Firstly, obtaining F5 CAB1 (BIG-IP Administration Install, Initial Configuration, and Upgrade) in the European and American markets in 2026 still holds clear value. It is the first mandatory exam for F5-CA (BIG-IP Certified Administrator), focusing on the installation, initial configuration, and upgrade of BIG-IP. It is a key credential for entry-level and advanced positions in application delivery and network security, especially suitable for network operations, DevOps, and security engineers.

Next, SPOTO will conduct analysis from multiple dimensions to meet the actual needs of the European and American markets

1. Value judgment: key reasons worth taking the exam

(1) Basic entry threshold for application delivery positions

By 2026, over 80% of top companies and government agencies in finance, retail, healthcare, and other industries in Europe and America will prioritize F5-CA related exams when recruiting BIG-IP administrators and application delivery engineers.

In the selection of suppliers for the US Department of Defense and EU digital service infrastructure projects, the number of F5 certified personnel is also used as a technical capability evaluation indicator. CAB1, as the first exam of F5-CA, is the basic certificate to prove the ability to independently complete BIG-IP deployment and basic operations. Those without certification can only engage in edge network support work and are difficult to enter core operations or project teams.

(2) Salary stability premium in the field of application delivery

According to data from the European and American markets in 2026, the salary of F5-CA holders is 15%-25% higher than that of non holders with equivalent experience. The premium comes from the core capabilities validated by CAB1, ensuring the stability and security of enterprise application delivery, and directly reducing the risk of business interruption.

(3) Seamless connection between skills and scenarios

The 2026 F5 CAB1 exam syllabus has been updated, focusing on the latest version installation and deployment of BIG-IP, software image management, license configuration, security access control, management of network connectivity settings, upgrade process optimization, and other core content, fully in line with the cloud and automation trends of European and American enterprises.

The process of preparing for CAB1 is to master the essential skills required by enterprises. After obtaining the certificate, one can directly undertake the deployment and basic operation and maintenance of BIG-IP equipment without the need for additional pre job adaptation.

(4) BIG-IP talent supply exceeds demand

According to official data from F5, there is an annual shortage of over 30000 professional talents with BIG-IP deployment and configuration capabilities in the European and American markets, especially in core industries such as finance, healthcare, and retail.

As an entry-level certification, CAB1 can quickly help practitioners enter the enterprise application delivery team. Some companies also provide special training and project bonuses for certificate holders to help them complete the F5-CA full certification path and further enhance their competitiveness.

(5) Beginner certification for F5 certification ecosystem

CAB1 is the first exam for F5-CA certification. After passing it, you can continue to take CAB2-CAB5 to obtain the complete F5-CA qualification, and then move towards higher-level certifications such as Technical Professional and Security Solutions. The approval of CAB1 is a crucial first step in building the F5 technology capability system and unlocking advanced career paths.

In the European and American markets, F5 advanced certification is an important qualification for entering the core operation and maintenance teams of large enterprises and third-party consulting agencies, such as application security projects in the financial industry and traffic management optimization projects in the telecommunications industry, all of which prioritize F5 certified talents.

(6) Controllable cost and stable return

The cost of the F5 CAB1 exam in 2026 is approximately $130, with no mandatory training requirements and low preparation costs. Full time exam preparation takes 2-3 months, part-time exam preparation takes 3-4 months to pass, and F5 provides free official study guides, video tutorials, and community resources for candidates to further reduce exam preparation costs.

After passing CAB1, one can quickly enter the workplace and accumulate project experience, laying the foundation for obtaining a complete F5-CA and advanced certification in the future. At the same time, the renewal of F5 certification can be completed for free through participation in technical training, project practice, and other methods, ensuring that the certification holder's abilities are continuously updated and achieving long-term career value enhancement.

2. Minority situations that are not suitable for admission

Positions that do not involve BIG-IP equipment operation and maintenance (such as pure software development, traditional network routing and switching) have limited value for CAB1.

Short term no career advancement plan, only engaged in basic network support work, and not exposed to practitioners of application delivery platforms.

Conclusion: In the 2026 European and American markets, F5 CAB1 is a high-value entry-level certification for practitioners engaged in or planning to engage in application delivery, network operations, and DevOps. It can quickly enhance job competitiveness, increase salary premiums, and open up career advancement channels. If the goal is to enter the application delivery team of European and American enterprises, or to develop in the F5 technology ecosystem, obtaining CAB1 is a worthwhile investment.

What are you waiting for? Come and take a look at SPOTO's F5 CAB1 training camp, where there are abundant learning resources and a team of professional professors to help you pass the F5 CAB1 certification exam in one go!