Network Security Essentials

You must achieve a score of at least 75% to pass a WatchGuard technical certification exam.

The Network Security Essentials exam assesses a candidate’s understanding of basic networking concepts as well as their ability to operate, set up, and monitor a WatchGuard Firebox.

Network Security Essentials Online Tutorial

The policy to reschedule or cancel an exam is different depending on the exam you have scheduled.

Online Proctored Exams: You can reschedule an online proctored exam with no additional costs up to the start time of the exam.

• Exams at Kryterion Test Centers: You must reschedule or cancel your exam at least 72 hours before the exam start time to avoid additional fees.
• If you miss your scheduled exam appointment, you forfeit your exam fee and are not eligible for a refund.

When you purchase an exam, you will receive an automatic confirmation email which acts as your receipt. If you need an actual invoice, you can generate them yourself from your Kryterion WatchGuard-branded Webassessor account by selecting the Generate Receipts button. See the Generate Exam Receipt instructions for more details.

In order to maintain the integrity of the exam, we do not provide detailed information on your exam results. High-level feedback is provided at the end of your exam.

You will receive your exam results on-screen immediately after you complete the exam. You will also receive the results in an email. If you pass the exam, the email message will include a date-stamped certificate for your records.

You must bring two (2) forms of personal identification (ID). Both forms of ID must have your signature, and one of the two forms of ID must have your photo. Valid forms of identification include: current driver’s license, current passport, or equivalent. Food, laptops, backpacks, notepads, pens, or other personal equipment are NOT allowed in the test area. Please note that during the exam check-in process, you will be asked to turn out exterior pockets (on jackets, jeans, slacks, etc.) to verify that the pockets are either empty or that they do not contain any prohibited items. Additionally, external eyewear will be inspected to make sure that it is not technology-enabled.

If you fail an exam, you can take it again at the one-time retake fee of $100. Subsequent attempts will cost $200. To request, a coupon code for the one-time 50% retakes discount, email [email protected].

Certification is valid for two years.

No reference material or study aids are allowed when you take the exam.

Prepare for the How to prepare for Network Security Essentials Interview with a focus on detailed concepts and a learning guide.

Yes, and we recommend that you allow at least 24 hours between the time you schedule an online proctored exam and when you take the exam to make sure you have met all requirements. You can find detailed information on these requirements in the Kryterion Test Taker Guide. To summarize:

• Install Sentinal Secure™ software, which will lock your computer down during the exam to prohibit the use of computer test aids.
• Create a biometric profile based on facial recognition. Make sure no other people show in the background of your photo.
• Make sure you have a Kryterion-approved webcam. Internal webcams are not approved, as the online proctor must be able to see you, your hands, and your computer monitor as you take the exam.
• Verify your computer OS and installed applications support the online proctoring process.
• Make sure your desk area is clear and your mobile phone is not accessible. You may be required to remove and show watches, bracelets, any large jewelry, or eye glasses to make sure they are not technology-enabled.
• During the exam, you cannot speak out loud and/or interact with other people.

The exam fee for all exams is the US $200 and can be paid with any major credit card. You pay Kryterion for the exam when you register to take the exam. The price is the same whether you go to a Kryterion testing centre or take the exam through Kryterion’s online proctoring system. By law, Kryterion is required to collect appropriate taxes in many jurisdictions around the world. This tax will be calculated based on the location of the scheduled exam session at time of purchase and will be added to the total exam cost. Each test taker must create their own account and the exam must be registered and paid for while logged in as that test taker.

We provide an Exam Guide for each exam. The Exam Guide includes a description of the exam, information on what to study to prepare for the exam, and several sample exam questions. We also provide Study Guides (login required). These guides supplement the basic recorded video training available.

You can register from the Technical Training page in the WatchGuard Portal (for Customers) or the Learning Center (for Partners), or by going directly to the WatchGuard Exam Registration Site. All exams are scheduled based on the time zone associated with the address used when your exam account is created. Make sure to select the appropriate AM/PM time since there could be time slots available throughout the day and night.

The Network Security Essentials Exam consists of 70 that need to be completed within a time span of 120 minutes. You need to manage your time accordingly. 

Learn more with Network Security Essentials Exam Format

Refunds are granted by our exam delivery partner, Kryterion when you cancel your exam with 72 hours notice. No other refund requests are granted.

WatchGuard offers technical certification exams at authorized Kryterion testing centres worldwide. If it is not convenient for you to travel to a testing centre, you can also use Kryterion’s online proctoring service to take an exam from your home or office.

Learning resources focus on achieving Network Security Essentials certification, it is important to cover up all the knowledge of basic networking and how to manage, configure and monitor a WatchGuard Firebox. 

Network Security Essentials Cheat Sheet

Network Security Essentials Exam Study Guide

The WatchGuard Network Security Essentials exam tests a candidate’s knowledge of basic networking and how to manage, configure and monitor a WatchGuard Firebox. 

Network Security Essentials Preparation Guide