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Data storage certifications provide a means for data professionals to keep their skills current, expand their knowledge of in-demand systems and technologies, and increase their value on the job market. With a shortage of skilled tech workers and demand for data storage solutions at its highest level ever—with no signs of slowing—certifications can also demonstrate a certain level of expertise with a particular product or vendor platform, increasing customer or employer confidence. Here are the top data storage certifications that can help you advance your data storage career in 2023.
Jump to:
1. SNIA Certified Storage Networking Expert (SCSN-E)
2. Hitachi Vantara Qualified Professional Storage Administration
3. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Data Center
4. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) DataCenter
5. NetApp Certified Data Administrator
6. IBM Certified Solution Advisor-Spectrum Storage V7
7. HPE Master ASE- Storage Solutions V4
8. Dell Information Storage and Management V5
9. VMware Certified Data Center Virtualization (VCTA-DCV) 2023
10. Pure Storage Certified Data Storage Associate
Bottom Line: Advance Your Career with Data Storage Certifications
1. SNIA Certified Storage Networking Expert (SCSN-E)
This Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) certification program is ideal for storage professionals working in a multi-vendor environment. As SNIA programs are designed specifically for IT storage technologies, SCSN-E certification can help experienced data storage pros validate their knowledge and skills and stay abreast of industry updates.
Skills
- SCNS-E program covers storage networking concepts
- Complements product-focused vendor certification
- Teaches specialization in storage networking
Requirements
Three 90-minute, 60 multiple-choice question exams:
- SNIA Storage Network Foundations (S10-101) exam
- SNIA Storage Networking Management/Administration (S10-201 or S10-210) exam
- SNIA Architect (S10-300 or S10-310) exam
Time
- SCSN-E is valid for three years
Cost
- $150 per exam
2. Hitachi Vantara Qualified Professional Storage Administration
Leading technology giant Hitachi offers professional certification programs for storage systems, and the Hitachi Vantara Qualified Professional Storage Administration Exam (HQT-6740) is designed exclusively for Hitachi storage environments, software frameworks, and components. The program covers operational aspects and system utilization techniques.
Skills
- Configuration and management tools and techniques
- Operational best practices related to utilization in customer environment
- Hitachi Command Suite product details
- Basic troubleshooting and operations for end-users
- Storage networking and virtualization interoperability
Requirements
- 60-minute, 35 question qualifying exam
- Applicants must pass with 65 percent or higher
Time
- Certification valid for three years
Cost
- $100 or local equivalent
3. Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) Data Center
Cisco offers a range of technology programs and certifications for data professionals, including the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert Data Center Certification, which helps enhance skills related to complex data center solutions and core data center technologies.
Skills
- Intent-based networking
- Multi-domain solutions
- APIs and programmability
- Combined technical expertise/design skills
- Programmability automation
- Complex infrastructure security
Requirements
- Eight-day Implementing and Operating Cisco Data Center Core Technologies (DCCOR) DCCOR course (instructor-led or virtual)
- Eight-hour CCIE Data Center v3.0 hands-on lab exam
Time
- CCIE is valid for three years
Cost
- DCCOR 350-601 exam costs $400
- Lab exam costs $1,900
- Applicants can use Cisco Learning Credits
4. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) DataCenter
The vast Cisco Learning Network helps IT professionals meet their goals and improve the quality and value of their work. The program offers entry-, associate-, professional-, and expert-level certifications. The CCNP Data Center certification suits data professionals looking to scale up their network capabilities.
Skills
- Implementing effective solutions in enterprise-class data centers
- Core data center technologies
- LAN and SAN infrastructure
- Networking, computing, storage network, automation, and security
- Data center design and implementation
- Cisco data center design and deployment options
- Data center network architecture, methodologies, and tools troubleshooting
Requirements
- CCNP Data Center certification has a core exam
- 120-minute 350-601 DCCOR core exam tests core data center technologies
- Five day classroom/eight day virtual DCCOR course is recommended to prepare
Time
- CCNP is valid for three years
Cost
- 350-601 DCCOR exam costs $400
- Applicants can use Cisco Learning Credits
- e-Learning DCCOR course costs $1,500.
5. NetApp Certified Data Administrator
Data storage and management services company NetApp offers multiple training and certifications for data professionals. The NetApp Certified Data Administrator program is ideal for individuals looking to explore in-depth support, administrative functions, and performance management for data storage controllers.
Skills
- High-availability controller configurations
- Technologies to manage and protect mission-critical data
- Related NetApp technologies
Requirements
- Minimum of six months field experience in NetApp data storage solutions and multiprotocol environments
- 90-minute, 60-question ONTAP (NS0-162) exam
- ONTAP Cluster Fundamentals, Cluster Administration, and Data Protection Fundamentals training recommended
Time
- Certification is valid for 27 months
- Can be renewed with specialist-level credentials
Cost
- Exam costs $150
- Training costs extra
6. IBM Certified Solution Advisor-Spectrum Storage V7
IBM offers various certifications to help IT professionals gain new skills and credentials, and the company’s IBM Certified Solution Advisor-Spectrum Storage V7 offers opportunities around high-level storage solutions and design scenarios.
Skills
- IBM Spectrum storage software solutions for customer business requirements
- Hybrid cloud strategy
- Software, integrated offering, and cloud deployment models
- Product licensing models
- Spectrum control, virtualization, and protection
- IBM sSales and planning tools
Requirements
- Prerequisite knowledge of IT storage standards, use cases, and value propositions
- Clear understanding of IT organization structures, cloud, network, and storage fundamentals
- 90-minute, 63-question C1000-117 exam
- Non-required courses are recommended (Introduction to Storage and Fundamentals of IBM Spectrum Protect)
Time
- Does not expire
Cost
- $200 per exam
7. HPE Master ASE- Storage Solutions V4
Known for its data storage and modernization solutions, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) has a broad portfolio of training and certification programs to help data professionals explore new skills and validate their expertise. The HPE Master ASE – Storage Solutions certification is ideal for professionals working with enterprise storage and backup opportunities.
Skills
- Storage integration and installation specialization
- Multi-site, multi-array, and complex storage solution development
- Advanced storage architecture evaluation and application
- HPE Storage Portfolio
- Operating multi-site or complex HPE storage solutions
Requirements
- Three online exams—HPE0, HPE2, HPE6
- Practical exams—(HPE1, HPE0-AxxP
- Minimum seven years of experience in design and implementation
- Five-day advanced HPE Storage Solutions training recommended
Time
- Does not expire
Cost
- Courses cost $4,000-$8,000
- Exams cost $60
8. Dell Information Storage and Management V5
Renowned for its professional certification programs that provide technology-focused, skill-based learning, Dell Technologies offers an Information Storage and Management V5 certification that covers all concepts and principles related to hardware and software solutions. It is designed for the associate level and is ideal for storage architects, managers, and administrators.
Skills
- Informed decision-making related to digital information storage, protection, and management
- Classic, virtualized, and cloud storage environments
- Fundamental storage technology training and knowledge
- Comprehensive understanding of storage infrastructure components
Requirements
- Relevant training recommended
- 90-minute, 60-question DEA-1TT5 Associate level exam
Time
- Does not expire
Cost
- Dell Learning Hub offers a variety of plans, including unlimited learning for a year
- Plans start at $7,000
- 14-day free trial offer.
9. VMware Certified Data Center Virtualization (VCTA-DCV) 2023
VMware offers various data storage certification programs, including the VCTA-DCV 2023, which is suitable for entry-level professionals. It validates knowledge of virtualized infrastructures, multi-cloud operations, and related technologies.
Skills
- Data center virtualization foundational knowledge and skills
- VMware vSphere implementation, administration, and maintenance
- Network configuration monitoring
- Resource monitoring
- vSphere Cluster training
Requirements
- No prerequisites, but four-day VMware Data Center Virtualization: Core Technical Skills recommended
- 135-minute, 51-question Associate VMware Data Center Virtualization (1V0-21.20) exam
Time
- Does not expire
Cost
- Exam costs $125
10. Pure Storage Certified Data Storage Associate
Data storage product and service pioneer Pure Storage offers the Pure Certified Data Storage Associate certification program to provide data professionals with a comprehensive understanding of multi-vendor enterprise storage solutions.
Skills
- Networking
- Virtualization
- Containerization
- Industry-recognized storage technology and solutions
Requirements
- Minimum three-months of experience
- 120-minute Pure Certified Data Storage Associate Prep exam
Time
- Pure certifications are valid for two to three years, depending
Cost
- Exam costs $200
Bottom Line: Advance Your Career with Data Storage Certifications
The enterprise demand for data storage has never been greater, and consequently, neither has the need for skilled personnel with both general and specialized expertise. Storage professionals need a deep understanding of data storage, hardware, architecture, performance issues, and capacity planning, and they need to keep pace with the constant evolution of new technology. Certifications are essential to professionals in the storage space looking to position themselves for career advancement and greater opportunities in the data storage domain.
To learn more about the providers whose solutions are relied on by enterprises across all industries, read Top 10 Data Storage Companies in 2023.
