Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist
Learn how to integrate Cisco Data Center products into a data center architecture.
Announcement
The Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist certification is scheduled to be retired on June 1, 2013. No certifications will be issued beginning June 1, 2013. Candidates are encouraged to pursue Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric Support Specialist certification.
- Last day to test using exam 642-991 is May 31, 2013.
The Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist certification validates an individual's knowledge of selecting and integrating Cisco Data Center products to design a highly scalable, efficient, and high performing Data Center networking solution based on Cisco Data Center Architecture. The following products are covered in learning materials:
- Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches Service Modules
- Nexus 2000, 4000, 5000, and 7000
Prerequisites
Valid Cisco CCDA or any Cisco CCIE certification can act as a prerequisite.
Exams & Recommended Training
| Required Exam(s) | Recommended Training |
642-991 DCUFD OR 642-996 DCUFD |
Designing Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric (DCUFD) v4.0 Designing Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric (DCUFD) v5.0 |
| Note: Channel Partners may use the 642-991 exam in place of the 642-971 exam to meet specialist requirements. For more information on qualifying exams, please visit the Partner Education Connection. | |
The best way to prepare for the certification is to take the Cisco-approved training:
Designing Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric (DCUFD)
The Designing Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric course covers the technologies used in modern Cisco-based data centers, ways of integrating components, and latest guidelines and principles on data center design.
» Learn More - v4.0
» Learn More - v5.0
Self-Study Materials
The following resources are suggested study supplements; they are not designed to serve as a complete self-study program.
- 642-991 DCUFD Exam Topics
- 642-996 DCUFD Exam Topics
- Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist Learning Map
- Cisco Wide Area Application Services (WAAS)
- What is Data Center Ethernet?
- Cisco Data Center Network Architecture—At-A-Glance
- Cisco VN-Link At a Glance
- Data Center Library
- Additional Data Center content
- Cisco Learning Network - A variety of self-study materials can be found here.
Learning Partner Content
- Log in for Partner Education Connection (PEC) curricula.
- Learning Partner Lounges - Find materials provided by Cisco Authorized Learning Partners.
To earn this Cisco certification, you must pass the following exam(s):
642-991 DCUFD
The 642-991 DCUFD Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric Solutions Design exam is the exam associated with the DCNID certification. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge of designing Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric solutions.
- Learn more about the 642-991 DCUFD
- Register for the exam
- Read current exam policies and requirements
OR
642-996 DCUFD
The 642-996 DCUFD Designing Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric exam is one of the exams associated with the CCNP DC certification and to the Cisco Unified Fabric Design Specialist certification. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge of designing Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric solutions, including reference network topologies, routing protocols, traffic design concepts, storage and storage networking architectures, scalability, availability; security and management architectures.
- Learn more about the 642-996 DCUFD
- Register for the exam
- Read current exam policies and requirements