What topics are on the 500-325 exam?

1

Unified Computing System Architecture 60%

1.1

Appliance Approach and VMPT

1 subtopics

1.1.1Features of the Appliance Approach (VMPT)

Learning Objectives

Describe the features of the appliance approach (VMPT)

1.2

Cisco Business Edition Platforms

3 subtopics

1.2.1BE6000 Features and Capabilities

1.2.2BE7000 Features and Capabilities

1.2.3BE4000 Features and Capabilities

Learning Objectives

Describe the features of BE6000
Describe the features of BE7000
Describe the features of BE4000

1.3

Contact Center and Meeting Solutions

3 subtopics

1.3.1Contact Center CC View (Package CCE)

1.3.2CMS1000 and CMS2000 Features

1.3.3CE1100 Features

Learning Objectives

Describe the features of the Contact Center CC view (package CCE)
Describe the features of CMS1000 and CMS2000
Describe the features of CE1100

1.4

Hybrid Cloud and Unified Communications

2 subtopics

1.4.1Hybrid Applications with Spark

1.4.2Unified Communications on Cisco UCS

Learning Objectives

Describe the functionality of hybrid applications with Spark
Explain the functionality of unified communications on Cisco UCS

1.5

Deployment Approaches

3 subtopics

1.5.1DIY Approach

1.5.2Tested Reference Configurations

1.5.3Specs-based and Third-party

Learning Objectives

Explain the DIY approach
Explain the purpose of tested reference
Explain the purpose of Specs-based
Explain the purpose of Specs-based third-party

1.6

Design and Sizing

1 subtopics

1.6.1Design and Size Unified Communications on Cisco UCS

Learning Objectives

Explain the purpose of design and size unified communications on Cisco UCS

Domain Hands-on Skills

Deploy BE6000/BE7000 appliancesConfigure VMPT templatesSize UCS for UC deploymentsImplement hybrid services

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Underestimating resource requirements for BE platforms
Incorrect VMPT template selection
Mixing DIY and tested reference approaches
Improper UCS sizing for UC workloads

2

BIOS and Integrated Management Controller Setup 12%

3

Introduction and Setup of VMware ESXi 20%

4

Deploying Virtualized Applications 8%

How do I earn the Cisco Collaboration Servers and Appliances certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Track: Collaboration

Prerequisites

200-301CCNAOptional

Next Steps

Current Level

Alternative Paths

Complementary Certifications

Career Progression

0

Level:Entry
Role:Junior Collaboration Engineer
Certifications:CCNA

1

Level:Associate
Role:Collaboration Administrator
Certifications:CCNA, 500-325 CSA

2

Level:Professional
Role:Senior Collaboration Engineer
Certifications:CCNP Collaboration, Multiple Specialist Certs

3

Level:Expert
Role:Collaboration Architect
Certifications:CCIE Collaboration

Certification Maintenance

Recertification Options:
Specialist certifications do not expireConsider pursuing CCNP Collaboration for career advancement

How do I study for the 500-325 Exam?

Practice the Cisco Collaboration Servers and Appliances with our Exam Simulator

Free practice questions, exam guides, and real exam‑style explanations in our Planet Cert simulator.

Study Tips

Focus heavily on UC architecture (60% of exam)
Practice with VMware ESXi hands-on labs
Understand BE6000 vs BE7000 differences
Master CIMC and BIOS configuration steps
Review all deployment approaches (DIY, Tested Reference, Specs-based)

What's changed on this exam?

Technology Coverage

Cisco Business Edition 6000/7000

VMware ESXi for UC7.0+

Cisco UCS Platform

Industry Trends

Shift from on-premises to cloud collaboration
Hybrid deployment models becoming standard
Container-based UC applications emerging
AI integration in collaboration platforms
Security-first architecture requirements

Who should take this exam?

Recommended Experience

Experience with Cisco Unified Communications Manager
Knowledge of VMware virtualization
Understanding of Cisco UCS platforms
Familiarity with collaboration architecture

Experience Level: Intermediate

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

Exam Cost	$300 USD
Testing Centers	Pearson VUE
Online Proctoring	Available

How long is the certification valid?

Valid For	Does not expire
Recertification	No recertification required for specialist exams

Cisco Collaboration Servers and Appliances

What's Included

Complete Exam Package

Multiple Exam Modes

Lifetime Updates

Money Back Guarantee

Exam Details

What topics are on the 500-325 exam?

Unified Computing System Architecture 60%

Appliance Approach and VMPT

Cisco Business Edition Platforms

Contact Center and Meeting Solutions

Hybrid Cloud and Unified Communications

Deployment Approaches

Design and Sizing

Domain Hands-on Skills

Common Mistakes to Avoid

BIOS and Integrated Management Controller Setup 12%

Introduction and Setup of VMware ESXi 20%

Deploying Virtualized Applications 8%

How do I earn the Cisco Collaboration Servers and Appliances certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Prerequisites

Next Steps

Current Level

Alternative Paths

Complementary Certifications

Career Progression

0

1

2

3

Certification Maintenance

How do I study for the 500-325 Exam?

Practice the Cisco Collaboration Servers and Appliances with our Exam Simulator

Official Training

Official Documentation

Community Resources

Hands-on Labs

Study Tips

What's changed on this exam?

Technology Coverage

Industry Trends

Who should take this exam?

Recommended Experience

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

How long is the certification valid?

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