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Exam Information
Official specifications published by NetApp
Exam Format
60-70
Professional
Registration
$200 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
24 months
Pass the current version of the NS0-181 exam; Pass a higher-level NetApp certification exam; Earn required continuing education credits
NS0-181 Exam Topics and Domains
NS0-181 is organized into 6 weighted domains. Expect to work with System Manager, Config Advisor, Active IQ, cluster join commands, and more.
1
Basic Installation Topics and Tools
Installation Preparation Tools and Documentation
Tools for preparing ONTAP cluster installation
- Identify appropriate tools and documentation for preparing new ONTAP cluster installations
- Validate hardware compatibility using NetApp tools
- Understand pre-installation requirements and checklists
Physical Cabling of ONTAP Nodes
ONTAP node cabling requirements
- Demonstrate knowledge of physical cabling requirements for ONTAP nodes
- Understand cluster interconnect cabling
- Identify proper cable types for different connections
2
ONTAP Concepts
Updating ONTAP
ONTAP upgrade procedures
- Understand ONTAP upgrade procedures
- Identify upgrade paths and compatibility
- Perform nondisruptive upgrades
ONTAP Cluster Controller Components
Controller hardware components
- Identify ONTAP cluster controller components
- Understand the function of each component
- Recognize component compatibility requirements
Creating Aggregates
Aggregate creation and management
- Create and configure aggregates
- Select appropriate RAID types
- Understand aggregate architecture and best practices
Installation or Expansion of ONTAP Cluster
New cluster installationCluster expansion
- Perform new ONTAP cluster installations
- Expand existing clusters by adding nodes
- Configure initial cluster settings and licenses
3
ONTAP Networking
Configuring ONTAP System Networking
Network configuration basicsLIF types and configuration
- Configure ONTAP networking components
- Create and manage logical interfaces (LIFs)
- Implement network segmentation using VLANs and IPspaces
Network Types Used with ONTAP Clusters
ONTAP network types
- Identify different network types in ONTAP
- Understand network separation requirements
- Implement network redundancy
4
ONTAP Switches
Cabling of a Switched Cluster
Switched cluster cabling
- Cable switched ONTAP clusters properly
- Understand cluster switch requirements
- Implement switch redundancy
Software Needed for Cluster Switch Configuration
Cluster switch software
- Configure cluster switches with appropriate software
- Apply Reference Configuration Files (RCFs)
- Validate switch configurations
5
ONTAP Configuration
Add or Remove Nodes in an ONTAP Cluster
Adding nodes to clusterRemoving nodes from cluster
- Add nodes to ONTAP clusters
- Remove nodes from ONTAP clusters
- Perform pre and post node modification tasks
Set Up Cluster Peering
Cluster peering configuration
- Configure cluster peering relationships
- Set up intercluster LIFs
- Implement SVM peering for data replication
Implement Security Hardening
ONTAP security hardening
- Implement ONTAP security hardening measures
- Configure secure access methods
- Disable insecure protocols
- Implement role-based access control
Support Resources Required for Troubleshooting ONTAP Installations
Troubleshooting resources and tools
- Identify troubleshooting resources and tools
- Collect diagnostic data using AutoSupport
- Use Active IQ for proactive monitoring
- Locate and interpret log files
6
Customer Handoff
Tools Available to Review an Installation
Installation review tools
- Use tools to validate installation completion
- Perform final configuration checks
- Collect baseline performance data
Handover of New ONTAP Cluster Installation to the Customer
Customer handoff procedures
- Execute proper customer handoff procedures
- Transfer necessary credentials and documentation
- Verify support registration
Create Documentation
Installation documentation
- Create comprehensive installation documentation
- Generate as-built diagrams and worksheets
- Document configuration details for future reference
How do I earn this certification?
Passing NS0-181 earns the NCSIE certification. It sits in the Storage Engineering track.
Current Level Exams
Next Level Options
Alternative Paths
- NS0-194 - NetApp Certified Data Administrator, ONTAPRecommended prerequisite for NCSIE, focuses on administration vs installation
- NetApp Cloud Native Associate Accreditation Cloud-focused complementary skills
- NetApp Hybrid Cloud Associate Accreditation Hybrid cloud architecture understanding
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 NS0-181.
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Storage installation engineers and NetApp implementation specialists.
- 6-12 months of hands-on experience with NetApp ONTAP solutions
- Experience with setting up, configuring, installing, testing, and troubleshooting NetApp storage systems
- NetApp Certified Data Administrator (NCDA) certification