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]]>What is CCNP Data Center Certification?
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center Certification is a professional-level certification offered by Cisco Systems, a leading company in the networking industry. This certification validates the knowledge and skills of network professionals to design, deploy, and manage modern data center infrastructure.
The CCNP Data Center certification is aimed at professionals who work with complex data center environments and want to advance their careers in data center networking. It requires a strong understanding of data center technologies, including storage networking, virtualization, and automation.
Benefits of CCNP Data Center Certification
Getting certified in CCNP Data Center has numerous benefits for IT professionals. Some of the benefits are:
- Enhanced Career Opportunities: CCNP Data Center certification opens doors to various career opportunities, including Network Engineer, Network Administrator, Data Center Engineer, and more. It also helps in getting high-paying job roles.
- Industry Recognition: CCNP Data Center certification is globally recognized and respected in the networking industry. It showcases the skills and knowledge of professionals in designing, implementing, and managing modern data center infrastructure.
- Up-to-date Knowledge: All the Cisco certification requires regular updates to keep up with the latest industry trends, which helps professionals stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and advancements.
- Professional Development: CCNP Data Center certification validates the skills and knowledge of professionals, which can boost their confidence and help them grow professionally.
How to Get CCNP Data Center Certified?
To get CCNP Data Center certified, one must pass two exams:
Core Exam: Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies (350-601 DCCOR) – This exam tests candidates’ knowledge of data center infrastructure, network virtualization, storage networking, automation, and security.
Concentration Exam: Candidates can choose one of the following concentration exams to pass:
- Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (300-610 DCID)
- Troubleshooting Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (300-615 DCIT)
- Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (300-620 DCACI)
- Implementing Cisco Storage Area Networking (300-625 DCSAN)
- Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure – Advanced (300-630 DCACIA)
- Automating and Programming Cisco Data Center Solutions (300-635 DCAUTO)
Exam Details
- The CCNP Data Center exams are computer-based and can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center worldwide. The exams are available in English and Japanese language.
- The Core exam consists of 90-110 questions; candidates get 120 minutes to complete. The Concentration exams have 55-65 questions; candidates get 90 minutes to complete each.
- The passing score for the exam is 750-850 out of 1000.
Exam Preparation Tips
To pass the CCNP Data Center exams, one must prepare well and clearly understand the exam topics. Here are some preparation tips to help you pass the CCNP Data Center exams:
- Understand the Exam Topics: Read the exam topics and objectives thoroughly and ensure you clearly understand each topic.
- Get Familiar with Cisco: Cisco provides various resources to help candidates prepare for the CCNP Data Center exams. These resources include study materials, training courses, practice exams, and more.
- Take Practice Tests: Practice tests can help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and identify areas where you need more practice.
- Join Study Groups: Joining study groups can help you connect with other professionals preparing for the these exams. This can be a great way to share knowledge, ask questions, and get support.
- Stay Up-to-Date: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies by attending webinars, conferences, and industry blogs.
Conclusion
CCNP Data Center Certification is valuable for IT professionals working with complex data center environments. It validates the skills and knowledge of professionals in designing, deploying, and managing modern data center infrastructure. Cisco certification has numerous benefits, including enhanced career opportunities, industry recognition, up-to-date knowledge, and professional development. To get certified in CCNP Data Center, one must pass two exams, the Core exam and one of the Concentration exams. By following the preparation tips mentioned in this article, candidates can increase their chances of passing the CCNP Data Center exams and advancing their careers in data center networking.
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]]>Core Exam
350-601 DCCOR (Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies) centers on your knowledge of data center infrastructure, including network, Storage-network, Compute, Automation, and Security.
Concentration Exams (Optional Choose any one)
- 300-610 DCID – Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure
- 300-615 DCIT – Troubleshooting Cisco Data Center Infrastructure
- 300-620 DCACI – Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure
- 300-625 DCSAN – Implementing Cisco Storage Area Networking
- 300-630 DCACIA – Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure – Advanced
- 300-635 DCAUTO – Automating and Programming Cisco Data Center Solutions
Benefits of Earning CCNP Data Center Certification
The progress of technology is causing a significant increase in the amount of data being produced due to the creation of new applications and businesses that link everything together, including people, devices, and machines. The use of intent-based networking allows data center teams to automate the scaling and security of their infrastructure. To benefit from these opportunities, data center professionals require a more extensive set of skills and a deeper knowledge of strategic technology areas. The CCNP Data Center certification program provides the necessary breadth and depth to achieve this.
Here are some of the benefits of earning the CCNP Data Center certification:
1. Salary Increase
Earning this Cisco certificate could lead to a significant increase in your salary. The average yearly pay for a CCNP Data Center job in the United States is $81,746. With five years of experience, you can progress into roles such as data center chief network engineer, deployment manager, or architect, which could yield an annual income ranging from $180,000 to $220,000. This certification could open doors for lucrative career advancement in data center technology.
2. Skill Development
Technological advancements have revolutionized the methods used to gather, classify, and scrutinize data. Cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and big data are some of the technologies being employed by companies to carry out different data-related tasks. At the center of these advanced technologies lies the latest generation of data centers, which manage all the functions and data generated. Acquiring technical knowledge alongside the Cisco CCNP data center certification would be an added advantage. As a result, professionals are likely to witness a parallel growth pattern in their careers.
3. Greater Chances for Professional Advancement
Individuals who hold a certification from Cisco CCNP Data Center possess significant expertise in setting up the essential infrastructure for data centers that are highly adaptable and can fulfill all of a company’s requirements.
Jobs are available after earning the CCNP Data Center certification
- Data center engineer
- Consulting systems engineer
- Technical solutions architect
- Network designer
- Storage Administrator
- ACI Specialist
Who Should Obtain CCNP Data Center Certification?
Individuals who want to start a career in Data Center Design & Management must achieve CCNP Data Center certification.
- Professionals presently working in network Design & Implementation domain.
- Working Professionals contemplating earning Cisco CCNP Data Center Or CCIE Data Center Certification.
- Working Profession who want to achieve CCNP Data Center Certificate.
CCNP Data Center Certification Exam Preparation Tips
Cracking the CCNP Data Center certification exam is complex; not all professionals or information technology experts can quickly sweep through the exams. It takes thorough training, practice, and learning to get through the challenging CCNP data center syllabus that decides your faith.
To clear the CCNA data center exam successfully, here are some tips relevant to every candidate taking up this exam.
1. Quality Time for Preparation
To excel in the CCNP data center certification, it is crucial to devote a significant amount of time to studying the syllabus thoroughly. Since the course content is extensive, candidates may need several months to cover the entire syllabus. It is essential to start learning from the basics and take high-quality notes that can be referred to later for optimal preparation.
2. Use Different Study Resources
The CCNP Data Center exam is a rigorous professional certification, and many publishing houses have released study modules for it. It is not mandatory to rely on a single study module for the entire course. The syllabus is divided into different sections, and candidates can choose the best module available for each section. Seeking guidance and assistance from individuals who have already taken the exam can also be beneficial. To ensure comprehensive coverage of the topics, it is recommended to refer to at least two reference modules per section.
3. Reread and Practice
Merely finishing the CCNP Data Center syllabus once may not be enough to feel fully prepared for the exam. It is crucial to revise the modules multiple times. Therefore, while studying, it is advisable to highlight and mark the areas that require thorough revision, additional practice, or further study later. After completing the syllabus, it is recommended to revisit the modules and review the entire syllabus once more. Practicing in real-life situations or mentally reframing solutions can also be beneficial. Consistent practice is key to achieving success in the exam.
4. Divide the CCNP Data Center Syllabus Into Sections for Learning
Know the weightage of marks on different sections of the syllabus. Pay more attention to the section which is bound to be covered more. Once candidates have divided the syllabus into sections, they can then create a study plan that allows them to work on one section at a time. This approach enables candidates to set specific goals for each section and track their progress more effectively. It also helps candidates to avoid cramming and retain more information over a longer period of time.
5. Practical Training
Practical training can help the candidate understand the practical applications of the concepts learned during the course. One of the ways to gain practical experience is through lab exercises that simulate real-world scenarios. These lab exercises can be done on virtual machines or on real equipment, depending on the candidate’s access to resources. It is also essential to practice troubleshooting techniques and learn to identify and resolve issues that may arise in a data center environment. Practical training not only helps the candidate to be well-prepared for the exam but also enhances their professional skills and chances of success in their career.
6. Practice Tests
To gauge your preparation level, taking practice tests from the nwexam website is recommended once you have studied the CCNP Data Center syllabus. During the final revision phase, which should start two months before the exam, take a practice test each day to assess your readiness. Analyze your scores to identify weak areas that require further improvement, and revisit the relevant chapters for additional study. Regularly taking mock tests will help you build the skills needed to answer questions quickly and effectively, covering a wide range of topics within the given time frame. These practice tests are crucial to prepare you for the actual exam.
7. Unwind Yourself Before the Examination
It’s important to avoid stress as it can make your exam experience worse. You can alleviate stress by giving your mind some relaxation time. This may include listening to music, playing games, or getting a good night’s sleep a day or two before the exam. Taking these measures can help calm your mind and improve your readiness to take the exam.
Conclusion
Efficient learning and high-quality study resources can greatly aid in exam preparation. The amount of time and effort invested in studying, as well as the quality of training, play a crucial role in building up knowledge. Regular practice, revisions, and mock tests serve to refine and reinforce understanding. By committing to diligent and effective studying, obtaining a CCNP Data Center certification can be a more manageable and achievable task than initially anticipated.
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