SolarWinds Certified Professional (SCP-500) FAQs

How much does the exam cost?

The exam fee is US$200. Alternatively, members of our user community, THWACK^®, may exchange 60,000 points for the exam fee. If you plan to use this option, follow the instructions in the How to Register for an SCP Exam in the Payment section. Before registering with the PSI Exam Center, go to the THWACK store, select SCP Voucher, and complete the process. You’ll receive a voucher via email within three business days. Use the voucher code on the PSI testing center website during the payment process.

For more information about THWACK and how to earn points, start here.

Who should take the SolarWinds Certified Professional (SCP) exam?

Exam candidates are IT professionals using SolarWinds products who want to demonstrate they have the skills needed to effectively manage network, systems, applications, and/or security and compliance issues. The exams should be taken by those who actively participate in the day-to-day operational tasks needed to support and manage their environments.

SolarWinds recommends a candidate have, at a minimum:

• One year of experience in a technical role, working in network, systems, applications, or security and compliance management or engineering
• Six months of on-the-job experience with SolarWinds products
• Familiarity with the technology and processes related to SolarWinds product features, including but not limited to, PerfStack™, NetPath™, and AppStack™

How long does my SCP Certification last?

Your certification is valid for three years from its date of issue. This helps ensure professionals who hold a SolarWinds Certified Professional certificate stay up to date with the latest product features and evolving software tools

How to register for an SCP exam?

The registration process has two steps:

1. Register on the SolarWinds website
2. Register with the third-party exam proctoring website

First, register on the SolarWinds site by completing this registration form. After registering, you’ll receive a reply from the SolarWinds Certified Professional program team with instructions on how to register with PSI Services, a web-delivered remotely proctored exam system. The email from the SolarWinds team will have details on how to create your account with PSI Services, or you can visit the PSI account creation page here.

If you’re using THWACK points to pay for the exam, you must first exchange your points for a voucher. Please see the How much does the exam cost? section for more information. You’ll need the voucher code to complete the payment process.

Where do I take the SCP exam?

PSI Services proctor all exams. PSI’s proprietary web-based, remote-proctoring technology means you can access exams from any web browser at the time of your choosing.

NOTE: During the registration process, you will need to check your system compatibility. It is essential to complete this step before your exam and make any suggested updates before your start time.

What are the benefits of having an SCP Certification?

With over 300,000 customers worldwide, SolarWinds products are fast becoming the go-to solution for all things IT. Successfully passing the SCP exam and earning a certificate demonstrates you can proactively and quickly gauge and respond to issues in your IT environments using SolarWinds tools.

Those who have completed the certification process have reported preparation for the exam helped expand their knowledge and understanding of the SolarWinds products they already use. This formal certificate, combined with increased know-how, can help you show your value to your current organization, as well as stand out from the crowd and improve your marketability as an IT professional.

After you’re certified, you will have these added benefits:

• Our support team will know you’ve completed basic troubleshooting steps and reports, saving time by skipping the initial information-gathering steps and allowing you to dive right into your issue—or provide faster escalation if needed.
• Exclusive invitations to webcasts from SolarWinds product managers, Head Geeks™, and other IT professionals.
• Access to select GNS3^® courses.

After I pass the exam, how do I receive my certificate?

Upon successfully passing the exam, SolarWinds will issue you a BadgeCert digital badge and certificate, which can be securely shared and verified by employers via the BadgeCert website. You may also print the digital copy of your certificate.

What resources are included with my exam fee to help me prepare for the exam?

• Use the calendar on the SolarWinds Customer Portal to schedule SCP study sessions with SolarWinds experts.
• Prep guides are available here.
• If your product has an active maintenance agreement, you can take virtual classes via the SolarWinds Customer Portal. Find available classes here.

What are the prerequisites for scheduling an exam?

SolarWinds does not require eligibility to take an SCP exam. You can schedule an exam appointment with the online proctoring site, PSI Services after you have registered on the SolarWinds website. See How to Register for an SCP Exam above for details.

Can I cancel or reschedule my exam appointment?

PSI Services requires notification of intent to reschedule at least two business days before your scheduled exam. If you cancel your exam, it will count as an attempt. You have one makeup exam opportunity included in your registration. If you fail to show for the exam, you will not receive a refund. To make changes to your exam appointment, go her.

If I don’t pass the exam, can I retake it?

Your exam fee includes the cost of one retake exam. If you need to retake the exam, email [email protected] to request a retake voucher. You must take the makeup exam within one year of your initial exam date.