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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Cisco
Exam Format
90 min
55-65
825
Professional
Registration
$300 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English
Validity
3 years
300-625 Exam Topics and Domains
300-625 is organized into 4 weighted domains.
1
Deployment
15%
Describe installation and initial setup
MDS 9000 Series Switch InstallationInitial Configuration
- Understand MDS 9000 series hardware installation requirements
- Configure initial switch settings and management access
Describe secure boot
Secure Boot Process
- Explain secure boot functionality and benefits
- Understand boot integrity verification process
2
Implementation
35%
Implement Fibre Channel port channels
Port Channel Configuration
- Configure and verify Fibre Channel port channels
- Implement appropriate load balancing
Implement Fibre Channel protocol services
FC Services
- Configure FC protocol services
- Understand fabric service operations
Implement FCoE
FCoE Configuration
- Deploy FCoE in data center environments
- Configure virtual FC interfaces
Implement VSANs
VSAN Configuration
- Create and manage VSANs
- Implement fabric segmentation
Implement NPV and NPIV
N-Port Virtualization
- Configure NPV mode on edge switches
- Enable NPIV for virtualized environments
Implement device aliases and zoning
Device Alias ConfigurationZoning Implementation
- Create and manage device aliases
- Implement effective zoning strategies
Configure inter-VSAN routing
IVR Configuration
- Configure inter-VSAN routing
- Implement IVR NAT when required
Implement VSAN extensions
VSAN Extension Technologies
- Extend VSANs across distances
- Configure FCIP tunnels
3
Management and Monitoring
25%
Configure DCNM
DCNM Setup
- Deploy and configure DCNM
- Manage fabric through DCNM
Configure RBAC
Role-Based Access Control
- Implement RBAC for security
- Configure AAA services
Configure Fibre Channel fabric security
Fabric Security Features
- Implement fabric security features
- Configure authentication protocols
Describe slow-drain analysis
Slow-Drain Detection
- Identify slow-drain devices
- Implement mitigation strategies
Implement SAN telemetry streaming
Telemetry Configuration
- Configure SAN telemetry streaming
- Integrate with analytics platforms
4
MDS Troubleshooting
25%
Troubleshoot Fibre Channel domains and duplicate domain ID
Domain ID Issues
- Troubleshoot domain ID conflicts
- Resolve fabric segmentation issues
Troubleshoot zoning and zone merge failure
Zone Merge Issues
- Identify zone merge failures
- Resolve zoning conflicts
Troubleshoot boot and upgrade issues
Boot ProblemsUpgrade Issues
- Troubleshoot boot failures
- Perform successful upgrades
- Execute rollback procedures
How do I earn this certification?
Passing 300-625 earns the CCNP Data Center certification. It sits in the Data Center track.
Current Level Exams
350-601 - DCCORCore exam for CCNP Data Center
Next Level Options
- CCIE DC Lab - CCIE Data Center Lab Exam
- DevNet Professional - DevNet Professional Core + Concentration Automation and programmability focus
Alternative Paths
- 300-715 - SISE - Implementing and Configuring Cisco Identity Services EngineSecurity aspects of data center
- 300-635 - DCAUTOAutomation complements SAN management
- 300-735 - SAUTO - Automating Cisco Security SolutionsSecurity automation for storage networks
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for 300-625 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- RETIRED
- Last content update: 2023-02-15
- Announcement date: 2023-01-15
Updates
- Cisco MDS 9000 NX-OS 9.4 Enhanced analytics and automation features now part of DCCOR exam content • Release date: 2024-06-15
- NVMe over Fabrics Current Growing importance in modern data center architectures, covered in 350-601 DCCOR • Release date: 2025-03-10
- Cisco Intersight for Storage Current Cloud-based management increasingly relevant for modern data center operations • Release date: 2024-11-01
Who should take this exam?
- Understanding of storage area networking concepts
- Hands-on experience with Cisco MDS switches
- Knowledge of Fibre Channel protocols
- Experience with data center technologies