CCNP Data Center

The CCNP Data Center certification is designed for professionals looking to enhance their skills in data center technologies, networking, storage, security, and automation. To earn this certification, candidates must pass: 

– Core Exam (Mandatory) – Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies (DCCOR 350-601) 

 – Concentration Exam (Choose One) – Specialization in data center technologies 

Course Details

  1. Core Exam – DCCOR 350-601

The DCCOR 350-601 exam tests your knowledge of data center networking, compute, security, and automation. 

Key Topics Covered 

  1. Architecture (15%) 
  • Layer 2/3 protocols, VXLAN, EVPN, ACI architecture 
  • Data center fabric design (Spine-Leaf, traditional, hybrid) 
  • Compute and storage virtualization technologies 
  1. i Networking (25%)
  • Layer 2 (STP, VLANs, VTP) and Layer 3 (OSPF, BGP) protocols 
  • Overlay protocols: VXLAN and EVPN 
  • Multicast protocols: PIM, IGMP 

iii. Compute (20%) 

  • Cisco UCS and HyperFlex systems 
  • Server management: BIOS, boot policies, storage connectivity 
  1. Storage Networking (20%)
  • SAN technologies (Fibre Channel, FCoE, zoning) 
  • NFS and iSCSI storage solutions 
  • SAN management and troubleshooting 
  1. v. Security (15%)
  • ACI security features and endpoint protection 
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), AAA, and secure access 

Vi. Automation (5%) 

  • APIs, REST, JSON, and tools like Ansible and Python for automation 

 

  1. Concentration Exams (Choose One)

Candidates can choose one of the following specialized concentration exams based on their career focus: 

DCACI (300-620) – Implementing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure 

– ACI fabric, policies, and integration with external networks 

DCIT (300-615) – Troubleshooting Cisco Data Center Infrastructure 

– Diagnosing Layer 2/3, compute, and storage issues 

DCID (300-610) – Designing Cisco Data Center Infrastructure 

– Data center design, including physical and virtual network architecture 

DCSAN (300-625) – Implementing Cisco Storage Area Networking 

– SAN technologies and management tools 

DCIAM (300-635) – Automating & Programming Cisco Data Centers 

– Automating data centers with scripts and DevOps tools 

Course Duration

The total duration of the CCNP Data Center training depends on the learning mode and training intensity. 

  1. Instructor-Led Training (ILT)

Core Exam (DCCOR 350-601) – 40-60 hours (5-8 days full-time) 

Concentration Exam – 24-40 hours (3-5 days full-time) 

  1. Self-Paced Online Learning

Flexible learning – 8-12 weeks for core and concentration exams combined 

  1. Bootcamp (Accelerated Training)

Core + Concentration – 10-14 days intensive training 

Why Choose CCNP Data Center? 

– Industry-recognized certification for data center professionals 

 – In-depth knowledge of networking, storage, and compute technologies 

 – Hands-on experience with Cisco Data Center solutions 

 – Career growth opportunities in network infrastructure and cloud technologies