The Cisco CCIE Data Center certification is there to show that a professional has the advanced knowledge and skills associated with the design, operation, as well as optimization of a data center’s networks. Furthermore, it affirms that you have the capabilities to handle the technologies required. So, this expert-level certificate on the data center track, indicates that its holder has the highest rating of expertise confirmed by such a well-known vendor as Cisco.

How to Earn the Certificate

To get the CCIE Data Center accreditation, a candidate has to undergo two official tests to determine whether they actually have the needed competencies. These include the core evaluation coded 350-601 DCCOR and the lab exam called CCIE Data Center v3.0. After passing these exams and getting certified, you can enjoy the benefits of your new status for 3 years till the certificate expires. After that, you will have to go through the recertification procedure.

Target Audience for the CCIE Data Center Certificate

First things first, there are no preset conditions such as having a certain accreditation that are demanded here. However, it is advisable to have 5 to 7 years in dealing with data center solutions. At the same time, the CCIE Data Center certificate showcases expert skills, thus it is recommended for professionals who already have CCNP Data Center or corresponding knowledge. These individuals have the required experience and are ready to pursue the next level of Cisco accreditation so that they can move up in their careers. Moreover, Data Center architects and engineers are highly suitable to run for it as it affirms their expert-level skills.

Characteristics of the Exams

Both the qualifying and practical tests are administered by the Pearson VUE platform. It is the authorized organization that facilitates the registration process and taking final evaluations. Each of the evaluations set for CCIE Data Center is available in English and costs $400.

The main requirement is that candidates should have adequate knowledge of the concepts and skills associated with the data center field. Below, you will find not only lists of topics that may be encountered on each of the exams but also details related to the overall testing process.

350-601 Written Exam

The questions that the candidates face in the Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies (DCCOR) evaluation have the forms of testlet, drag-and drop, multiple-choice, to mention a few The stipulated duration for accomplishing all the tasks is 2 hours and it is the same for both online and in-person delivery modes. The score required to pass the exam and the total number of questions are not indicated. Nonetheless, a score report detailing the marks for every section is provided on completion of the test. Also, it is at this stage that candidates will come to learn of their passing score. And remember that Cisco discourages test irregularities as this is a closed book evaluation and no outside references are allowed.

Meanwhile, 350-601 is associated with three Cisco certifications. Apart from this CCIE Data Center, CCNP Data Center and Cisco Certified Specialist – Data Center Core accreditations can be earned after acing it.

Concerning training, on the official exam webpage, you can always find a list of topics that will support you in building your preparation process for the final test. As outlined, the five topics covering what the certificate needs are:

• Network
• Compute
• Storage network
• Automation
• Security

Then, you can go for the vendor-provided training course Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies to grasp all the important information and gain hands-on skills in implementing it for performing real-world tasks.

The Lab Exam

The CCIE Data Center v3.0 practical test lasts for eight hours and can be taken in one of the available CCIE lab locations. It evaluates a candidate’s skills to organize, come up with, establish, manage, as well as optimize complex networks for data centers. Besides, automation and programming of data center networks are part of this hands-on test. Note that there are no referencing materials that are allowed for it because it is a closed-book evaluation.

Cisco has put out the following list of topics to guide participants in their preparation:

• Data Center orchestration and automation
• Data Center security together with network services
• Data Center storage protocols in addition to features
• Data Center compute
• Data Center fabric connectivity
• Data Center fabric infrastructure
• Data Center L2/L3 connectivity

Therefore, once you feel confident enough that you will cope with the tasks related to these topics then you can register for the exam.

Career Prospects for CCIE Data Center Certified Professionals

Employers currently put a lot of emphasis on official certification. This is because the IT industry has experienced tremendous growth since the innovation of the internet. Thus, companies need highly skilled professionals to create, execute, and manage IT infrastructures. Moreover, they need to verify that the applicant they recruit is capable of handling their IT duties diligently.

What’s more, the advent of cloud computing has also boosted the IT sector as organizations are now shifting their services and operations there because of the low cost.

When you look at data from ZipRecruiter.com, the CCIE Data Center qualified individual attracts a pay of $85k annually. This information illustrates how experts with this certificate are highly regarded and are compensated handsomely for their skills. It is well recognized and admired in the IT expanse because it is facilitated by a reputable vendor.

The Next Step

The Cisco CCIE Data Center certificate is the last stage of the Cisco accreditation journey associated with data centers. However, this does not mean that an IT expert cannot improve his skills beyond this point. There are competitive certifications offered by Cisco in other fast-growing fields such as security, enterprise, and collaboration, among others. Moreover, all that an IT professional needs are the desire to better his or her occupation and attract extra opportunities. Thus, you can take advantage of the Cisco's offer and become a versatile professional who never misses an opportunity to develop a career.