FAQs
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.
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.
A: An End User, Customer, Employee, and/or Partner becoming certified based on their specific area of expertise with Symantec products.
A: If the exams you took to become a Symantec Certified Specialist or Professional consisted of our NetBackup 6.5 or our High Availability exams using VCS 5.0, you can receive a certification for each exam passed. For more information, please
click here (PDF).
A: Yes, it is a global certification program for IT professionals working with Symantec solutions worldwide.
A: Symantec offers certifications available to Symantec Certified Specialists. See
more information on specific certifications in each category.
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.
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.
A: End user certification does NOT count toward Partner Program requirements. To learn more view this
FAQ sheet (PDF).
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Exams
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.
A: Exams will be available on the same schedule worldwide in English at
Prometric. Translations will be determined on a country-by-country basis.
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.
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.
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.
A: Allotted exam time varies by exam length. It typically takes one minute to complete each exam question.
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.
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.
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.
A: You, Symantec, and your company (if you designate).
A: No. Symantec maintains this policy to ensure security over the exam questions.
A: There is no limit to the number of times a person can take an exam. Exams may be re-taken after three days and only if an individual received a non-passing score for the exam. The same cost applies whether you take an exam once or many times.
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.
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.
A: For more information on specific certifications in each category, please see the certification exam details within your selected product solution
training path.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Certification
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.
A: When a certification is passed, a welcome kit is automatically mailed within 3-6 weeks after the required exam is passed. It is sent to the address provided by the candidate when registering for the exams at Prometric. You can also verify and update your preferred mailing address in
CertTracker. Please note, receipt of a welcome kit can sometimes take longer during USA holidays.
A: The welcome kit for legacy Veritas exams contains an official certificate, a welcome letter, a Symantec Certification Program legal agreement, and access to a gold, embossed Symantec Certified Specialist or Professional logo for placement on personal business cards.
The welcome kit for Symantec exams contains an official certificate, a welcome letter, and access to a Symantec Certified Specialist or Professional logo for placement on personal business cards.
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.
Training and Education
A: Please visit the
Symantec Education web site to find course description, registration, scheduling and pricing information.
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.
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.
