Exam Scheduling, Centers, Rules, and Process – Everything You Need to Know
Practical DevSecOps certification exams are designed to test real‑world security skills while fitting into the busy lives of working professionals and university students. This guide explains when you can schedule an exam, where you take it, the rules you must follow, and the step‑by‑step process from start to finish.
Table of Contents
Why Exams Are Held Only on Fridays & Saturdays
Operational and Pedagogical Reasons
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Intensive, hands‑on challenges – Each exam requires 6, 12, or 24 hours of focused work plus a 24‑hour window to submit a detailed report.
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Higher success rates – Historical data shows candidates who sit the exam on weekends clear the exam more often.
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Work‑life balance – Our learners are full‑time professionals or students. Weekend slots minimize the need for taking leave during regular workdays.
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Remote convenience – Exams are taken from home, eliminating travel to a testing center.
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24 × 7 support – Our proctoring and technical team must be available throughout the exam window, which is easier to staff on weekends.
Bottom line: Weekend scheduling maximizes candidate performance, reduces disruption to your work schedule, and ensures round‑the‑clock support.
Exam Locations – No Physical Test Center Required
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Fully online – All Practical DevSecOps exams are self‑served and delivered via a secure web portal.
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No mandatory center – You can log in from any location with a stable internet connection (home, office, co‑working space).
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Device flexibility – Use a personal laptop or desktop; multiple monitors are allowed as long as you comply with the monitoring policy (see below).
Exam Rules & Allowed Resources
| Question | Answer | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Can I eat, drink, or take breaks? | Yes | Short breaks are permitted; keep food and drink away from the keyboard to avoid accidental input. |
| May I use the internet for research? | Yes | Open web browsing is allowed. However, any external assistance (e.g., live chat with a colleague) is prohibited. |
| Can I refer to my own notes or lab code snippets? | Yes | Personal notes, lab scripts, and code snippets are allowed. No restrictions on content. |
| Do I need to disable any software? | No | No specific applications must be turned off, but any Practical DevSecOps lab environments you have access to will be automatically disabled during the exam. |
| Is using two monitors okay? | Yes | Multiple monitors are accepted. |
| Is a webcam required for the entire exam? | Yes | At any time, we can request that you open your camera. |
Exam Process Overview
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Registration & Scheduling
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Log in to the Practical DevSecOps members portal https://members.practical-devsecops.training/coursel.
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Choose an available Friday or Saturday slot (times are shown in your local timezone).
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Exam instructions will be send 10 minutes before your scheduled exam.
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Pre‑Exam Checklist
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Verify internet speed (≥ 5 Mbps download/upload).
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Ensure webcam tools are functional
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Close unrelated applications and disable notifications.
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During the Exam
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You will receive 5 task‑oriented challenges related to the chosen certification track.
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Work in the provided sandbox environment; submit a report for each challenge within the 24‑hour post‑completion window.
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Post‑Exam
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Automatic grading of the technical tasks and manual review of the report.
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Results are emailed within 48 hours business days.
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Successful candidates receive a digital badge and can download the official certificate.
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For a visual walkthrough, visit the official exam page: https://www.practical-devsecops.com/exam-and-certification/
Common Questions & Helpful Tips
Q: I can’t make a weekend slot—what are my options?
A: Currently, all exams are weekend‑only. If a genuine conflict exists, contact support at trainings@practical-devsecops.com; we’ll explore possible accommodations on a case‑by‑case basis.
Q: Do I need a specific operating system?
A: The exam platform runs in a modern web browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox) on Windows, macOS, or Linux. No special OS is required.
Q: How should I prepare for the 24‑hour report deadline?
A: Draft your findings as you complete each challenge. Use a markdown template (provided in the exam starter kit) to keep your report organized and ready for submission.
Tips for a Smooth Experience
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Test your setup 24 hours before the exam using the “System Check” tool in the portal.
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Plan breaks: Set a timer to remind yourself to stretch and hydrate.
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Document as you go: Save screenshots and command outputs; they are valuable evidence for the report.
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Stay offline from collaborators: Disable Slack, Teams, or any messaging apps that could be interpreted as external assistance.
By understanding the why behind weekend scheduling, the flexibility of online delivery, and the clear rules governing resources and conduct, you can approach your Practical DevSecOps certification exam with confidence. Good luck, and we look forward to celebrating your success!