Frequently Asked Questions and Exam-taking Tips

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.

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™

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.

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.

If you have questions about the PSI testing experience, visit their FAQs.

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.

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.

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 a digital copy of your certificate.

If your product has an active maintenance agreement, you can take virtual classes via the SolarWinds Customer Portal. Find available classes here.

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.

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 here.

If you have an emergency, email certification@solarwinds.com and we’ll work with you to find a solution.

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

Your name on your ID must be exactly the name you used for your registration. You need a valid, government-issued ID that shows your name in the English alphabet, your signature, and your photograph.

Don’t wait until test time. Make sure your system—including your video—is ready for you to take the test. A proctor must be able to confirm your test-taking experience visually. You may need to run upgrades, so give yourself ample time. Canceling due to technical issues will count as your first exam attempt, and you’ll have to reschedule and use your one free retake.

If you have trouble scheduling an exam online, call the PSI Candidate Service Center at 855-579-4642, or email examschedule@psionline.com. A representative from the Candidate Service Center will help you schedule your exam and select your preferred testing date, time, and location.

Email certification@solarwinds.com.