CCNP Data Center Certification: Master Core Data Center Technologies, Automation, and Security
Test your knowledge of implementing core data center technologies, including network, compute, storage, automation, and security.
Define and apply network management concepts, such as routing and switching protocols, overlay protocols, packet flow, cloud service models, software updates, and network performance.
Understand how to implement different types of server systems, update and manage server software, and monitor server performance.
Be able to set up and manage different networking technologies. Manage software updates and monitor network infrastructure.
Understand technologies that automate and streamline network operations, such as REST APIs and Bash Shell, Ansible, Python, and Terraform.
NIL Learning Services
| Recommended training | Exams | Type of Exam |
|---|---|---|
| (DCCOR) Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies | Exams: 350-601 DCCOR | Type of Exam: Core |
| (DCID) Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure | Exams: 300-610 DCID | Type of Exam: Concentration |
| (DCIT) Troubleshooting Cisco Data Center Infrastructure | Exams: 300-615 DCIT | Type of Exam: Concentration |
| (DCACI) Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure | Exams: 300-620 DCACI | Type of Exam: Concentration |
| (DCNAUTO) Automating Cisco Data Center Networking Solutions | Exams: 300-635 DCNAUTO | Type of Exam: Concentration |
| (DCAI) Implementing Cisco Data Center AI Infrastructure | Exams: 300-640 DCAI | Type of Exam: Concentration |
| CCNP 525 Data Center | Exams: CCNP Data Center | Type of Exam: Practical - Lab |
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for CCNP Data Center, but you should have a good understanding of the exam topics before taking the exam.
CCNP candidates often also have three to five years of experience implementing data center solutions.
Required Exams
Core Exam (required):
350-601 DCCOR
Concentration Exams (choose one):
300-610 DCID
300-615 DCIT
300-620 DCACI
300-635 DCNAUTO
300-640 DCAI
Recertification
Your certification is valid for three years. A CCNP level certification requires 80 CE Credits and you earn CE Credits from the following options:
Exam path:
- Pass one of any Associate level exams (200-xxx) – Earn 30 CE Credits
- Pass one of any Concentration level exams (300-xxx) – Earn 40 CE Credits
- Pass one of any Core level exams (350-xxx) – Earn 80 CE Credits
- Pass the CCDE Written exam (400-007) – Earn 120 CE Credits
Note: Candidates who have previously passed a Core exam (350-xxx) and still active can also take the CCIE Lab exam to recertify existing certifications.
Course path:
- Select from listed courses or digital learning that can be taken to accumulate the required CE Credits.