Achieving CCNP Data Center certification proves your skills with data center solutions. To earn CCNP Data Center certification, you pass two exams: one that covers core data center technologies and one concentration exam of your choice, so you can customize your certification to your technical area of focus.
Candidates must pass the required exams to earn the certification. Having an active Specialist certification does not fulfill the exam requirements for Professional- and Expert-level certifications.
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.
Understanding Cisco Data Center Foundations (DCFNDU) is highly recommended for candidates to gain Data Center technology foundation knowledge before attempting CCNP Data Center certification.
Exams and recommended training
To earn CCNP Data Center, you pass two exams: a core exam and a concentration exam of your choice.
- The core exam focuses on your knowledge of data center infrastructure. The core exam is also the qualifying exam for CCIE Data Center certification. Passing this exam helps toward earning both of these certifications.
- Concentration exams focus on emerging and industry-specific topics. You can prepare for concentration exams by taking their corresponding Cisco training courses.
Required exam |
Recommended training |
Core exam: |
|
350-601 DCCOR |
Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies (DCCOR) |
Concentration exams (choose one): |
|
300-610 DCID |
|
300-615 DCIT |
|
300-620 DCACI |
Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (DCACI) |
300-635 DCAUTO |
Implementing Automation for Cisco Data Center Solutions (DCAUI) |
300-640 DCAI |
! |
Recertification
CCNP Data Center certification is valid for three years.