NetApp is a hybrid cloud data services and data management corporation based in the United States that provides effective solutions for managing applications and data both online and offline. At the same time, NetApp delivers innovative data services to the cloud and the straightforward mobility of cloud computing to the data center using industry-leading solutions that function in a variety of contexts and on the largest global clouds.

NetApp Certification Overview

The NetApp qualification path validates your skills as a NetApp technical specialist in the eyes of the industry. Therefore, to demonstrate your skills, get a competitive advantage, develop your resume, and advance to new chances, become NetApp-certified. You may understand the difference between knowing how to navigate cloud settings and having full-fledged expertise by completing NetApp Certifications.

For Data, Hybrid Cloud, and Converged Infrastructure directions, NetApp offers certification tracks. This vendor also provides a variety of technical training and certification alternatives to help you reach your full potential for the benefit of your organization and yourself.

Intended Audience

NetApp certification is designed to allow IT professionals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills about the NetApp platform at different levels. Thus, Implementation Engineers, Support Engineers, Storage Infrastructure Engineers, Converged Infrastructure Engineers, Senior NetApp Engineers, and many more IT designations that are related to NetApp will benefit from this certification journey.

There are four levels of certificates in the NetApp certification system, which are designed to take candidates' skills from beginner to expert:

• Associate
• Professional
• Specialist
• Expert

Each level of certification is represented by a corresponding qualifying exam. Below you will find introductory information regarding the most sought-after certifications.

NetApp Certified Technology Associate (NS0-003)

If you can demonstrate a fundamental understanding of NetApp data storage systems, as well as the solutions and technology specifically suited for managing data in today's increasing hybrid cloud market, the NS0-003 exam, is perfect for you. However, you should be familiar with storage and data management technologies, both on-premise and in a hybrid cloud context, as well as NetApp products and technologies utilized in cloud data management.

The exam contains 60 questions that you need to answer within one hour. If you are not a native English speaker, you will be given an additional 30 minutes to complete the exam. You will receive your results within 2-5 business days through CertCenter.

Regarding exam objectives, test questions will cover knowledge areas such as basic NetApp Hybrid Cloud concepts, implementation process, administration procedures, ensuring security, and troubleshooting.

NetApp Certified Data Administrator, ONTAP (NS0-162)

NCDA or also the NetApp Certified Data Administrator accreditation candidates must have at least six to twelve months of hands-on experience implementing and managing NetApp data storage systems in multiprotocol settings. Meanwhile, concerning knowledge, candidates for the NS0-162 exam should also be familiar with HA controller topologies, SyncMirror software for fast data retrieval, and ONTAP solutions in single- or multi-node deployments.

This official exam also includes 60 items that you have to complete in 1-1.5 hours. The results will also be available to you within 2-5 business days, but before that, you will have to prove your knowledge of storage platforms, core ONTAP, logical storage, networking, NAS solutions, data protection, and security among others.

A nice bonus is that writing the NS0-162 test is a prerequisite for the following Specialist level designations:

• NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer SAN Specialist, ONTAP
• NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer Data Protection Specialist

NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer SAN Specialist, ONTAP (NS0-520)

The NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer SAN Specialist Exam (NCIE SAN) is for you if you have experience planning, performing, integrating, and troubleshooting ONTAP SAN, FC switched fabrics, Ethernet iSCSI/FCoE solutions, and various operating systems (Windows, LINUX, ESX, UNIX). Moreover, applicants with six to twelve months of experience planning, deploying, and verifying end-to-end SAN solutions for clients in FC and iSCSI settings are preferred. As well, it is strongly recommended that you have prior experience implementing SANs in virtualized and clustered systems. And, as already noted, the candidate has to have the NetApp Certified Data Administrator, ONTAP certificate to be admitted to the next Specialist level.

As with other certification exams, there are 60 questions on the day of the NS0-520 test. So in 60-90 minutes, you will have to demonstrate your knowledge of the ONTAP SAN solution assessment and planning process, as well as your strong skills in ONTAP SAN implementation and configuration, along with testing and troubleshooting.

Cisco and NetApp FlexPod Design Specialist (NS0-175 or NS0-176)

This certification is suitable for you if you are skilled in installing and building FlexPod solutions for different business workloads. Especially now when the FlexPod solutions reduce complexity, cost, and risk while accelerating infrastructure and business-critical application deployment, this a very in-demand direction.

However, candidates for this NetApp accreditation must have at least 6 to 12 months of hands-on experience with the standards and tools used to assess the operational characteristics and needs of FlexPod computing solutions. As well, they should be familiar with the FlexPod solution's hardware components, as well as the process for choosing suitable technology for some given requirements. In addition, those wishing to do so must pass one of the following certification exams:

• Cisco and NetApp FlexPod Design (NS0-175)
• Cisco and NetApp FlexPod Implementation and Administration (NS0-176)

As a result, exam-takers will also encounter 60 questions about Flexpod design, networking, security, and basic tools in case they chose to pass the test under the code NS0-175.

If the candidate writes the NS0-176 exam, they will encounter questions about FlexPod design, configuration, administration, and troubleshooting.

Career Benefits

Regarding benefits gained, professionals can use the NetApp certification to have their knowledge and abilities recognized all over the world. So, the NetApp aim is to provide you with the opportunities for personal and professional development that you deserve. Moreover, it assists specialists in developing a framework that allows companies to examine their employees' competencies and technical skills in greater depth.

Meanwhile, according to PayScale, the NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer certificate’s holder can earn up to $111,774, although this figure can fluctuate and be greater depending on specialist certification level and the experience.