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Exam Information
Official specifications published by NetApp
Exam Format
90 min
60
66%
Specialist
Registration
$150 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
English
Validity
3 years
Pass any current NetApp certification exam; Pass the same exam again (NS0-175); Complete continuing education credits through NetApp Learning Services
NS0-175 Exam Topics and Domains
NS0-175 is organized into 4 weighted domains. Expect to work with Active IQ Unified Manager, Cisco Intersight, Active IQ Digital Advisor, Cisco Nexus Dashboard, and more.
1
FlexPod Design
35%
FlexPod Components Based Upon Customer Workloads
Cisco UCS Compute ComponentsNetApp Storage ComponentsCisco Networking ComponentsHypervisor and Virtualization Components
- Identify FlexPod hardware components suitable for specific customer workloads
- Understand the architecture and components of FlexPod solutions
- Select appropriate compute, storage, and network components based on requirements
- Design FlexPod configurations for various use cases (VDI, databases, general-purpose workloads)
Size a Solution Based on Customer Requirements
Performance SizingFlexPod Best PracticesCapacity and Scalability Planning
- Size FlexPod solutions based on customer performance requirements
- Apply FlexPod best practices and CVD guidelines to designs
- Plan for capacity and scalability in FlexPod deployments
- Calculate resource requirements with efficiency and overhead factors
Support Options for FlexPod
Cooperative Support ModelFlexPod Support Services
- Understand the cooperative support model between Cisco and NetApp
- Identify support options and service levels for FlexPod
- Know escalation procedures and support case routing
- Explain FlexPod-specific support services and tools
2
Networking
25%
Cisco Networking Components Used Within FlexPod Designs
Cisco Nexus SwitchesCisco UCS Fabric InterconnectsCisco MDS Fibre Channel Switches
- Identify Cisco networking components suitable for FlexPod
- Understand the role of each networking component in the architecture
- Design network topology with appropriate redundancy
- Select correct switch models based on requirements
FlexPod Networking Configurations
VLANs and Network SegmentationPort Channels and Link AggregationJumbo Frames and MTUFibre Channel SAN Configuration
- Configure networking components for FlexPod solutions
- Implement VLANs, port channels, and jumbo frames
- Design and configure FC SAN fabrics
- Apply FlexPod networking best practices
3
Security
20%
Access Control Methods for FlexPod Solutions
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)Authentication and AuthorizationNetwork Security ControlsData Encryption and Protection
- Implement access control methods across FlexPod components
- Configure authentication and authorization mechanisms
- Apply network security controls to FlexPod designs
- Enable data encryption and protection features
Considerations in Building a Secure Multitenancy Design
Tenant IsolationQuality of Service (QoS) for MultitenancyCompliance and Regulatory Requirements
- Design secure multitenancy architectures in FlexPod
- Implement tenant isolation at compute, storage, and network layers
- Configure QoS for fair resource allocation among tenants
- Address compliance and regulatory requirements in multitenant designs
4
Tools
20%
Resources for Determining Supported FlexPod Components
Interoperability and Compatibility ToolsFlexPod Design and Reference Tools
- Use interoperability tools to validate FlexPod configurations
- Access FlexPod CVD and reference documentation
- Verify component compatibility and support status
- Leverage FlexPod community and automation resources
Tools for Managing FlexPod
Cisco Management ToolsNetApp Management ToolsVMware Management ToolsAutomation and Orchestration Tools
- Use Cisco, NetApp, and VMware management tools for FlexPod
- Implement monitoring and analytics solutions
- Automate FlexPod configuration and deployment
- Leverage APIs and orchestration platforms
Troubleshooting Methodologies for FlexPod Solutions
Systematic Troubleshooting ApproachDiagnostic and Monitoring ToolsCommon FlexPod Issues and ResolutionsPerformance Analysis and Optimization
- Apply systematic troubleshooting methodologies to FlexPod issues
- Use diagnostic and monitoring tools effectively
- Resolve common FlexPod problems
- Perform performance analysis and optimization
How do I earn this certification?
Passing NS0-175 earns the Cisco and NetApp FlexPod Design Specialist certification. It sits in the FlexPod - Converged Infrastructure track.
Current Level Exams
Next Level Options
- NS0-163 - NetApp Certified Data Administrator - ONTAP Deep dive into NetApp ONTAP administration
- Cisco CCNP Data Center Advanced Cisco data center technologies including UCS
Alternative Paths
- NS0-160 - NetApp Certified Data Administrator - ONTAP Storage administration focus on ONTAP platform
- NS0-527 - NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer - Data Protection Specialization in backup and disaster recovery for FlexPod
- Cisco CCNA Data Center Foundational data center networking and compute skills
- VMware Certified Professional - Data Center Virtualization (VCP-DCV) Virtualization layer expertise for FlexPod solutions
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 NS0-175.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2024
- Announcement date: 2017-06-27
Updates
- Cisco UCS X-Series Latest New FlexPod CVDs feature X-Series as primary compute platform • Release date: 2023-ongoing
- NetApp ONTAP 9.12 - 9.14 Current FlexPod CVDs reference ONTAP 9.12+ • Release date: 2023-2024
- VMware vSphere 8.0 Latest CVDs incorporate vSphere 8.0 features • Release date: 2022-2024
- 100GbE Networking Current End-to-end 100G designs in modern FlexPod architectures • Release date: 2023-2024
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by FlexPod Solutions Architects and Data Center Architects.
- 6-12 months of field experience with FlexPod solutions
- Understanding of Cisco UCS compute platforms
- Knowledge of NetApp ONTAP storage systems
- Familiarity with VMware vSphere virtualization
- Experience with Cisco Nexus switching
- Basic understanding of converged infrastructure concepts