate service creation
- 5.02 Apply the key concepts required to automate and orchestrate using F5 RESTful APIs
- 5.03 Evaluate the variables relevant to automation and orchestration using F5 RESTful APIs
- 5.04 Apply the key concepts required to design a cloud bursting solution
- 5.05 Evaluate the variables relevant to design a cloud bursting solution
- 5.06 Determine how to utilize cloud deployment templates to create on demand provisioning of application services
- 5.07 Evaluate cloud deployment templates for the creation of on-demand provisioning of application services
- 5.08 Apply the key concepts required to create a workflow for dynamic provisioning of an F5 instance
- 5.09 Apply the key concepts required to create a workflow for dynamic provisioning of an F5 instance
On the day
The exam itself
Everything F5 publishes about sitting it, and nothing we inferred.
Prerequisites
Completion of the entire Cloud track, including prerequisite certifications such as F5 Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP (F5-CTS) and F5 Certified Administrator (F5-CA) as required by the progressive program.
Exam code402
CertificationF5 Certified Solution Expert, Cloud
Exam formatProctored exam delivered at a test center
Duration105 minutes
Passing score245
DeliveryPearson VUE
LanguagesEnglish
PricingUS $180
Certification levelExpert
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 Solution Expert, Cloud
PrerequisiteCompletion of the entire Cloud track, including prerequisite certifications such as F5 Certified Technology Specialist, BIG-IP (F5-CTS) and F5 Certified Administrator (F5-CA) as required by the progressive program.
Credential earnedF5 Certified Solution Expert, Cloud Expert level 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 Certified Solution Expert, Cloud relate to other F5 certifications?
The F5 certification program is progressive, with higher-level certifications building on the skills and knowledge demonstrated in previous certifications. The Solution Expert, Cloud is the capstone of the Cloud track, and candidates must complete the entire Cloud track to earn it.
Do I need to earn a lower-tier F5 certification before taking Exam 402?
Yes. The F5 program is progressive, and the Solution Expert, Cloud builds on previous certifications. You must complete the entire Cloud track, which includes earning prerequisite certifications such as F5 Certified Administrator and F5 Certified Technology Specialist.
How do I schedule, reschedule, or cancel my Exam 402 appointment?
You can schedule, reschedule, or cancel your exam through the F5 Education Services Portal. Exams must be rescheduled or canceled at least 48 hours before your appointment. Rescheduling under 48 hours incurs a fee, and you must modify your appointment yourself.
What are the identification requirements for taking Exam 402 at a test center?
You must bring two forms of valid, signed ID, one of which must be government-issued and include a photo. The name on your ID must match the name on your F5 Certified account.
What is the retake policy if I fail Exam 402?
After failing the first time, you must wait 15 days. The second failure requires a 30-day wait, the third a 45-day wait, the fourth a one-year wait, and the fifth or more a 90-day wait. Your retake count resets only when you pass the exam.
Is there a hands-on or lab component in Exam 402?
The official exam page does not specify a hands-on or lab component. The exam is proctored and delivered at a test center, focusing on validating your skills and understanding of cloud solutions.
What job roles does the F5 Certified Solution Expert, Cloud credential map to?
The credential is designed for professionals who work directly with cloud infrastructure, including roles such as network architecture, application architecture, and working with cloud service providers.
Can I recertify by passing a different F5 exam?
F5 does not publish a renewal model for this certification. The official page does not specify recertification options, so it is recommended to check the F5 certification portal for updates.
Information freshness · Content last reviewed on 2026-07-30 Up to date
Practice free questions 707 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.
5domains
29objectives
196concepts
153free 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 : FOUNDATIONAL CLOUD CONCEPTS117 questions
1.01 Compare and contrast the various cloud business models and technologies4 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →1.02 Apply concepts related to cloud Identity Access Management technologies10 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →1.03 Describe the terminology, modules, and technical requirements related to application bursting and mobility6 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →1.04 Apply concepts related to application bursting and mobility9 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →
2Section 2 : CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN189 questions
2.01 Describe the F5 licensing and support characteristics for cloud deployments4 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →2.02 Evaluate variables relevant to the design of a cloud solution that meets business requirement8 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →2.03 Enumerate the available permutations and combinations of F5 virtualization technologies4 concepts · 2 pagesOpen →2.04 Recognize the constraints imposed by various SDN technologies on F5 components8 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →2.05 Relate technical requirements to F5 platforms and virtualization technologies6 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →2.06 Evaluate variables relevant to architeching solutions using single and multi-tier F5 products in various cloud environments4 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →2.07 Evaluate the variables relevant to the design of green-field data centers and application delivery architectures to function as a cloud service provider3 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →2.08 Apply key concepts related to the design on-demand provisioning of application services5 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →2.09 Evaluate variables relevant to the design of on-demand provisioning of application services8 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →
3Section 3 : CLOUD MIGRATION152 questions
3.01 Evaluate variables relevant to the creation and validation of a Cloud migration plan for applications9 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →3.02 Apply key concepts required for the implementation of a Cloud migration plan for applications10 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →3.03 Evaluate variables relevant to the implementation of a cloud migration plan for applications7 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →3.04 Apply key concepts required to leverage technologies to integrate with various SDN environments9 concepts · 8 pagesOpen →3.05 Evaluate variables rlevant to the leveraging of technologies to integrate with various SDN environments8 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →
4Section 4 : CLOUD DEPLOYMENT32 questions
5Section 5 : CLOUD ORCHESTRATION AND AUTOMATION217 questions
5.01 Apply the N/E/S/W-bound API model in order to orchestrate service creation2 concepts · 3 pagesOpen →5.02 Apply the key concepts required to automate and orchestrate using F5 RESTful APIs7 concepts · 4 pagesOpen →5.03 Evaluate the variables relevant to automation and orchestration using F5 RESTful APIs10 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →5.04 Apply the key concepts required to design a cloud bursting solution10 concepts · 7 pagesOpen →5.05 Evaluate the variables relevant to design a cloud bursting solution10 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →5.06 Determine how to utilize cloud deployment templates to create on demand provisioning of application services5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →5.07 Evaluate cloud deployment templates for the creation of on-demand provisioning of application services5 concepts · 5 pagesOpen →5.08 Apply the key concepts required to create a workflow for dynamic provisioning of an F5 instance7 concepts · 6 pagesOpen →5.09 Apply the key concepts required to create a workflow for dynamic provisioning of an F5 instance7 concepts · 6 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.
1.01 Compare and contrast the various cloud business models and technologies5 pagesOpen →
Free in front of it
21 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
707 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.
707questions
153pages
29objectives
Freealways
Start anywhere1.01 Compare and contrast the various cloud business models and technologies 21 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 : FOUNDATIONAL CLOUD CONCEPTS117 questions
2Section 2 : CLOUD INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN189 questions
3Section 3 : CLOUD MIGRATION152 questions
4Section 4 : CLOUD DEPLOYMENT32 questions
5Section 5 : CLOUD ORCHESTRATION AND AUTOMATION217 questions
5.04 Apply the key concepts required to design a cloud bursting solution33 questions · 7 pagesOpen →
5.05 Evaluate the variables relevant to design a cloud bursting solution30 questions · 6 pagesOpen →
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.
196concepts
707free 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.
3official links
196concepts 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 — 29 objectives, 196 concepts written under them, and free questions against every one. When F5 changes the outline, this page changes with it.
29objectives on the outline→196concepts written→707free 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.