Contrary to popular belief, data center certifications are advantageous for more than just those who obtain them. Sixty-eight percent of IT leaders don’t think they have the internal resources necessary to meet their needs. Data center managers and technology executives who have trouble attracting and retaining talent can close the IT skills gap by advising team members to pursue certifications or by making a particular credential a requirement for employment in the data center.
The sheer number of data center certifications and training programs may initially appear to be overwhelming. When deciding which data center certification is best for you, you’ll discover that education and credentials can be divided into a number of categories to make the evaluation process easier. What approach should you take to ensure that you choose the right certification?
Data centers are getting more and more difficult to manage and create. Modern data centers are utilizing advancements in cooling, power, and other systems to create more effective facilities. This trend is perfectly captured by the Data Center Design Consultant certification provided by BICSI, which equips those involved in critical decision-making, planning, and implementation with advanced knowledge and skills.
The Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) certification focuses on design, just like the DCDC. However, this certification is unique to telecommunications and data communications technology, as well as associated building infrastructure. As new facilities, ranging from new enterprise data centers to edge sites, are built, expertise in these fields is becoming more crucial for data center design and infrastructure.
For uptime and capacity planning, managing data center network connectivity and comprehending how your data center’s assets are connected are crucial. The CCNA Data Center certification can be a great place to start for anyone who is new to data centers or seeking networking knowledge, particularly of Cisco networks and infrastructure. This training course covers a wide range of topics, including network virtualization, Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI), data center infrastructure, and data center networking concepts and technologies.
A security certification can have a significant impact on both your career and the security of your facility given the growing importance of cybersecurity and protecting your data center. For those looking to increase their understanding of the technologies and data center monitoring tools required to maintain network availability and security, a certification like the Cisco Certified Network Associate Security (CCNA Security), which ensures that you’re able to identify and mitigate potential threats to your Cisco networks and devices, can be helpful.
Even though Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) and other data center software solutions are useful for running contemporary data center environments, having the necessary knowledge and abilities is also crucial. The Accredited Tier Specialist program from The Uptime Institute is intended for data center operators and managers who want to implement Tier Standards within their own businesses. With this certification, you’ll learn how to make sure that crucial facilities’ design and operation satisfy business requirements. You’ll also improve your communication skills with upper management and your ability to influence capital expenditures.
Virtual environments are becoming more common in contemporary data centers as more organizations seek to minimize their data center footprints and maximize data center capacity. Your proficiency in creating, implementing, and managing virtual environments is confirmed by a widely accepted certification in data center virtualization, such as the one provided by VMware. The VMware Certified Professional 6. 5 – The Data Center Virtualization certification attests to your proficiency in vSphere V6 implementation, management, and troubleshooting. 5 infrastructure in a real-world environment.
Data center certifications are a useful tool for organizations and industry professionals to acquire the skills necessary for modern data center management. Data center certifications and training courses can help you achieve your goals, whether you’re trying to advance your career or fill knowledge gaps on your team. The new credentials will assist you in learning and developing new skills, expanding your knowledge base, and ultimately improving data center management within your company.
What are data center certifications?
The skills required for information technology and data professionals are improved and standardized through data center certification training. This is a fantastic way for people to pick up new skills and advance their careers. The most recent trends and data center products may be kept up to date with the help of a data center certification course.
This kind of certification is a great way to establish credibility. To confirm that new team members can perform at the required standard, some data jobs require certifications from new hires. Obtaining this certification could improve your chances of getting a raise in salary or a promotion.
12 types of data certifications
There are numerous options for data center certification training. Others require years of data center experience, while some are appropriate for entry-level professionals. The areas of focus also vary between certification options. Review your professional and personal objectives, consult with the data center team, and conduct in-depth research on the various programs before making a choice.
Here are 12 different categories of data center certifications to think about:
1. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Data Center
A well-known entry-level credential for data center professionals, the CCNA Data Center covers topics like surrounding networks, storage, installation, and troubleshooting. This certification program is divided into two parts, each of which concludes with an exam. Data center networking is the subject of the first segment, and data center technologies is the subject of the second segment. You could also sign up for a five-day classroom course. A CCNA certification is valid for three years after which you can recertify by taking the exam.
2. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center
Design architects and technology engineers with three to five years of experience should pursue the more advanced CCNP Data Center certification. It provides design and troubleshooting modules, and it might be a helpful way for experts to increase their competitiveness and self-assurance. You must already possess a CCNA certification or another advanced certificate to be eligible for this certification course.
3. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Data Center
Advanced professionals with five to seven years of experience in data center operations, design, optimization, technologies, and solutions should enroll in this certificate program. This program has a prerequisite entrance exam and a final eight-hour practical lab exam. By passing these tests, you’ll be able to demonstrate your expertise in every stage of the network life cycle, from installation to optimization. A relatively new expert-level certification, the CCIE Data Center program, can assist in identifying individuals with advanced skills in the data center industry.
4. VMware Certified Professional 6–Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV)
The vSphere product’s administration and troubleshooting are the primary foci of the VCP6-DCV certification. Typically, those with at least six months of vSphere experience should obtain this certificate. There are various options for required training, from classroom instruction to boot camp or fast track options. After the training, candidates also take two exams. This service might be helpful for verifying your VMware credentials.
5. Data Center Certified Associate (DCCA)
Another entry-level certification option for those working in the design, construction, and management of data centers is the DCCA designation from Schneider Electric. There are no prerequisite requirements for this course, which includes both hardware- and software-related segments. Its completion requires one exam. For those looking to gain experience with a basic data center certification, this could be a great option.
6. Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC)
For data center professionals with at least two years of experience, this certification option from Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) may be the best choice. The DCDC certification focuses on mechanical and electrical system requirements as well as system design and construction. Professionals may enroll in this course to broaden their understanding of system effectiveness and contemporary innovations.
7. Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)
BICSI also offers the Registered Communications Distribution Designer certification. This certificate focuses on telecommunications and could help you advance your project management, design, and integration abilities in the field of communications. To take this course and pass the final exam, you must have two years of data communications experience. Additionally, you can decide to pass additional specialty exams and modules, which your certification will reflect.
8. Certified Data Center Management Professional (CDCMP)
This certification is an intensive program offered by CNet. This comprehensive manual covers fundamental concepts, implementation, management, business, IT strategy, and audits for data centers. This is a five-day course that necessitates an additional 20 hours of tutoring online. Professionals with two or more years of related experience may be eligible for this program.
9. Cloud Infrastructure and Services v3
This is an introductory course offered by Dell EMC. It focuses on cloud computing, infrastructure and solutions. Professionals who are interested in expanding their knowledge of cloud computing can start with the associate certification before completing the specialist and expert programs.
10. Juniper Networks Certified Professional Data Center (JNCIP-DC)
For better understanding of their Junos software and other company-specific equipment, Juniper Networks provides the JNCIP-DC program. This equipment is frequently used by large corporations, network service providers, educational institutions, and governmental organizations. The three-year JNCIP-DC certification process culminates in a test. People can renew their certification after three years by taking the most recent exam format.
11. Data Center ITI Design (DCID)
Professionals working in data centers can obtain this certification from the International Data Center Authority (IDCA). The DCID program advances understanding of particular IT infrastructure and actual data center design. Data center experts who want to standardize their procedures and bring their IT departments into line with the rest of the industry may find this to be helpful.
12. Accredited Tier Specialist (ATS)
For seasoned data center managers, owners, or operators, the Uptime Institute’s Accredited Tier Specialist certification may be useful. This certification focuses on data center operations, performance, and communication with upper management and stakeholders. An experienced industry professional will teach a five-day online course for this program, and there will be a final exam.
Please note that Indeed is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned in this article.
DATA CENTRE 101 | WHAT CERTIFICATIONS DO YOU NEED TO WORK IN A DC? CCNA? ANY AT ALL?!
FAQ
What is the best certification for data center?
- Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC) Vendor/Product: BICSI. …
- Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) …
- CCNA Data Center Certification. …
- CCNA Security. …
- Accredited Tier Specialist (ATS) …
- VMware Certified Professional 6.5 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6.5-DCV)
What is a Tier 4 data center?
Tier 4: Every component in a Tier 4 data center is redundant and the structure is completely fault tolerant. It has an expected uptime of 99. 995% (26. 3 minutes of downtime annually).
What is DCIS certification?
The mission-critical infrastructure systems that support data centers and mission-critical environments with high availability requirements are completely covered by the Data Center Infrastructure Specialist (DCIS)® course.
What skills do I need to work in a data center?
- Edge computing deployment.
- Data traffic and hybrid IT management.
- Cloud computing.
- Automation implementation.
