---
title: Testing the Apache agent
description: The Apache agent includes a protected start page to help you verify your configuration. This feature is for testing purposes only and is disabled by default.
component: apache
page_id: apache:setup:pf_apache_linux_ik_testing_the_agent
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/integrations/apache/setup/pf_apache_linux_ik_testing_the_agent.html
revdate: June 27, 2024
section_ids:
  about-this-task: About this task
  steps: Steps
---

# Testing the Apache agent

The Apache agent includes a protected start page to help you verify your configuration. This feature is for testing purposes only and is disabled by default.

## About this task

The start page initiates a single sign-on transaction with the identity provider partner. If it succeeds, it displays the HTTP headers that the Apache agent will expose to your application. These headers correspond to attributes from the SAML assertion.

## Steps

1. Turn on the test page:

   1. Edit the `<apache_home>/conf/mod_pf.conf` by adding `#` to comment out the `PingFederateStartPageURL` property.

   2. Save the file and restart Apache.

2. Modify the following URL for your environment and then open it in a browser.

   ```none
   http://apache-server/protected-path/?cmd=PingStartPage
   ```

3. When you finish testing, revert your changes to `mod_pf.conf`.

   |   |                                                                                   |
   | - | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
   |   | For security reasons, you should disable this feature in production environments. |

4. Restart Apache.