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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Dell
Exam Format
90 min
60
63%
Foundations
Registration
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English
Validity
2 years
Pass the current version of the exam before expiration; Pass a higher-level Dell Technologies certification exam; Participate in Dell Technologies continuing education programs
D-ISM-FN-23 Exam Topics and Domains
D-ISM-FN-23 is organized into 5 weighted domains. Expect to work with Dell CloudIQ, Dell PowerStore, Dell Unity XT, Dell PowerProtect, and more.
1
Modern Data Center Infrastructure
18%
Data Classification and Data Center Elements
Data ClassificationElements of a Data CenterKey Characteristics of a Data Center
- Describe the data classification methodologies used in modern enterprises
- Identify the key elements and characteristics of a data center
- Explain how data center components interact to deliver services
Digital Transformation Technologies
Cloud Computing FundamentalsBig Data and AnalyticsAI and Machine LearningInternet of Things (IoT)Edge Computing5G Technologies
- Explain the key technologies driving digital transformation
- Describe cloud service and deployment models
- Understand the impact of Big Data, AI/ML, IoT, Edge, and 5G on storage infrastructure
Software-Defined Data Center
Software-Defined Data Center ConceptsModern Data Center ArchitectureOptions to Build a Modern Data Center
- Describe software-defined data center architecture and components
- Explain modern data center design options including HCI and converged infrastructure
- Understand deployment and consumption models for modern data centers
2
Storage Systems
23%
Intelligent Storage System Components
Storage System ArchitectureRAID Fundamentals
- Explain the components of an intelligent storage system
- Describe RAID levels and their use cases
- Understand storage system data protection mechanisms
Storage Provisioning and Tiering
Storage Provisioning MethodsStorage Tiering
- Describe storage provisioning techniques
- Explain storage tiering and its benefits
- Understand how to optimize storage performance through tiering
Block, File, Object, and Unified Storage
Block StorageFile StorageObject StorageUnified Storage
- Explain the features and components of block, file, object, and unified storage systems
- Identify appropriate storage types for different workloads
- Understand the protocols and access methods for each storage type
3
Storage Networking Technologies
19%
Fibre Channel SAN
FC SAN ComponentsFC Ports and TopologiesLink Aggregation and SAN Virtualization
- Explain FC SAN components and architecture
- Describe FC ports, topologies, and zoning
- Understand link aggregation and SAN virtualization techniques
IP SAN Technologies
iSCSIFCIP (Fibre Channel over IP)FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet)
- Explain the components and connectivity of iSCSI, FCIP, and FCoE
- Understand the benefits and use cases for IP-based SAN technologies
- Configure and secure iSCSI environments
NVMe and Software-Defined Networking
NVMe over Fabrics (NVMe-oF)Software-Defined StorageSoftware-Defined Networking
- Explain NVMe over Fabrics architecture and transport options
- Describe software-defined storage and networking concepts
- Understand the benefits of NVMe for modern workloads
4
Backup, Archive, and Replication
24%
Information Availability and Fault Tolerance
Availability MeasurementsFault Tolerance Techniques
- Describe information availability measurements including RTO and RPO
- Explain key fault tolerance techniques for storage infrastructure
- Understand high availability design principles
Backup Operations
Backup GranularityBackup Architecture and TargetsBackup Methods
- Explain backup granularity options and their use cases
- Describe backup architecture components and targets
- Understand various backup methods and when to use them
Data Deduplication and Archiving
Data DeduplicationData Archiving
- Describe data deduplication techniques and benefits
- Explain data archiving solutions and architecture
- Understand compliance and retention requirements
Replication and Migration
Replication Use Cases and TechniquesMigration Techniques
- Describe replication use cases and techniques
- Explain synchronous vs asynchronous replication
- Understand data migration strategies and tools
5
Security and Management
16%
Information Security Fundamentals
Security Goals and TerminologySecurity DomainsThreats to Storage Infrastructure
- Describe information security goals and terminology
- Identify various security domains relevant to storage
- Understand common threats to storage infrastructure
Security Controls
Access Control MechanismsEncryption and Data ProtectionSecurity Monitoring and Auditing
- Explain key security controls to protect storage infrastructure
- Describe access control and encryption mechanisms
- Understand security monitoring and auditing practices
Storage Infrastructure Management
Management FunctionsManagement ProcessesAutomation and Orchestration
- Describe storage infrastructure management functions and processes
- Explain capacity planning and performance monitoring
- Understand automation and orchestration benefits
How do I earn this certification?
Passing D-ISM-FN-23 earns the Dell Technologies Certified Information Storage and Management Foundations 2023 certification. It sits in the Storage and Data Management track.
Current Level Exams
D-DP-FN-23 - Data Protection and Management Foundations 2023
Alternative Paths
- D-DP-FN-23 - Data Protection and Management Foundations 2023 Complementary data protection focus, builds on ISM foundation
- D-CIS-FN-23 - Cloud Infrastructure and Services Foundations 2023 Cloud storage and infrastructure skills
- D-DS-FN-23 - Data Scientist and Big Data Analytics Foundations 2023Big data storage and analytics applications
- D-PE-FN-23 - PowerEdge Foundations 2023 Server infrastructure knowledge complements storage skills
- D-NWG-FN-23 - Networking Foundations 2023Storage networking and data center networking integration
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 D-ISM-FN-23.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024-02-03
- Announcement date: 2024-02-05
Updates
- NVMe over Fabrics NVMe 2.0 Critical topic in Storage Networking domain (19% of exam)
- Software-Defined Storage Core concept in multiple domains
- Object Storage Part of Storage Systems domain (23% of exam)
- Data Deduplication Critical in Backup domain (24% of exam)
- Cloud Integration Modern Data Center domain (18% of exam)
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by IT professionals entering storage administration roles and System administrators expanding into storage management.
- Understanding of IT infrastructure concepts
- Basic knowledge of storage technologies
- Familiarity with data center operations
- Experience with storage systems (helpful but not required)