Symantec.com > Business > Training > Certification Program > Certification Program

Certification Programs

General Program

FAQs

Q: What is the Symantec Certification Program?

A:The Symantec Certification Program provides rigorous, objective assessments of Symantec technical expertise through securely proctored, computer-based, multiple-choice exams (based on real-world job tasks). The program validates the skills and technical competencies necessary for Symantec professionals to efficiently implement and administer their storage and security environments utilizing Symantec solutions.

Successful completion of the program’s current requirements will result in the achievement and reward of a Symantec Certified Specialist and/or Professional certificates.

Q: Who is the audience?

A: Symantec End Users, Customers, Employees, and Partners (optional). Although each product varies in complexity and depth, all certification exams are created specifically for customers and cover core elements measuring technical knowledge against factors such as installation, configuration, product administration and day-to-day maintenance. While certification is optional for partners and employees, certification is not a requirement of the Symantec Partner Program and does not count toward program classification.

Q: What is a Symantec Certified Specialist?

A: An End User, Customer, Employee, and/or Partner becoming certified based on their specific area of expertise with Symantec products.

Q: Is the Symantec Certification Program available worldwide?

A: Yes, it is a global certification program for IT professionals working with Symantec solutions worldwide.

Q: What certifications are currently available?

A: Symantec offers Symantec Certified Specialist certifications covering several different products and product versions. See more information on the currently available certifications.

Q: Where can I find the individual certification requirements for each certification?

A: Certification requirements, sample exams, exam objectives, recommended training and registration is available for each certification and corresponding exam. Please click here for more information on Available Certifications.

Q: What is the benefit of becoming a Symantec Certified Specialist?

A: Symantec Certified Specialists, and their companies, will gain industry recognition, competitive differentiation, greater productivity/results, increased user community satisfaction, and a tangible measure of their education investment.

Q: Where can I find the Beta testing information for the Symantec Certification Program?

A: You can download the FAQs for Beta testing(PDF).

Q: Does Symantec End User Certification count toward Partner Program requirements, authorization, and benefits?

A: End user certification does NOT count toward Partner Program requirements. To learn more view this FAQ sheet (PDF).

Top

Exams

Q: How and where are the exams administered?

A: The exams are computer-based and delivered at Prometric testing centers. Prometric provides over 4,000 secure, standardized and geographically widespread testing centers in more than 135 countries worldwide. To find out about a test center in your area, please visit Prometric for testing schedules, locations and registration.

Q: Are exams published on the same schedule worldwide?

A: Exams will be available on the same schedule worldwide in English at Prometric. Translations will be determined on a country-by-country basis.

Q: How do I register and pay for a Symantec certification exam?

A: To register for a Symantec certification exam, visit the Prometric web site. After obtaining a login username and password, select the desired exam, a testing center and your preferred date and time to test. Exam fees are payable by credit card or by voucher. View the step-by-step instructions on how to register.

Q: How much does it cost to take an exam?

A: Exam prices vary by country and region. In the United States, the cost is $150 per exam. The Beta exams are $75. Find out about the cost of an exam in your country.

Q: What is the format of the exams?

A: Exams are delivered in multiple-choice format, with each having approximately 65-80 questions. It’s common for the exams to contain exhibits/graphics. We encourage candidates to complete the Prometric tutorial before the exam to best maximize skills on how to view an exhibit alongside an item.

Q: How much time is allowed to take an exam?

A: Allotted exam time varies by exam length. It typically takes one minute to complete each exam question.

Q: How will I be notified that I have passed an exam?

A: Prometric provides you with instant results at the completion of your exam. A score report will be printed and given to you before you leave the testing center. In the case of Beta exams, results are mailed to you 6-8 weeks after the close of the Beta.

Q: How will Symantec be notified that I have passed an exam?

A: Symantec receives candidate exam results daily via file transfers from Prometric to CertTracker. Be sure you keep your personal information in your Prometric and CertTracker profile up-to-date so that you receive proper credit for exams passed and certifications earned.

Q: What score must I achieve to pass an exam?

A: Passing scores vary by exam. For more information on specific certifications in each category, please see the certification exam details within your selected product solution training path.

Q: Who sees my exam score(s)?

A: You, Symantec, and your company (if you designate).

Q: If I do not pass an exam, can I find out which questions I got wrong?

A: No. Symantec maintains this policy to ensure security over the exam questions.

Q: How many times can I take an exam, is there a waiting period, and is there a cost to retake an exam?

A: If you do not pass an exam on your first attempt, you must wait at least 3 days (72 hours) before a second attempt. If you do not pass an exam on your second attempt, then you must wait at least 2 weeks (14 days) between each additional attempt. If you need to retake an exam that you have already passed in order to fulfill a certification track requirement, you may do so after 3 months. The same cost applies whether you take an exam once or many times.

The purpose of a waiting period between attempts is to encourage candidates to take the necessary time to prepare for the exam. At the same time, restricting the short-term exposure to exam content helps reduce instances of content memorization.

Q: How can I find out what topics an exam will cover?

A: Certification requirements, sample exams, exam objectives, recommended training and registration is available for each certification and corresponding exam. For more information on specific certifications in each category, please see the certification exam details within your selected product solution training path.

Q: Are the exams based on current Symantec product versions?

A: Exams are developed for the current version of the Symantec product release at the time of development. Exams may be updated after significant new versions are released. New exams may not always correspond to the software release schedule.

Q: How do I know what software release version an exam covers?

A: For more information on specific certifications in each category, please see the certification exam details within your selected product solution training path.

Q: Are practice or sample exams available?

A: Sample exams are available. Each sample exam consists of multiple-choice items. There is one correct answer to each item, unless you are instructed otherwise. Some items may have a supporting exhibit which you will be directed to view before answering the item. The sample exams are not timed, however, you should attempt to complete them as quickly as you can. Certification requirements, sample exams, exam objectives, recommended training and registration is available for each certification and corresponding exam. For more information on specific certifications in each category, please see the certification exam details within your selected product solution training path.

Q. Why does Symantec list a range of questions for exams?

A: Symantec publishes a range of questions per exam to account for additional survey questions at the beginning of each exam. Symantec also regularly updates exam questions where the actual number of questions per exam may vary from time to time as these unannounced updates occur.

Q: If an exam number is preceded by “251” or “250”, what does this mean?

A: An exam number, such as 251-250, designates the exam to be in Beta format. An exam number, such as 250-265, designates a live/published exam.

Q: How are the exams developed?

A: Top Symantec customers and employees in the field are studied to define the job performance requirements. The results determine the minimum level of competence required for the defined job performance and is tested in the exams.

Q: How are passing scores established?

A: Although it is intuitive to think that an appropriate passing score for an examination should be 70 or 75 percent correct based on personal experiences taking classroom tests, these arbitrary values may not reflect the performance level expected of the “minimally qualified candidate” given the difficulty of the test. For example, if the examination is very easy, a passing score of 70 may be too low. However, if the examination is very difficult, this same value may be too high.

Establishing passing scores requires the application of systematic procedures that consider the defined performance level definition of the “minimally qualified candidate” and the difficulty of the examination. Before the final passing scores are established, they are evaluated to ensure that the available validity evidence supports their use for the intended purpose of distinguishing the “minimally qualified candidates” from those who are not yet qualified. This systematic method is used to establish and maintain the fairness, validity and reliability of exams.

Top

Certification

Q: How many exams must a candidate pass to become certified by Symantec?

A: To become a Symantec Certified Specialist, only one exam is required. Certification requirements, sample exams, exam objectives, recommended training and registration is available for each certification and corresponding exam. For more information on specific certifications in each category, please see the certification exam details within your selected product solution training path.

Q: When and how do I receive a certificate stating that I am a Certified Specialist?

A: On March 10th, 2009, Symantec Education Services switched from paper certificates to electronic certificates for Symantec Certification credentials. Once you have accepted our online certification agreement, your certificate will be e-mailed to you within 2 or 3 days. It is sent to the e-mail address provided by the candidate when registering for the exam at Prometric. You can verify and update your preferred e-mail address or accept the online candidate agreement in CertTracker.

Q: What will I receive in a welcome e-mail?

A: The welcome e-mail for Symantec exams contains an official certificate and access to a Symantec Certified Specialist or Professional logo for placement on personal business cards.

Q: How do I keep my certification current?

A: Symantec Certifications have no expiration date. The no-expiration policy means that the value of legacy Symantec Certifications will be based on how relevant the certification’s competencies are to the IT marketplace. This means that Symantec Certifications, regardless of the associated product versions, will continue to hold their value in the marketplace as long as there is a demand from the industry. When certification verification is required, Symantec will identify product version, thus distinguishing between those who have upgraded certifications and those who haven’t. Symantec highly recommends recertification to remain current with Symantec technology and trends.

Q: Who do I contact if I need to make changes to my Certification profile?

A: Candidates are responsible for updating their personal information in the tracking system to ensure receipt of official correspondence. Update your profile in CertTracker or e-mail customer_certifications@symantec.com.

Q: How can I check on my certification status or check which exams I have passed?

A: Check your status with Prometric. Enter the registration number and validation number as listed on your score report, log in to CertTracker, or send an e-mail inquiry to customer_certifications@symantec.com.

Top

Training and Education

Q: How do I find out about training courses?

A: Product training courses are available through Symantec Education.

Q: How do I find schedules, prices and register for a training course?

A: Please visit the Symantec Education web site to find course description, registration, scheduling and pricing information.

Q: Is training required in order to become a Symantec Certified Specialist?

A: Symantec strongly recommends specific courses to develop individuals to successfully do their job. These courses are not required and are available for those who do not meet the minimum level of competence as tested by the exam. Be cautioned that, attendance in a training course does not guarantee passage of a certification exam. Certification requirements, sample exams, exam objectives, recommended training and registration is available for each Certification and corresponding exam. For more information on specific certifications in each category, please see the certification exam details within your selected product solution training path.

Q: Are there self-study training options available?

A: Some courses are offered as on-demand (web-based or CD format) in the online Education Catalog. Symantec also recommends studying course materials, sample exams, exam objectives, and product documentation. For more information on specific certifications in each category, please see the certification exam details within your selected product solution training path.