Some Hands-on labs include an option to complete the lab in Challenge mode, instead of the default Guided mode. In Challenge mode, lab objectives are the same, but instructional videos and guides are hidden, and your work is scored once you complete the lab. This allows you to test your knowledge and skills independently.
Note: Challenge mode is available to learners with a Skills Everything plan license, ACG Business plan license, or ACG Personal Plus membership.
In this article
Finding Challenge mode labs
Labs that have Challenge mode as an option include a menu on the lab details page where you can choose between Guided mode and Challenge mode.
In ACG, you can see a list of all labs that include Challenge mode on the Challenge mode page (opens in new tab). These labs are also labeled in search results on ACG.
See Hands-on labs: getting started for instructions on finding cloud labs.
Taking labs in Challenge mode
- On the lab details page, switch the lab mode from Guided to Challenge.
- Click Start Lab.
- Sign in to the cloud console and complete the lab objectives.
- When you’re finished, click Complete Lab, then click Submit to confirm.
Once you submit your lab, you'll see a results page showing your overall score as well as your pass/fail status by objective. You’ll have the option to try the lab in Guided mode, or Redo the lab to give Challenge mode another shot.
Common questions
How are Challenge mode labs scored?
Our Content team uses their technical expertise to determine how each lab is scored. Lab scoring could depend on the following factors:
- The number of objectives within the lab
- The type(s) of objectives
- What threshold a passing score should meet
If you believe your score was calculated incorrectly, or if you spot an issue with the lab, let us know. Click the thumbs up or thumbs down to rate the lab and read a comment, or contact Support.
Why are some objectives not scored?
Some objectives aren’t scored because they’re prerequisites, not measurable, too simple, or too complex. For example, an objective that requires you to go to the AWS sandbox—which is merely visiting a web page—is too simple to score. Additionally, objectives that are considered prerequisites to larger objectives are often not scored to simplify the scoring process.