CCNP Data Center
Available February 24, 2020: Updates to the CCNP certification and training program
On February 24, 2020, Cisco will release new certification exams. New training will roll out over the next several months. If you have started working toward the current CCNP Data Center certification, keep going. In the new program, you’ll receive credit for work you’ve already completed.
Visit the CCNP Data Center migration tool for information about migrating your certification in progress.
Learn more
Overview
Why certify?
The CCNP Data Center certification and training program offers comprehensive certification and Professional-level skills focused on the data center solutions, technologies and best practices to design, implement, and manage a modern data center infrastructure.
IT practitioners who are Cisco trained and certified are uniquely qualified for key roles in complex data center environments, with expertise utilizing technologies including policy-driven infrastructure, virtualization, automation and orchestration, unified computing, data center security, and integration of cloud initiatives. CCNP Data Center certified professionals are highly qualified for senior roles chartered with enabling digital business transformation initiatives.
Prerequisites
Valid Cisco CCNA Data Center certification or any Cisco CCIE certification can act as a prerequisite.
Exams and recommended training
Last date to test: February 23, 2020
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Exam information
To earn the Cisco CCNP Data Center certification, you must pass the following exams:
300-175 DCUCI
Last date to test: February 23, 2020
This exam tests a candidate's knowledge of implementing Cisco data center technologies including unified computing, unified computing maintenance and operations, automation, unified computing security, and unified computing storage.
300-165 DCII
Last date to test: February 23, 2020
This exam tests a candidate's knowledge of implementing Cisco data center infrastructure including key protocols, routing and switching protocols, maintenance, management, operations, security, and storage.
300-170 DCVAI
Last date to test: February 23, 2020
This exam tests a candidate's knowledge of implementing Cisco data center infrastructure including virtualization, automation, Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), ACI network resources, and ACI management and monitoring.
300-160 DCID
Last date to test: February 23, 2020
This exam tests a candidate's knowledge of Cisco data center infrastructure design pertaining to deployment requirements and options for network connectivity, infrastructure, storage network, compute connectivity, and compute resource parameters.
300-180 DCIT
Last date to test: February 23, 2020
This exam tests a candidate's knowledge of troubleshooting Cisco data center infrastructure including data network protocols, network virtualization and automation, Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), storage, compute platforms, and management and operations.
Prepare and practice
Self-study materials
Classroom training
The best way to prepare for the CCNA Data Center certification is to take the Cisco-approved training:
Implementing Cisco Data Center Unified Computing (DCUCI)
The focus of this course is on deploying, securing, operating, and maintaining the Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS) and UCS C-Series Rack Servers for use in data centers.
Implementing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCII)
The focus of this course is implementation of LAN, SAN, and Data Center Unified Fabric. The course provides hands-on experience implementing Cisco data center infrastructure.
Implementing Cisco Data Center Virtualization and Automation (DCVAI)
This course focuses on the implementation and deployment automation of Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) and Cisco Nexus switches. It provides rich, hands-on experience building a data center solution.
Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCID)
The focus of this course is data center design based on Cisco solutions. The course includes theoretical content, as well as design-oriented case studies.
Troubleshooting Cisco Data Center Infrastructure (DCIT)
The focus of this course is troubleshooting of LAN, SAN, Cisco Data Center Unified Fabric, Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS), and Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI).
Recertification
On February 24, 2020, the recertification policy for this exam will be changing.
Cisco Professional-level certifications are valid for three years.
To recertify, pass ONE of the following before the certification expiration date:
- Pass any current 642-XXX Professional-level or any 300-XXX Professional-level exam, or
- Pass any current CCIE Written Exam, or
- Pass the current CCDE Written Exam OR current CCDE Practical Exam, or
- Pass the Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr) interview AND the CCAr board review to extend lower certifications
Achieving or recertifying any of the certifications above automatically extends your active Associate and Professional level certification(s) up to the point of expiration of the last certification achieved.
For more information, access the Recertification Policy page.
Resources
Data sheets
Announcements
Frequently asked questions
Case studies
- The sky's the limit for Rickey Keith who transitioned to data center management (PDF - 176 KB)
- Sharon March uses her data CCNP Data Center certification to stay at the forefront of a rapidly changing field
- Colin Lynch embraces big changes in the data center field earning his CCIE Data Center certification along the way
- Learn how data center certifications made Mark Holm an IT powerhouse (PDF - 836 KB)
For partners
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