Exam Process, Timing, and Lab Rules for Practical DevSecOps Certifications

Preparing for a Practical DevSecOps certification exam can feel overwhelming—especially when you need to understand lab access, exam duration, reporting requirements, and proctoring policies. This guide walks you through everything you need to know before you sit for your exam, from how long your lab environment stays active to the step‑by‑step exam workflow and camera expectations. Use the information below to plan your schedule, avoid surprises, and focus on demonstrating your DevSecOps expertise.

Table of Contents

1. Lab Availability & Shutdown Times

2. Exam Duration, Reporting Window, and Example Timeline

3. Step‑by‑Step Exam Process

4. Camera & Room‑Inspection Policy

5. Quick Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Lab Availability & Shutdown Times

Your exam lab is provisioned for the exact length of the exam you are taking. The lab does not automatically shut down after a generic two‑hour window; instead, it follows the specific duration assigned to each certification track.

What This Means for You

• No need to refresh every two hours. The lab remains active for the full allotted period, allowing you to work at your own pace.

• Plan your work accordingly. If you have a 6‑hour exam, make sure you complete all hands‑on tasks before the lab expires. For the 24‑hour CDE lab, you have a full day to experiment, document, and gather evidence.

Exam Duration, Reporting Window, and Example Timeline

Each Practical DevSecOps exam consists of two distinct phases:

1. Live Exam Window – The time you spend answering questions and performing lab tasks.

2. Report Submission Window – The period after the live exam during which you compile evidence and submit your final report.

Typical Timing Structure

Key Takeaway: After the live exam finishes, you have 24 hours to gather all required evidence, format your findings, and submit the final report. Be sure to review the Exam Instruction Document for the exact evidence checklist.

For a complete list of exam duration details, visit the official page:
Practical DevSecOps Exam & Certification Overview

Step‑by‑Step Exam Process

Follow these steps to ensure a smooth exam experience:

1. Schedule Your Exam

   • Choose a date and time that fits your personal schedule.

   • You’ll receive a confirmation email with the exam slot.

2. Pre‑Exam Notification

   • Ten (10) minutes before the start time, you’ll get an email containing the dedicated communication channel (Slack, Teams, etc.) and all necessary links.

3. Enter the Exam Channel

   • The channel includes:

     • Lab access credentials

     • Exam instructions and FAQ

     • Contact information for 24/7 support staff

4. Begin the Live Exam

   • Log into the provided VM(s) and start working on the tasks.

   • Remember the lab shutdown time for your certification track.

5. Gather Evidence

   • Capture screenshots, logs, and configuration files as you progress.

   • Store evidence in the designated folder or cloud location specified in the instructions.

6. Submit Your Report

   • Compile evidence into the required report format (PDF, Markdown, etc.).

   • Upload the report before the 24‑hour deadline.

7. Post‑Exam Support

   • If you encounter any issues that weren’t covered in the FAQ, the support team is available around the clock to assist.

Camera

• Camera Use: A webcam is required for the exam itself.

Quick Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for Success

• Test Your Lab Access Early: Log in to the lab as soon as you receive credentials to verify connectivity.

• Create a Checklist: Use the evidence checklist from the instruction document to avoid missing any required artifacts.

• Set Timers: For 6‑hour exams, set a midway reminder (e.g., at 3 hours) to ensure you have enough time for report preparation.

• Backup Evidence: Save screenshots and logs in two locations (local and cloud) to prevent accidental loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

By understanding lab availability, exam timing, and the overall process, you can focus on showcasing your DevSecOps skills rather than worrying about logistics. Good luck on your certification journey!