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DCNI Requirements



To achieve an Advanced Data Center Networking Infrastructure Specialization, partners must fulfill each of the following defined job roles:

  1. Account Manager
  2. Systems Engineer
  3. Field Engineer

In addition to the above unique individual role requirements, the following two Cisco Qualified Specialist badges are required:

  1. Cisco Data Center Application Services Design Specialist
  2. Cisco Data Center Application Services Support Specialist

Any individual(s) who holds the above Cisco Qualified Specialist badges can meet this requirement, regardless of whether or not they are filling the required job roles (AM, SE or FE).

Role sharing allows a single individual to fulfill similar roles across 2 or more specializations, based upon the specialization and the role. Cisco has reduced the number of unique individuals required across Express, Advanced, and Master Specializations, however, the total number of individuals required to achieve each certification level remains unchanged. A single qualified individual may fill only the AM role in up to a total of 4 specializations. A single qualified individual may fill only the SE role in up to a total of 2 specializations. A single qualified individual may fill only the FE role in up to a total of 2 specializations. Individuals may not cross-populate between the AM, SE and FE roles. SMB, CRM Express and VPN-Firewall specializations are not limited by the above allocation rules.

Because technology continues to evolve, Cisco specialization requirements are subject to change. Please refer to this site often to ensure that you meet all current program requirements before you submit your specialization application.

View the Return on Investment for this specialization.

Refer to the Specialization Role Requirements Comparison Chart to view how exams relate to each Cisco specialization and roles.

The Advanced Data Center Networking Infrastructure Specialization requirements are as follows (also see Announcements for any updates):

Account Manager
Responsible for Advanced Data Center Networking Infrastructure sales methodology and customer engagement.

Prerequisite:

  • Cisco Sales Expert (#646-204)

Required Certification:

  • Cisco Data Center Networking Sales Specialist

View Learning Map (Requires PEC login)


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Systems Engineer
Pre-sales engineer; responsible for Advanced Data Center Networking Infrastructure planning and design.

Prerequisite:

  • CCDA
    (CCDP and CCIE supersede)

Required Certification:

  • Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist

View Learning Map (Requires PEC login)


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Field Engineer
Post-sales engineer; responsible for Advanced Data Center Networking Infrastructure solution implementation and operation.

Prerequisite:

  • CCNP
    (CCIE may supersede)

Required Certification:

  • Cisco Advanced Data Center Networking Infrastructure Support Specialist

View Learning Map (Requires PEC login)

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The below can be fulfilled by the individuals for each role in the specialization or by anyone on staff at the partner company who qualifies for these additional two requirements:

Cisco Data Center Application Services Design Specialist
Pre-sales engineer; responsible for Advanced Data Center Applications Services planning and design. An individual fulfilling this role has an option to pass either of the following:

Prerequisite:

  • CCDA

Required Certification:

  • Cisco Data Center Application Services Design Specialist

View Learning Map (Requires PEC login)


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Cisco Data Center Application Services Support Specialist
Post-sales engineer; responsible for Advanced Data Center Applications Services solution implementation and operation. An individual fulfilling this role has an option to pass any of the following:

Prerequisite:

  • CCNA

Required Certification:

  • Cisco Data Center Application Services Support Specialist

View Learning Map (Requires PEC login)


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Note: If a partner does not remain in compliance with the applicable specialization or certification requirements, Cisco reserves the right to revoke the specialization or certification. Partners must notify Cisco of its non-compliance promptly, but in no event more than thirty (30) days after partner first becomes aware of its non-compliance. Upon receipt of such notice, partner may qualify for an extension of time in which to renew its compliance with the applicable specialization or certification requirements. Partner's failure to provide such notice may disqualify partner from receiving such an extension. If no extension is granted or if partner fails to comply with the certification or specialization requirements by the end of the extension period, Cisco reserves the right to revoke the applicable specialization or certification immediately. Additional information regarding non-compliance may be found in the Audit and Policies Document.

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