CCNP Data Center Bundle

With the Cisco CCNP Data Center certification, the candidates interested in effectively using data center solutions can validate their skills. This is a professional-level certificate that requires you to pass two exams: one core test and one concentration exam. There is only one core test available, while the concentration exam should be chosen among 6 options. With this opportunity, you can customize your certification to your technical area of focus and validate the skills you want. The tests cover the details of core data center technologies, Cisco Data Center Infrastructure, switches, and solutions.

There are no formal requirements that the potential candidates should fulfill before going for the CCNP Data Center certification. However, it is recommended that you have a good understanding of the concepts covered in the qualification exams, which is why you need to prepare with great deliberation. Also, please note that usually the students have 3-5 years of hands-on experience and know how to implement data center solutions. Possessing the same level of expertise will be a huge advantage for you.

Exam Overview

Cisco 350-601 is one of the qualification exams of the path that every applicant must take. It lasts for 120 minutes and will offer you to deal with about 100 questions. All the items are available in English only, and the test will cost you $400. The potential candidates need to master the following topics to be able to complete the exam with flying colors:

• Network – This domain is all about the application of routing and switching protocols, ACI concepts, and overlay protocols. You should have the skills in implementing infrastructure monitoring and network configuration management. Besides that, it is important to know how to analyze the Cloud service model, deployment model, and packet flow;
• Compute – To deal with the questions from this subject area, you need to know about the HyperFlex Infrastructure Concepts and their benefits. Also, you have to learn about the implementation of Cisco Unified Compute System Blade Chassis and Rack Servers, infrastructure monitoring, and compute configuration management;
• Storage Network – This section evaluates your skills in implementing Fibre Channel, infrastructure monitoring, as well as FCoE Unified Fabric. Moreover, it is vital to have knowledge of the NFS concepts, NAS concepts, software updates, and their impacts;
• Automation – As for the next part, it covers the details of automation and orchestration technologies. You need to know how to implement the scripting and automation tools;
• Security – The last objective includes the information of the application of storage, network, and compute security.

After clearing the core exam, the individuals need to choose among Cisco 300-610, Cisco 300-615, Cisco 300-620, Cisco 300-625, Cisco 300-630, and Cisco 300-635 in order to obtain the certificate. Each option covers certain topics, which is why it is recommended that you visit the official website to know the details of the test you have chosen.

Career Options

Becoming a certified IT professional with the CCNP Data Center certification is the goal of many individuals who want to validate their knowledge of data center solutions and technologies. Those who hold this Cisco certificate possess the professional-level expertise and are able to perform the required tasks. The successful candidates can become Data Center Technicians, Production System Engineers, Data Center Engineers, or Network Analysts with an average annual salary of about $79,000.