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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Dell
Exam Format
90 min
60-65
63%
Associate
Registration
$230 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English, French
Validity
3 years
Pass a current Dell Technologies Proven Professional exam at the Associate level or higher; Pass the current version of the same exam; Complete continuing education credits through Dell Learning
D-ISM-FN-01 Exam Topics and Domains
D-ISM-FN-01 is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with Dell Cloud Tier, Dell PowerFlex, Dell Unity XT (unified), AI/ML frameworks, and more.
1
Modern Data Center Infrastructure
18%
Data Center Fundamentals
Data Classification and Data Center ElementsDigital Transformation Technologies
- Describe data classification, elements of a data center, key characteristics of a data center, and key technologies driving digital transformation
- Explain the cloud characteristics, cloud service models, and cloud deployment models
- Explain the key characteristics of big data, big data analytics, AI/ML, Internet of Things (IoT) architecture, Edge computing, and 5G technologies
Data Center Architecture
Compute, Storage, and ConnectivitySoftware-Defined Data Center
- Describe a compute system, storage, connectivity in a data center, and application center
- Describe software-defined data center, modern data center architecture, and options to build a modern data center
2
Storage Systems
23%
Intelligent Storage System Components
Storage System ArchitectureRAID Technology
- Explain the components of an intelligent storage system
- Explain RAID levels, characteristics, and implementations
Storage Provisioning and Tiering
Storage Provisioning MethodsStorage Tiering
- Describe storage provisioning methods and their use cases
- Explain storage tiering strategies and automation
Storage System Types
Block StorageFile StorageObject StorageUnified Storage
- Explain the features and components of block storage systems
- Explain the features and components of file storage systems
- Explain the features and components of object storage systems
- Explain the features and components of unified storage systems
3
Storage Networking Technologies
19%
Fibre Channel SAN
FC SAN Components and ArchitectureFC Ports and TopologiesLink Aggregation and SAN Virtualization
- Explain FC SAN components, architecture, and protocols
- Explain FC ports, topologies, and their use cases
- Explain link aggregation and SAN virtualization techniques
IP-Based SAN Technologies
iSCSI (Internet SCSI)FCIP and FCoE
- Explain the components and connectivity of iSCSI
- Explain the components and connectivity of FCIP
- Explain the components and connectivity of FCoE
Modern Storage Networking
NVMe over FabricsSoftware-Defined Storage and Networking
- Explain NVMe over Fabrics and its transport options
- Explain software-defined storage and networking concepts and benefits
4
Backup, Archive, and Replication
24%
Information Availability and Fault Tolerance
Availability MeasurementsFault Tolerance Techniques
- Describe information availability measurements including RTO, RPO, and SLA
- Explain key fault tolerance techniques for storage infrastructure
Backup Technologies
Backup Granularity and ArchitectureBackup Targets and OperationsBackup Methods and Optimization
- Explain backup granularity, architecture, and components
- Explain backup targets, operations, and scheduling
- Explain backup methods and optimization techniques
Data Deduplication and Archiving
Data DeduplicationData Archiving
- Describe data deduplication principles and methods
- Describe data archiving solutions and architecture
Replication and Migration
Replication TechnologiesData Migration Techniques
- Describe replication uses and techniques
- Describe replication and migration methods and best practices
5
Security and Management
16%
Information Security
Security FundamentalsStorage Infrastructure Threats
- Describe information security goals and terminologies
- Describe various security domains and threats to storage infrastructure
Security Controls
Storage Security ControlsAdvanced Security Measures
- Explain key security controls to protect storage infrastructure
- Explain advanced security measures for data protection and compliance
Storage Infrastructure Management
Management FunctionsManagement Processes
- Describe storage infrastructure management functions
- Describe storage infrastructure management processes and best practices
How do I earn this certification?
Passing D-ISM-FN-01 earns the Dell Certified Associate - Information Storage and Management certification. It sits in the Information Storage and Management track.
Current Level Exams
DEA-3TT2 - Data Protection and Management Alternative Associate-level storage certification
Next Level Options
- DES-3521 - PowerProtect Data Manager Implementation Engineer
- DES-DD23 - PowerProtect DD Implementation Engineer
- DES-DD33 - PowerProtect DD Systems Administrator
- E20-375 - RecoverPoint Implementation Engineer
- E20-575 - RecoverPoint Systems Administrator
- DES-3128 - NetWorker Implementation Engineer
- E20-594 - Avamar Implementation Engineer
- E20-598 - Avamar Systems Administrator
Alternative Paths
- D-PWF-OE-A-00 - PowerEdge Foundations Complementary infrastructure knowledge
- DEA-2TT3 - Cloud Infrastructure and Services Cloud storage and infrastructure skills
- DEA-41T1 - PowerMax and VMAX All Flash Solutions DesignAdvanced enterprise storage design
- DEA-5TT1 - PowerScale Solutions Scale-out NAS specialization
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 D-ISM-FN-01 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2025-03-08
- Announcement date: 2024-01-15
Updates
- AI/ML in Storage Infrastructure Integrated in v2.0 exam New domain coverage on AI/ML workload characteristics and storage requirements • Release date: 2024-02-03
- 5G and Edge Computing Enhanced coverage in D-ISM-FN-01 Expanded content on edge storage architectures and 5G data infrastructure impact • Release date: 2024-02-03
- NVMe over Fabrics Deep dive in current exam Detailed coverage of NVMe/FC, NVMe/TCP, and NVMe/RoCE transports • Release date: 2024-02-03
- Software-Defined Storage (Dell PowerFlex) Updated product references Current Dell PowerFlex architecture and use cases included • Release date: 2024-02-03
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Storage administrators and IT professionals seeking storage knowledge.
- 6-12 months of hands-on experience with storage technologies
- Basic understanding of data center infrastructure
- Familiarity with storage concepts (block, file, object)
- Understanding of backup and recovery fundamentals
- Knowledge of networking basics