A Complete Netapp Certification Guide

NetApp is a hybrid cloud service provider organization set up by Michael Malcolm, David Hitz, and James Lau in 1992. Based in Sunnyvale, California, the company began with basic data storage solutions and proceeded onward to hybrid cloud solutions.

The organization has a diverse portfolio that makes it probably the most progressive cloud service platform available, including Oracle, OpenStack, Kubernetes and SAP. 

The main goal of NetApp certification is to offer IT experts the chance to exhibit their insight and aptitudes identified with the NetApp domain. This certification system incorporates four degrees of certification intended to take students' abilities from beginner to advanced level:

• Associate-level
• Professional-level 
• Specialist-level 
• Expert-level 

The NetApp certification way is more perplexing than different certifications. In addition to the fact that it has a structure with four tiers, it offers three different tracks to candidates: 

• Data track 
• Converged infrastructure 
• Hybrid cloud track

What Is NetApp Certification? 

NetApp provides different certifications at various degrees of certification and on various tracks. There are four certification levels, and as we have mentioned are: associate level, professional level, specialist level and expert level. It’s up to you which of the three tracks to follow. 

NetApp offers two associate level, four professional-level certifications, six specialist level certifications, and only one expert level certifications.

Let’s have a look at each level:

NetApp Associate-Level Certification 

NetApp is offering just one associate certification as of now. NCSA-HC or NetApp Certified Storage Associate – Hybrid Cloud shows the candidate holds a fundamental comprehension of NetApp data storage alongside data management systems. The candidates should also need to have strong knowledge of hybrid cloud infrastructure. These people perform fundamental administration of NetApp storage controllers that run Data ONTAP OS, have essential technical information on AltaVault, OnCommand and StorageGrid management solutions, and cloud configuration and management (ONTAP Cloud, cloud storage, Alta Vault, Cloud Manager).

NetApp Specialist Certifications 

This tier centers around NetApp solutions that consolidate data storage, server components and networking into adaptable architectures to support different business outstanding tasks at hand. NetApp FlexPod quickens deployment of the framework and business-basic applications and lessens cost, intricacy and risks. The Cisco and NetApp FlexPod Design Specialist points basically at NetApp and employees, the only prerequisite is exam NS0-170. The Cisco and NetApp FlexPod Specialist certification is progressively broad and the only prerequisite is exam NS0-171. There are no conventional prerequisites, yet the applicants should have six months to a year of experience working with FlexPod solutions, performance requirements, and assessment tools and standards, recommends NetApp.

Among four other master certifications, which fall under the implementation engineer job, includes:

• NCIE – SAN Specialist, ONTAP 
• NCIE – SAN Specialist, E-Series 
• NCIE – SAN Specialist, Data ONTAP 7-Mode 
• NCIE – Data Protection Specialist 

The NCIE – ONTAP, ONTAP, and SAN Specialist certifications each has the NetApp Certified Data Administrator, ONTAP (NCDA-ONTAP) certification as a prerequisite while the SAN Specialist Data ONTAP 7-Mode qualification accepts the NCDA 7-Mode serves to be the prerequisite. However, for both the E-Series certification and NCIE – SAN Specialist certification, there’s no prerequisite. To acquire specialist certifications, you need to have an experience of at least six months.   

NetApp additionally offers a single specialist credentials in the support engineering job –and that is the NetApp Certified Support Engineer-ONTAP Specialist. This credential approves a candidate’s information on networking, WAFL, troubleshooting NAS and SAN, protocols, NFS, SMB, storage and platforms, just as Data ONTAP. Notwithstanding finishing the NCSE-ONTAP exam, the certification accepts the NetApp Certified Support Engineer as a prerequisite. 

NetApp Professional Certifications 

Shortly NCDA or NetApp Certified Data Administrator has two versions: ONTAP and 7-Mode. This certification records people with demonstrated abilities with strong support skills, managerial capacities, performance management, and administrative functions for the Windows CIFS multi-protocol and NFS environment. They realize how to actualize high-accessibility controller configurations and have point by point information on SnapRestore, SnapVault and SnapMirror technologies that are used to oversee crucial data. Candidates take the NS0-155 exam for 7-mode and the NS0-159 exam for ONTAP. No essentials are required; nonetheless, NetApp recommends that applicants must have working experience of at least six months or more. The candidate should have knowledge of the implementation and administration of multiprotocol data storage.

The NCSE documents candidates equipped for delivering remote or on-site support for data storage systems that are running ONTAP OS in Windows CIFS multiprotocol environment and NFS. Different skills incorporate root cause isolation and general troubleshooting, software upgrades, node configuration, hardware replacement and documentation for NetApp frameworks. No prerequisites are specified yet NetApp suggests that professionals initially get the NCDA certification and applicants must have working experience of at least six months or more. The NS0-191 exam is required.

The NetApp Certified Storage Installation Engineer, ONTAP (NCSIE), focuses on experts liable for the installation process of NetApp ONTAP environments. If a candidate is knowledgeable in all phases of ONTAP storage solutions that include setup, configuration, installation, testing and troubleshooting. The NCDA, alongside six months to a year of experience, is suggested. The NS0-181 exam is required to procure the certification.

Experts employed in storage organizations may procure the NCDA certification, which is accessible for 7-mode and ONTAP. The NCDA approves the candidate’s expertise in the administration of data storage controllers owned by Netapp, SnapVault, SnapMirror, SnapRestore, overseeing NetApp controllers in storage architecture, multiprotocol environments, storage provisioning and high availability. To acquire NCDA-ONTAP you need to pass the NSO-159 test while you need to pass the NSO-155 test for NCDA-7-Mode.

NetApp Expert-Level Certifications

NetApp offers only one certification in the expert tier, the NetApp Certified Hybrid Cloud Architect certification. This certification lies in the highest fourth tier of the NetApp certification path. The professionals who want to acquire this certification should have a solid understanding of NetApp solutions and know how to smoothly move the customer through different stages of a cycle.

NetApp Certified Hybrid Cloud Architect (NCHC Architect)

The NCHC Architect certification is intended for IT professionals who perform analysis to align their customer’s business needs.

To acquire the NCHC Architect certification you need to pass two exams— mandatory is the NetApp Certified Hybrid Cloud Architect exam, and any of the below certifications will do:

• AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate, or
• Microsoft Azure Architect Technologies (AZ-300)
• Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Architect, and
• Microsoft Azure Architect Design (AZ-301)

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NetApp Training and Certifications - The Key to Success in 2020

For any IT-based industry running today, it is absurd to disregard the significance of upgraded knowledge and skills. To become efficient and successful, using the best that it is accessible is vital. The key is to amplify the performance and estimation of what you have and use NetApp solutions in the most ideal way to accomplish all the related advantages.

Here are the astounding reasons why NetApp training and certifications are everything that organizations need to concentrate on this year.

1. Space-Saving Super Storage Tech

This is the essential motivation behind why we have a networking solution available today. With huge amounts of data delivered today consistently, every organization requires a dependable space-saving technology that permits you to store more applications and data than any time. NetApp drives this space. The developments and contributions it accomplished, as far as space-saving is considered, are exceptional. These incorporate RAID-DP, thin provisioning and de-duplication. These technologies permit you to store huge volumes of data without acquiring high expenses. You pick the correct storage choice according to your need. This is where training can help. Your team will have the option to settle on an astute choice concerning picking the correct space-saving storage technology to set aside more cash.

2. Reduced Complexity and Cost

Various successful organizations around the globe rely upon the NetApp system and administration to store and deal with their data. It is known for acquainting development in your organization to help decrease both multifaceted nature and cost related to data management and storage. Moreover, it diminishes risks while permitting better control of data management to the association. With training, your team can react to the redesigns and changes and adjust rapidly. Training further guarantees that your team is set up to make the most out of the numerous upgrading features and cost-saving strategies that are normally incorporated with the NetApp solutions. The key is to offer you the greatest reward for your NetApp investment.

3. Versatility and Scalability

Notwithstanding offering the space-saving storage tech, the NetApp platform offers you an answer for problems of data accumulation. Rather than purchasing separate units for data types or re-sorting out your data, you can request another storage device, interface it and presto! Purchasing units are costly as well as significantly more perplexing for data storage. NetApp has rearranged this procedure for you without evolving anything. The company additionally has similar administration control. Additional simplicity permits you to extend your storage solution and appreciate greater adaptability. It’s no big surprise: NetApp is such a solid and well-known solution for all your data storage needs.

4. Reduced Operating Costs

Always providing additional benefits to your organization, Netapp controls the operational expenses for you. By polishing your NetApp aptitude and abilities, you can set aside both time and cash. Furthermore, you can address issues a lot quicker and altogether limit your operational expenses. Acquiring NetApp this year acquires the abilities and information required to oversee and deliver the solutions in the most proficient potential ways. By operational working expense and support, you can likewise build your expectations on ROI.

How Much Does it Cost to Get NetApp Certified?

The exams for the NetApp certification system are administered by the testing organization Pearson VUE. These certifications cost substantially less than numerous other IT certifications available. As indicated by current Pearson costs, the certification costs range from $150 to $300. The main two exams that cost $300 are those that manage FlexPod technology.

NetApp Recertification and Renewal

The validity of NetApp certifications lasts for two years. That may appear to be clear, yet the organization's “Expiration Period Policy" appears to sloppy the waters. In specific cases, certification might be valid for 27 months. You need to pay close attention to this policy once you decide to acquire a NetApp certification.

For example, if an applicant with a functioning professional-level certification renews their certification by passing a specialist-level certification, at that point the new renewal date will be the date of the specialist-level certification.

Related Jobs and Training Resources

The below-mentioned jobs generally fall in the mid-level to senior-level category. A NetApp certification can earn you so much acclamation if you put in all your efforts and work passionately towards your goal. We are only listing a few jobs, there a plenty of jobs available out there:

• Implementation Engineer
• Storage Administrator
• Support Engineer
• System Engineer – Storage and Virtual Machines
• Installation Engineer
• Senior Netapp Engineer
• Storage Infrastructure Engineer
• Converged Infrastructure Engineer 

Get the Certifications That Matter the Most to You

With a wide scope of certifications and training to browse, you can pick up the particular information expected to support your customers' particular needs. Regardless of whether you chip away at the usage, the administration, or the installation side, or regardless of whether you are an expert in administrative or support jobs, NetApp provides certification courses that can assist you with amplifying your viability and help your clients capitalize on their framework.

A question might pop in your mind that is NetApp worth it? Should I pursue it or not? Well, it totally depends on your goals. You need to sketch out a 5-year or 10-year plan where you decide what you want to achieve, how you will cash in on potential opportunities, what does your current organization needs from you, which is the next job you’re eyeing on and what aptitudes are required to get that job. Answering all these questions will make your path clear for you, and then you can decide if NetApp will serve a purpose or not.

Enroll in QuickStart's NetApp certification training today to get started. Start your 30-day free trial with QuickStart.

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