Why Study with PlanetCert?
The Latest Questions
Practice questions and exam topics aligned with the current exam objectives.
Detailed Explanations
Go beyond the answer. Master the material with comprehensive learning and professional explanations for every concept.
AI-Powered Insights
Personalized preparation guidance that adapts to your performance and identifies weak spots automatically.
Exam Information
Official specifications published by Cisco
Exam Format
60 min
45-55
750-850
Specialist
Registration
$300 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English
Validity
3 years
Pass the current version of the same exam; Pass any professional-level Cisco exam; Pass any expert-level Cisco exam
500-174 Exam Topics and Domains
500-174 is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with UCS Manager, AAA setup, Access control, Access ports, and more.
1
Information Gathering for FlexPod Solutions
10%
Describe the main FlexPod components
NetworkComputeStorage
- Identify and describe the main components of a FlexPod solution
- Understand the role of network, compute, and storage in FlexPod architecture
Describe the Cisco UCS components
Fabric InterconnectsServers
- Understand Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnect functionality
- Identify different UCS server types and their use cases
2
FlexPod Design
10%
Describe the storage components used in FlexPod
E-SeriesFAS/AFF
- Understand different NetApp storage options for FlexPod
- Know when to use E-Series vs FAS/AFF systems
Describe network switches supported in FlexPod
Nexus 3000/Nexus 9000 and OSs
- Identify supported Nexus switch models for FlexPod
- Understand NX-OS features relevant to FlexPod
Describe the Cisco UCS servers used in FlexPod
B-Series chassis and blades used in FlexPodC-Series servers used in FlexPod
- Understand B-Series and C-Series server options
- Know appropriate server selection for different workloads
3
FlexPod Configuration
34%
Demonstrate knowledge of how to install and configure the FlexPod components
NetworkComputeStorageHypervisor components
- Configure all FlexPod components from initial setup
- Integrate components into a working solution
Describe how to initialize the Fabric Interconnect
Different UCS modes (e.g., end host/switched)Internal wiring of the Cisco UCSPolicy criteria
- Initialize Fabric Interconnects correctly
- Configure appropriate switching modes
- Implement policy-based management
Demonstrate knowledge of how to configure networks in a UCS solution
QoSConfiguration of port channelsConfiguration of UCS pools to be created
- Configure UCS networking components
- Implement QoS and traffic management
- Create and manage resource pools
Describe when to configure SAN boot in a FlexPod solution
Type of SAN boots to be configuredHow to map a LUN to a host
- Configure SAN boot for servers
- Map storage LUNs to hosts correctly
Demonstrate knowledge of how to configure a service profile
Configure UCS service profile/template
- Create and manage service profiles
- Use templates for consistent deployments
Demonstrate knowledge of how to configure storage in a FlexPod solution
Create a storage aggregateStorage virtual machineHow NetApp storage implements RAID-TECImportance of broadcast domain in ONTAPDifference between SAN and NAS LIFs
- Configure NetApp storage components
- Understand storage architecture and features
- Implement appropriate RAID and data protection
Demonstrate knowledge of how to configure Cisco Nexus switches
LicensesNexus VLANsNxOS switch configurationsHow to configure port channels between the Nexus switches and other devicesvPCport-channel
- Configure Nexus switches for FlexPod
- Implement high availability features
- Configure virtual port channels
4
FlexPod Administration
26%
Demonstrate knowledge of how to administer FlexPod solutions according to FlexPod best practices
Ability to enable/disable the UCS call home featureAbility to enable/disable NetApp AutoSupportProcess for adding a block of IP addresses for KVM Access to UCS using UCS Manager
- Implement FlexPod best practices
- Configure support and monitoring features
- Manage administrative access
Describe FlexPod management applications
UCS ManagementStorage system managementOther tools
- Understand FlexPod management tools
- Know capabilities of each management platform
- Select appropriate tools for different tasks
Demonstrate knowledge of how to install and upgrade the FlexPod solution
ONTAP operating systemUCSNexusHypervisor
- Plan and execute FlexPod upgrades
- Maintain version compatibility
- Minimize downtime during updates
5
FlexPod Troubleshooting
20%
Demonstrate how to perform basic FlexPod troubleshooting
Boot problemsNetwork problemsThe correct WWPN to zone FC SAN LIFiSCSI IQN targets
- Troubleshoot common FlexPod issues
- Use appropriate diagnostic tools
- Implement systematic troubleshooting approaches
How do I earn this certification?
Passing 500-174 earns the Cisco and NetApp FlexPod Implementation and Administration Specialist certification. It sits in the Data Center/Converged Infrastructure track.
Current Level Exams
- 500-173 - FPDESIGN - FlexPod DesignDesign-focused FlexPod certification
- NS0-176 - NetApp FlexPod Implementation and AdministrationNetApp version of the same certification
Next Level Options
- 350-601 - DCCORAdvanced data center certification
- NS0-515 - NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer - SAN Advanced NetApp storage specialization
- 300-615 - DCIT - Troubleshooting Cisco Data Center InfrastructureAdvanced troubleshooting skills
Alternative Paths
- 300-710 - SNCF - Securing Networks with Cisco FirepowerSecurity layer for FlexPod deployments
- 300-735 - SAUTO - Automating Cisco Security SolutionsAutomation skills for FlexPod management
- 300-435 - ENAUTO - Automating Cisco Enterprise SolutionsInfrastructure automation expertise
- 2V0-21.23 - VMware vSphere 8.x ProfessionalHypervisor expertise for FlexPod environments
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
Use the official PlanetCert Practice Test alongside the study plan below to prepare efficiently for 500-174.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2020-02-24
Updates
- Cisco UCS X-Series Modular System Future exam updates likely to include X-Series configuration • Release date: 2024-03-01
- ONTAP 9.14.1 9.14.1 New features may appear in administration questions • Release date: 2024-04-15
- Cisco Intersight SaaS Increasing focus on cloud-based management • Release date: Continuous
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Field Engineers and System Engineers.
- 6-12 months of field experience with FlexPod tools and standards
- Technical understanding of FlexPod Solutions
- Knowledge of hypervisor technologies (VMware, Red Hat, Microsoft)
- Basic understanding of data center architecture
- Familiarity with Cisco UCS and NetApp storage systems