Data Center Storage Networking Design Specialist
Learn more about the Data Center Storage Networking Design Specialist certification.
Announcement
The Cisco Data Center Storage Networking 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 642-357 is May 31, 2013.
The Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Design Specialist certification validates an individual's ability to select and integrate Cisco storage products in order to design a highly scalable, efficient, high-performing storage networking solution based on converged architecture. Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Design Specialist professionals understand how to utilize and employ the features and benefits of the Cisco MDS 9000 Series Multilayer Director and Multilayer Fabric Switches to create a highly available storage network design. In addition, this certification covers the use of Cisco NX-OS and provides a technology overview of Cisco Unified Fabric, Cisco Nexus, and Cisco Unified Computing System products.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites
Exams & Recommended Training
| Required Exam(s) | Recommended Training |
| CCDA | |
| 642-357 DCSNS Last day to test May 31, 2013 |
Designing Cisco Storage Networking Solutions (DCSNS) |
The best way to prepare for the certification is to take the Cisco-approved training:
Designing Cisco Storage Networking Solutions (DCSNS)
The Designing Cisco Data Center Solutions (DCSNS) is designed to give students a firm understanding of how to design a Storage Area Network (SAN) around Cisco FC switches and Directors in the MDS and Nexus series products.
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Self-Study Materials
The following resources are suggested study supplements; they are not designed to serve as a complete self-study program.
- 642-357 DCSNS Exam Topics
- Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Design Specialist Learning Map
- Cisco Wide Area Application Services (WAAS)
- What is Data Center Ethernet?
- Cisco Data Center Network Architecture—At-A-Glance
- Go Virtual, Go Green
- 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):
642-357 DCSNS
Candidates can prepare for this exam by taking the Designing Cisco Storage Networking Solutions (DCSNS) v4.0 course. This exam tests a candidate's knowledge of selecting and integrating Cisco storage products to design a highly scalable, efficient, high performing storage networking solution based on converged architecture. Cisco Storage Networking Design Specialist professionals understand how to utilize and employ the features and benefits of the Cisco MDS 9000 Series Multilayer Directors and Switches, Cisco MDS 9509 Director Switch, Cisco 9216 Fabric Switch, and Cisco MDS 9120 products to create a high availability storage network design.
- Learn more about the 642-357 DCSNS exam
- Register for the exam
- Read current exam policies and requirements
Complete one of the following recertification options every two years:
- Re-take and pass all exams for each Specialist certification indicated on the specific certification page. Please note: this includes ALL exams whether refreshed or not.
- Pass a current CCIE or CCDE written exam
Achieving or recertifying CCDE or any CCIE automatically extends your active Specialist certification(s) up to the point of expiration of the last certification achieved.