TNSR Training and Certification

The TNSR Fundamentals and Practical Application certification course is a comprehensive program designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary for efficient network management and maintenance, utilizing TNSR as a key component. It covers topics such as Zero-to-Ping, interfaces, static routing, DHCP, DNS resolution, NAT, IPsec VPNs, VRRP, BGP, OSPF, BFD, VRF, the RESTCONF API, and more. This course provides the opportunity to engage in self-paced online study, covering relevant materials, followed by a multiple-choice exam and proctored, real-world scenarios using virtual interactive lab environments for those pursuing certification.

The training curriculum encompasses the essential components of the base system widely employed in practice. It delves into common usage scenarios, deployment considerations, step-by-step configuration guidance, and best practices for the implementation of your TNSR high-performance router. Upon completion, you will acquire practical skills directly applicable to real-world situations.

Click the “Curriculum” tab above to get started with the free coursework. Once you feel you are ready to get certified, you can start the process here.

Prerequisites: Attendees should have a strong understanding of networking. A basic level of familiarity with TNSR software is strongly suggested.

The Process

It is important to understand what to expect on the path to TNSR certification.

Upon successful completion of the self-paced videos and thorough review of the supplemental training material, you are now prepared to begin your certification journey.

After you pay for the certification, an email will be sent to you which contains a link that will direct you to the course platform. Once there, you can start the 90-question multiple-choice exam. The allotted time for this assessment is 60 minutes. Attaining a minimum score of 75% is mandatory to proceed to the practical lab segment of the certification.

Following successful completion of the exam, you will proceed to schedule your lab assignment. This two-day event comprises nine labs, with each lab session accommodating a maximum of 20 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Lab exam times are 9am - 5pm US/Central time. You are advised to schedule your lab days during a time that you can dedicate your complete attention to the exercises.

Approximately 24-48 hours prior to the start of your first lab day, an email from the instructor will be sent to you. This correspondence will provide you with instructions on accessing the virtual classroom and provide documentation on the lab completion procedures. If you do not receive this email the day before your lab sessions, please contact certification@netgate.com with your name and email address. Also, please check your spam folders to prevent accidental misplacement of the email.

On the first day of the lab sessions, you will complete labs 1-5 . The instructor will assess your progress, and if deemed satisfactory, you will be granted permission to proceed to lab 6. Lab 6 will also be evaluated by the instructor upon completion. If you receive a passing grade, you may return the following day to complete labs 7-9.

Upon successfully completing labs 7-9 with a passing score, you will obtain certification for TNSR Fundamentals and Practical Application!

Language

Training materials and certification are offered in English. Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

System Requirements

Computer: PC or Mac
OS: Windows, OS X, Linux*
Browser: Recently updated Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari
Installed Software: PDF Viewer, OpenVPN Client (PC or Mac), VNC client**, an SSH client.
Hardware: Headset with microphone

* Some linux systems have problems with audio. Because this is an interactive class, Linux users must ensure that their audio is fully functional
** OS X users may use the built-in VNC client in Finder (Command-K and vnc://user@IP). Other free PC options are UltraVNC, RealVNC, etc.

Is there a fee for this certification?

Yes. There is a fee for the certification. This fee covers the multiple-choice exam and labs that are included in the package. The training materials (videos, documentation) are FREE and you can take advantage of those at any time.

How do I prepare for the exam?

The TNSR Fundamentals and Practical Application certification course encompasses a comprehensive array of subjects essential for proficient administration of a Netgate TNSR security appliance. This course encompasses a diverse range of topics, including fundamental network knowledge, an extensive exploration of TNSR's available services, VPN implementation, multi-WAN configurations, VLAN integration, high-availability setups, and numerous other pertinent areas of study.

In order to prepare for the multiple-choice exam and lab scenario, you should:

• Review the training videos and accompanying supplemental documentation in the "Curriculum" tab
• Have a solid foundation in basic networking concepts
• Experience using TNSR is recommended
• Set aside 60 minutes to take the multiple-choice exam
• Schedule 2 days to take the lab portion of the certification exam

Are there any prerequisites for taking this exam?

Participants seeking to begin the certification process should possess a foundational comprehension of networking principles and firewall functionality. Furthermore, a basic familiarity with TNSR is highly recommended.

As the certification program is conducted entirely online, it is imperative that candidates have access to a computer and a dependable Internet connection. Please note that the learning portal has been thoroughly tested for compatibility with the Chrome browser. Additionally, it is important to emphasize that the course materials, examination, and lab components are exclusively available in English, with no provision for other languages at present.

What score is required to pass the exam?

There are two parts to the exam: A multiple-choice quiz and a virtual lab assignment.

• A minimum score of 75% is necessary to successfully pass the multiple-choice exam.
• The lab assessments are graded on a PASS/FAIL basis and do not receive numerical grades. In the event of a failure in any section of the lab, it is mandatory to retake the test as this outcome is regarded as a failing grade.

Can I use reference materials during the exam?

You are not permitted to use reference material during the exam. The exam is timed and you are limited to 60 minutes on the multiple-choice exam portion. Please note that the proctor cannot answer questions related to the exam or lab content and will only be able to address technical difficulties.

When will I get my exam results?

You will receive your score on the multiple-choice exam immediately after completion. You will receive your lab grade once the instructor evaluates your results. That is usually within 24 hours of completing the lab in its entirety.

Will I receive a certificate of completion if I pass the course?

Yes! We’re excited to announce that all students who achieve a passing grade in the course will receive a personalized certificate from Netgate that includes your name, the issue date, and expiration date. You will be able to download and print that certificate once all sections of the course have been completed and graded.

How can my employer verify that I have completed the certification course?

To verify your active certification, your employer or customer may send an email to certification@netgate.com that includes your name and email address. Our team will promptly respond, confirming the active status of your certification. Please note that no additional information beyond the certification's active status will be disclosed.

How long are my certifications from Netgate valid?

Your certifications from Netgate are valid for one year. You will receive a notice 30 days before your certification expires so that you may begin the process to recertify based on changes to the software and the exam.

If I fail the exam, can I retake it?

If you fail the exam (multiple choice), you are eligible for a one-time retake at no cost. There is no process to retake the lab.  If you do not pass the lab, you will need to purchase the certification again. If you fail the certification and wish to retake, please email certification@netgate.com with the details of your exam and we can facilitate the second attempt.

Can I get a list of the questions and answers to see what I got wrong?

In order to maintain the integrity of the certification process, we do not provide detailed results of the multiple-choice exam.

What is your refund policy?

There are no refunds on certifications or exams.

How can I purchase multiple seats for the certification and lab?

If you need to purchase 2 or more certification exams for your organization, please email certification@netgate.com with the names and email address of ALL participants. Our sales team will be happy to create an invoice and add those registrations to the learning management system. Otherwise, each person should purchase a registration separately.

What happens if I am not able to make the scheduled lab day due to unforeseen circumstances?

If you are unable to meet your pre-arranged lab obligations, it is your responsibility to notify us by sending an email to certification@netgate.com letting us know that you will be absent. We will work with you to reschedule the lab portion of the certification based on the dates available.

Will a proctor monitor me while I take the exam?

A proctor will be available during the lab portion of the exam. Other than addressing technical difficulties with your connection, access to the material, and general functionality issues, the proctor will not be able to answer questions related to the lab itself.