Cisco CCT Data Center is the IT certification that helps candidates to validate their skills required for offering effective onsite support and maintaining Cisco Unified Computing servers and systems. If you are interested in moving forward to pursue a career in the data center, you should consider earning this certificate. It relates to an entry level and will help you to make your basic knowledge strong and verified.

Eligibility Criteria

This certification is designed for the technicians who know Cisco Unified Computing System components and servers, cabling and interfaces, and accessories. The candidate should also understand the operating modes like UCS and NX-OS before applying for the certification. Moreover, they also should have knowledge about service product elements, Cisco Graphical User interface, and the commonly used software. Luckily, there are no formal prerequisites for this accreditation, so you just should have command on the topics covered in the associated Cisco 010-151 exam for getting the certification.

Exam Overview

The Cisco 010-151 DCTECH contains 65-75 questions that are presented in the form of multiple-choice single answer and multiple-choice multiple answers, fill in the blanks, and drag & drop tests. The test-takers are given 90 minutes to complete the exam, and the only available language is English. The total registration fee for the test is $125. Finally, you can schedule 010-151 DCTECH on the Pearson VUE platform and can either take it online or in-person in the testing center.

What Are the Topics Covered by Cisco 010-151 Exam?

The candidates who apply for the Cisco 010-151 exam are mostly technicians and they are required to know how to perform the remedial services on Cisco Data Center products. Mainly, this exam tests the candidate’s competency in the following domains:

• Service-related knowledge

  This part of the exam syllabus focuses on service-related knowledge. It involves using hardware tools needed for repairing and making a physical connection from the laptop to the Cisco Console part. The candidates also have to learn more about upgrading the BIOS on a Cisco UCS Server Blade, performing the service restoration verification, and working with Firmware Automatics Synchronization. Moreover, it also tests the candidate's knowledge about troubleshooting Cisco UCS servers, skills in performing Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnect, utilizing upgrade/downgrade procedure, executing remedial procedures on Cisco devices, as well as performing initial setup tasks.

• Cisco UCS and Cisco NX-OS software operation

  This tested section makes sure the candidates have enough knowledge of Cisco UCS and Cisco NX-OS software operation. This domain also determines the current mode of the device and describes the command modes for Cisco NX-OS software. Those individuals who are preparing for the test should also be familiar with the Cisco integrated management controller. In addition, they should have an understanding and skills of how to perform password recovery on a Cisco NX-OS switch device and to implement the features and functionalities of Cisco UCS Manager. The applicants’ skills in verifying the configuration of devices and using as well as interpreting core Cisco NX-OS commands will also be tested in 010-151. Moreover, the candidates might be asked about the use of device file systems and directories, and will be required to demonstrate their competence in identifying a configuration file from a Cisco device.

• Cisco Equipment and Related Hardware

  This domain covers networking modules of the MDS 9700 family storage, Cisco UCS adapter and expansion modules, family elements of Cisco Nexus Switches, and chassis layout. Next, you should also know about Cisco UCS-C series rack mount servers' components, Cisco Unified Computing System components, and Cisco ACI and NX-OS mode. Finally, the knowledge of Cisco UCS LED, Cisco UCS E-series servers' components, Cisco UCS fabric extenders and fabric interconnects, among other topics.

• Data Center Basics

  This tested area defines the basic concepts of data center. It emphasizes the main things to know about data center, and cloud computing. Also, it checks an understanding of virtualization relating to networks, servers, as well as storage. The candidates would also come across the questions focused on UTP and connectors, raid storage, SAN technology, fiber, and connections. Moreover, this domain covers the difference between the Layer 2 technologies and defines the SAN cabling. The information about the SFP and QSFP transceivers, twinaxial and connectors as well as FCoE, PCIe SSDs and more is also tested in this domain. You need to put effort to dig deep into the data center basics to understand the questions you are going to face in the exam.

What Are the Career Opportunities for the CCT Data Center Certified Professionals?

When the candidates pass the Cisco 010-151 exam, they are awarded the CCT Data Center certification. Such an achievement brings many opportunities for the technicians and allows them to further excel in their careers. For example, you can share the certification on your profile to attract potential employers. Make sure to pass the exam with flying colors and understand all the basics of a data center so you can grab the certificate and apply for high-paying jobs. Some of the job roles you can get after obtaining the CCT Data Center certification are the following:

• Support technician
• Support engineer
• Data Center technician

When it comes to compensation, the support technician earns about $46k annually, whereas the support engineer gets $66k per year. The Data Center technicians are also earning well and their salaries are around $57k annually, as revealed by PayScale. Thus, after acquiring the certification, you will notice an increase in your salary. The Cisco certified employees get higher compensations than their non-certified colleagues. You can benefit from this accomplishment and embark on the journey of success with the help of Cisco certifications.

Certification Path

The candidates who are interested in expanding their knowledge and skills further in the data center field can also apply for the CCNP Data Center certification. It is a professional-level certificate that will sharpen your knowledge and will help you upgrade your competence in the data center field. To earn this one, be ready to pass two exams. However, this is not the end of the path. After CCNP, you can also go for the expert-level CCIE Data Center certificate.