Is there any concern about the flood of exams that will need to be graded when Nov 13th rolls around or will it be changed to an online test at that point?
The Advanced/Gold exam structure and experience is not changing much, we are updating the question content. So it is still considered a traditional manually graded exam. The Study Guide we have highlights the general knowledge checks one would expect on an advanced test: Topics Covered | Inductive Automation Training
There are changes we've made, and will make, as the updated advanced test is released to ensure they can be graded at a fair interval. So while our grading queue is always on our mind, I am not overly concerned since the test takes everyone a variable amount of time to complete, and because the new test will be available for quite some time before any certs expire. Meaning people who are looking to renew it sooner will have that opportunity.
Great, I done the gold certification this year and my colleagues want to do the certification in a few months. It would be inconvenient if we had to do the certification again on version 8.3.
Thanks
Is it possible to use any AI tools like chatgpt during the core test for helping like. programming syntax or smart browsing?!
Our Certification tests are a test of your abilities, not an AI. The test instructions specifically prohibit using AI like ChatGPT to answer questions.
Can I use 8.3 to take the core cert test? The instruction says I should have 8.1 installed:
I’ve just got my core certificate few weeks ago. and it is stated clearly that the test is based on 8.1 version for now.
awesome, thanks. I just wanted to make sure the instruction was up to date.
you must use 8.1. because you will install the exam backup file to your gateway. so you don’t want any compatibility issues during the exam.
good luck
thanks @a.alghannam 
Hi , I am in may 2026. do i still need to install ignition 8.1 to take the core certification test?
currently i have 8.3, so for the love of system performance, do i need to delete and install 8.1
If you don't want to delete v8.3, don't. Use a VM and install v8.1 there. Learning to use VMs or Docker is pretty important in today's world, so it won't be wasted.
(I don't ever install Ignition gateway's directly in my workstation.)
The training page says that once a section has been started, it must be completed within the time limit. What if there are technical difficulties with Ignition itself during the test? Will time be allotted to troubleshoot this?
For example, while taking the practice test, I ran into Component Security - Security Settings won't open, and while working on the Ignition Design Challenge, I ran into [Bug] Report paths for gateways on non-windows systems produce badly behaved paths.
And similarly, what if there are circumstances such as inclement weather that may require the test-taker to be unable to use their session time?
How would the test taker communicate about these types of issues, and what kind of response could they expect? I understand these are unlikely scenarios, but given the cost and time needed for the test, being unable to resolve issues from external factors would be frustrating.
Also, the gold certification questions mention that if your gold or core certification expires, then you only need to retake the gold certification. However, I cannot find any other mention of how long a core certification is valid for.
An issue outside of the test takers control is something you'd email them about on the address in the test instructions. Worst case a section can be reset if you lost internet or power all day after starting a timer.
If during the test you think you've encountered an Ignition bug, I'd recommend completing all of the other question in that section before troubleshooting. If it is a bug emailing them with the prompt, and environment details, would allow them to fix it or adjust the question (but finish any active sections first).
Core or Gold Certifications last 3 years.
Gold certification needs to be renewed before it expires. Once it expires you are back to square one.
How long does my certification last?
There's no annual fee for certification, and all certification levels are granted for a three-year period starting when your certification is earned. When your expiration nears you can purchase and pass a test to renew the certification. If you have a valid Gold certificate you can renew at the Gold level without completing Core again. If you completed a Gold test recently a new one will be available before your certificate expires.
I believe that changed recently so you only have to renew gold and not core if you missed the expiration of your gold cert.