Question 1

What is SSL Labs Server Test used for?

Accepted Answer

SSL Labs Server Test checks the TLS and HTTPS configuration of a public hostname, including certificates, protocols, cipher suites, key exchange, and HSTS. Learn SecByte recommends using it as a focused configuration check alongside the broader [Cybersecurity Tools directory](https://learn.secbyte.org/tools).

Question 2

How do I run an SSL Labs Server Test?

Accepted Answer

Open the official SSL Labs Server Test page, enter an authorised fully qualified hostname, and start the assessment. Wait for the asynchronous scan to finish, then inspect the detailed findings rather than relying only on the letter grade.

Question 3

Where can I download SSL Labs Server Test for free?

Accepted Answer

The main SSL Labs Server Test is a hosted web service, so there is no required local download. For automation, use the official [ssllabs-scan GitHub repository](https://github.com/ssllabs/ssllabs-scan), and read the verified tool information in the [Learn SecByte Cybersecurity Tools directory](https://learn.secbyte.org/tools/ssl-labs-server-test).

Question 4

Is SSL Labs Server Test free, legal, and safe to use?

Accepted Answer

The public test is available without a local licence fee, but legality depends on your permission to assess the hostname. It is safe when used against systems you own or are explicitly authorised to test; do not submit private data or scan third-party infrastructure without approval.

Question 5

What does an SSL Labs grade mean?

Accepted Answer

The grade summarises several TLS configuration factors, such as protocol support, certificate quality, key exchange, and cipher strength. It is a useful baseline, not a complete security verdict, because it does not test application authorisation, business logic, or vulnerabilities behind the HTTPS layer.

Question 6

How do I fix an SSL Labs certificate chain error?

Accepted Answer

Install the leaf certificate together with the required intermediate certificates, normally in the server's expected chain order, and reload the web server or proxy. Re-run SSL Labs and verify trust, chain completeness, hostname matching, and every endpoint behind the load balancer.

Question 7

How do I learn SSL Labs Server Test step by step in 2026?

Accepted Answer

Start by learning DNS, TCP, TLS handshakes, certificates, and HTTP headers, then practise reading a report on an authorised lab domain. The [Learn SecByte learning paths](https://learn.secbyte.org/learning-paths) and [tools directory](https://learn.secbyte.org/tools) provide a structured route from fundamentals to security validation.

Question 8

SSL Labs Server Test vs testssl.sh—which should I learn first?

Accepted Answer

Learn SSL Labs first if you want a guided report, browser compatibility observations, and a quick public-facing baseline. Learn [testssl.sh](https://learn.secbyte.org/tools/testssl) next when you need repeatable local command-line testing against authorised internal or external services.