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Official specifications published by F5
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302 Exam Topics and Domains
302 is organized into 3 weighted domains. Expect to work with BIG-IP DNS, iQuery, ZoneRunner, BIND, and more.
Concepts
Identify resource record types and their purpose including DNSSEC record types
- Identify resource record types and their purpose
- Identify DNSSEC purpose and GTM implementation
Identify the different zone types and their purpose
Identify the different types of zones (Master, Slaves, Hint, Root, Stub)
Explain the purpose of tools and when to use them
Explain the purpose of tools and when to use them, specifically nslookup, dig, named-checkzone, rndc
Explain the dataflow of the DNS query process [iterative, recursive, lame delegation, host file, and resolvers]
Explain recursive versus iterative
Distinguish IPv4 versus IPv6 query including differentiating IPv4/6 transport versus IPv4/6 query type
- Explain the difference between IPv6 and IPv4 data transport
- Explain the difference between IPv6 record and IPv6 data transport
Given a DNS hierarchical diagram determine what source IP the GTM will receive the query from
Determine query source IP from a DNS hierarchical diagram
Identify DNS security concepts and their purpose
Identify DNS security concepts and their purpose
Describe data center, server/virtual server, and object monitoring including resulting object statuses
Identify the purpose and uses of prober pools
Define the GTM load balancing methods and when to use them [dynamic, static]
Define GTM load balancing methods and when to use them
Identify applicable iRules events including application to WideIP versus Listener
- Identify the purpose and use of Wide IP
- Identify LTM iRule events versus GTM iRule events
Identify the purpose of GTM tools and when to use them [checkcert, iqdump, etc.]
Identify the purpose of GTM tools and when to use them
Explain how zone transfers work
Explain how zone transfers work (multi master, master/slave, DNSExpress, incremental/full, notify/expire)
Given a scenario determine the impact of a custom DNS profile for various types of queries
Explain all features that can be enabled in a DNS profile
Given a query source IP and various pool/Wide IP load balancing methods and topology rules/regions determine the response
Determine the response given topology rules/regions and load balancing methods
Explain sync group/iQuery purpose, configuration and basic requirements
Explain how iQuery is used in sync groups and LTM monitoring
Explain the networking requirements of placing devices within a GTM data center object
Explain and identify GTM objects (Data center, link, server, virtual server, prober pool, pool, wideIP)
Deployment
Explain when to configure translation addresses for local data center connectivity
Explain when to configure translation addresses for local data center connectivity
Explain how to configure GTM sync groups and iQuery
Explain how to configure GTM sync groups and iQuery
Given a set of requirements select the appropriate load balancing methods
Given requirements select appropriate load balancing methods (Wide IP level, pool level, combinations)
Given a scenario select the appropriate deployment type: screening mode, DNS delegation, caching resolver, and DNS 6 to 4
Determine when to use ZoneRunner to manage DNS records on GTM
Explain how to configure GTM to return non-wide IP supported records [MX, SRV, TXT, etc.]
Explain how to configure GTM to return non-wide IP supported records
Given a scenario of specific virtual server status, pool and Wide IP settings determine the answer returned
Determine the answer returned given VS status, pool and Wide IP settings
Given topology requirements configure a deployment using user defined topology prefixes
Configure a deployment using user defined topology prefixes
Given a scenario configure a deployment using auto-discovery
Configure a deployment using auto-discovery
Explain the necessary steps and tools to add a new LTM to a sync group
Explain the steps/tools to add a new LTM to a sync group
Explain the necessary steps and tools to add a new GTM to an existing sync group
Explain the steps/tools to add a new GTM to an existing sync group
Explain how to troubleshoot and verify sync group mesh
Explain how to troubleshoot and verify sync group mesh
Explain the use of device certificates in iQuery [SSL components, expiration, 3rd party certs]
Explain the use of device certificates in iQuery
Explain how to verify that DNSSEC is working
Explain how to verify that DNSSEC is working
Given a scenario explain how to validate system health for proper operation
Explain how to validate system health for proper operation
Operations and Troubleshooting
Given a scenario determine the impact of software updates in a group on monitoring and configuration state
Determine the impact of software updates on monitoring and configuration state
Given a scenario determine the effect of changing the features enabled in a DNS profile
Determine the effect of changing features enabled in a DNS profile
Explain how to renew device certificates and update them in the sync group
Explain how to renew device certificates and update them in the sync group
Explain the impact of restoring a UCS on a GTM
Explain the impact of restoring a UCS on a GTM
Explain the importance of running compatible versions of big3d on the LTM and GTM
Explain the importance of compatible big3d versions on LTM and GTM
Explain how to properly add/remove device from iQuery mesh
Explain how to properly add/remove a device from the iQuery mesh
Explain the effect of adding a resource record without using ZoneRunner
Explain how to maintain zones via ZoneRunner including moves, adds, deletions
Explain the effects and implications of securing/hardening with respect to normal operation, iQuery and resolution
Explain the effects of securing/hardening on operation, iQuery and resolution
Identify GTM specific command line tools and TMSH GTM specific commands
Identify GTM specific command line tools and TMSH GTM specific commands
Given a scenario determine what information needs to be provided when making a support call
Determine what information is needed when making a support call
How do I earn this certification?
Passing 302 earns the F5 Certified! Technology Specialist, BIG-IP DNS (F5-CTS, BIG-IP DNS) certification. It sits in the BIG-IP track.
- 301a - BIG-IP LTM Specialist: Architect, Setup & Deploy
- 301b - BIG-IP LTM Specialist: Maintain & Troubleshoot
- 303 - BIG-IP ASM Specialist
- 304 - BIG-IP APM Specialist
- 301a - BIG-IP LTM Specialist (Architect/Setup/Deploy) Complementary local traffic management specialization
- 304 - BIG-IP APM SpecialistAccess/identity specialization to broaden BIG-IP expertise
Practice with Precision
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How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for 302 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: Blueprint document dated V1-2013 (TMOS v11.2); exam remains published and schedulable per education.f5.com as of 2026-09-23
Who should take this exam?
- Configuring BIG-IP DNS course
- Hands-on BIG-IP DNS/GTM experience