Through the Cisco 350-601 exam, you are introduced to the key functionalities of a data center infrastructure. This is highly suitable for professionals willing to solidify their command in the implementation of data center solutions and prove their skills in this field. Though there are no specific requirements, it’s advisable that your data center awareness is already in-depth. Also, if you don’t want to stop with your specialist-level certificate and aim to get CCNP Data Center, you are suggested to have at least 3 to 5 years of working experience in the industry. And just like any other certification path, it’s very important that you understand everything about the exam. So for better comprehension, here are the key details you need to familiarize yourself with in advance.

Certifications Related to the Exam

This particular test is the initial stage of two Cisco accreditations ― the CCNP Data Center and CCIE Data Center. It is also credited to the Cisco Certified Specialist - Data Center Core certification. Since this is a major requirement of three certifications, completing this is a pivotal move in unlocking other technical paths. Whatever route you choose, this leads to skill advancement and career development.

Exam Overview and Topics Covered

Data center is a pivotal aspect in a tech organization. This physical facility houses important applications and data with the aid of its core components such as routers, switches, servers, security devices, and storage systems. With such relevance in the IT industry, it’s crucial for data professionals who plan to take the Cisco 350-601 exam to be fully adept with the features and functions that encompass the data center.

First of all, Cisco 350-601 serves as an evaluation of your knowledge of the basic data center features and technologies. The test runs for up to 120 minutes, with only one available language, and that is English. To give you an overview of the content covered, the main topics mainly revolve around the application of data center technologies. These involve areas such as network, storage, compute, automation, and security, among others.

Exam Domains to Focus on

As you get into the certification journey, there are important things you need to consider, and these are the exam domains that outline the entirety of Cisco 350-601. Knowing these significant subjects in detail is highly impactful to your test success. It gives you a guideline of the contents that may likely be part of the coverage. However, you should always remember that other related areas might be added to the test questions. Therefore, you shouldn’t box in yourself with the list of topics recorded here but also make use of other references and try to get a comprehensive vision of the field.

• Network ― 25%

  Taking up a large percentage in the total exam, networking is a substantial aspect that deserves your utmost attention. In this section, you are first introduced to the routing and switching protocols, and how these are applied to the system. Study the key elements of OSPFv2, OSPFv3, MP-BGP, FHRP, and PIM as well as the RSTP+, vPC, LACP, VXLAN EVPN, and OTV. ACI concepts like fabric setup, access policies, tenant protocols, and VMM are also part of the section. Other associated topics are packet flow, cloud service, deployment models, network assurance, network configuration management, infrastructure monitoring, and software updates. For the changes in software, these generally accentuate both disruptive and nondisruptive, along with patches and EPLD.

• Compute ― 25%

  The next major area points up on the compute functions. There are several tasks associated with this section, starting with the implementation of Cisco Unified Compute System Rack Servers and Cisco Unified Compute System Blade Chassis. Uncover the initial setup as well as the management aspect of infrastructure, network, storage, and server. It’s also a must that you understand the HyperFlex infrastructure, together with the relevant software and firmware updates. Afterward, you need to train your skills in implementing both compute configuration management and infrastructure monitoring.

• Storage network ― 20%

  Spend time discovering the pertinent storage network features by kicking it off with the Fibre Channel. Go over the switch fabric initialization, device alias, zoning, port channels, FCID, CFS, NPV, NPIV, VSAN, and the like. Subsequently, you need to comprehend the implementation process of FCoE Unified Fabric, specifically FIP and DCB. And, don’t forget to learn the core concepts that revolve around NFS and NAS, as well as get aware of the needed software upgrades.

• Automation ― 15%

  Wade through the automation features and scripting tools, which involve key points such as Scheduler, EEM, Bash Shell as well as Guest Shell, JSON, XML, and REST API. Moving forward, it’s also important that you gauge automation and its orchestration technologies. These include your understanding of Ansible, Python, Puppet, PowerShell, POAP, DCNM, and UCSD.

• Security ― 15%

  Of course, security holds a portion of the exam because of its relevance to a data center. Practice your skills in network security and acquire knowledge of AAA, RBAC, CoPP, ACI contracts, DHCP snooping, ARP inspection, and such. The other significant skillset that you need to polish is about compute security and storage security. These highlight subjects like keychain authentication, fabric binding, AAA, and RBAC.

Career Opportunities Given to Successful Applicants

Passing Cisco 350-601 is such a significant step among tech professionals who want to advance their careers. Aside from securing coveted certifications from Cisco, this exam functions as your emblem of technical proficiency. As a result, you get better job opportunities and higher financial benefits. For instance, if you pass the test and secure the CCNP Data Center certificate, you enjoy an average salary of $80k per year (ZipRecruiter). On the other hand, CCIE Data Center accredited individuals can get a compensation of $85k per year. So, if you want to improve not just your skills but also your financial standing, accomplishing this exam is a great decision.

Career Path to Continue Your Professional Undertakings

Since Cisco 350-601 is a core test, you need to choose your preferred area of expertise through one of the available concentration tests. If you’re pursuing CCNP Data Center, there are 6 specializations on offer: 300-610 (DCID), 300-615 (DCIT), 300-620 (DCACI), 300-625 (DCSAN), 300-630 (DCACIA), and 300-635 (DCAUTO). Upon successful completion of the CCNP Data Center, you can continue with the more advanced accreditation, which is CCIE Data Center. Here, Cisco 350-601 serves as the qualifying test while the second requirement is a lab exam.