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Exam Information
Official specifications published by NetApp
Exam Format
90 min
60
67%
Professional
Registration
$150 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
3 years
Pass current version of NS0-185 exam; Pass any NetApp Specialist or Professional level exam; Pass NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer (NCIE) exam
NS0-185 Exam Topics and Domains
NS0-185 is organized into 6 weighted domains. Expect to work with Active IQ, Cluster interconnect switches, Config Advisor, Data switches, and more.
1
Basic Installation Topics and Tools
17%
Installation Preparation and Documentation
Tools and documentation for preparing ONTAP cluster installation
- Identify appropriate tools and documentation for ONTAP cluster installation
- Use Hardware Universe to verify component compatibility
- Navigate NetApp support resources for installation guidance
Physical Cabling of ONTAP Nodes
ONTAP node physical cabling requirements
- Demonstrate proper physical cabling procedures for ONTAP nodes
- Identify correct cable types for different connections
- Validate cabling configuration using Config Advisor
2
ONTAP Concepts
20%
ONTAP Software Updates
Update ONTAP software
- Perform ONTAP software upgrades using System Manager and CLI
- Validate pre-upgrade requirements
- Understand ANDU process and requirements
ONTAP Cluster Controller Components
Understanding ONTAP cluster controller architecture
- Identify major controller components and their functions
- Understand HA pair architecture
- Recognize component failure symptoms
Aggregate Creation and Management
Create and configure aggregates
- Create aggregates using System Manager and CLI
- Select appropriate RAID protection levels
- Calculate storage capacity and efficiency
ONTAP Cluster Installation and Expansion
Install or expand ONTAP clusters
- Perform initial ONTAP cluster setup
- Add nodes to existing clusters
- Understand cluster expansion prerequisites
3
ONTAP Networking
18%
ONTAP System Networking Configuration
Configure ONTAP networking
- Configure broadcast domains and subnets
- Create and manage LIFs for different purposes
- Implement VLAN tagging and interface groups
- Configure LIF failover policies
Network Types in ONTAP Clusters
Understanding ONTAP network types
- Identify different ONTAP network types and their purposes
- Configure network separation
- Understand cluster interconnect requirements
4
ONTAP Switches
15%
Switched Cluster Cabling
Cable switched ONTAP clusters
- Cable cluster interconnect switches properly
- Configure ISLs between cluster switches
- Understand supported switch models and requirements
Cluster Switch Configuration Software
Software requirements for cluster switches
- Apply Reference Configuration Files to cluster switches
- Update switch firmware
- Configure Cluster Switch Health Monitor
5
ONTAP Configuration
20%
Cluster Node Management
Add or remove nodes in ONTAP cluster
- Add nodes to existing ONTAP clusters
- Remove nodes safely from clusters
- Manage cluster quorum and epsilon
Cluster Peering Configuration
Set up cluster peering relationships
- Configure cluster peering for SnapMirror/SnapVault
- Create intercluster LIFs
- Establish SVM peer relationships
Security Hardening Implementation
Implement ONTAP security hardening
- Apply NetApp security hardening guidelines
- Configure secure authentication methods
- Implement audit logging and monitoring
- Manage certificates and encryption
Troubleshooting ONTAP Installations
Support resources for troubleshooting
- Use AutoSupport and Active IQ for diagnostics
- Interpret EMS messages and logs
- Navigate NetApp support resources
- Generate diagnostic reports
6
Customer Handoff
10%
Installation Review Tools
Tools for installation review
- Perform final installation validation using Config Advisor
- Run Active IQ wellness scans
- Verify installation meets best practices
Customer Installation Handover
Handover process for new ONTAP cluster
- Complete customer handoff checklist
- Provide basic operational training
- Ensure support registration is complete
- Obtain customer acceptance sign-off
Installation Documentation Creation
Create installation documentation
- Create comprehensive as-built documentation
- Generate accurate network and cabling diagrams
- Document all configuration details
- Provide complete handoff documentation package
How do I earn this certification?
Passing NS0-185 earns the NetApp Certified Storage Installation Engineer, ONTAP (NCSIE) certification. It sits in the Installation & Administration track.
Current Level Exams
NS0-194 - NetApp Certified Support Engineer, ONTAPParallel professional certification focused on support rather than installation
Next Level Options
- NS0-520 - NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer - SAN, ONTAPSpecialist-level certification for advanced SAN implementation
- NS0-527 - NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer - Data Protection Specialist-level certification for advanced data protection implementation
- NS0-516 - NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer - MetroClusterSpecialist-level certification for MetroCluster high availability solutions
Alternative Paths
- NS0-163 - NetApp Certified Data Administrator, ONTAPFocus on ongoing administration rather than initial installation
- NS0-176 - Cisco and NetApp FlexPod Design SpecialistConverged infrastructure design expertise with FlexPod solutions
- NS0-175 - Cisco and NetApp FlexPod Implementation and Administration SpecialistComplementary certification for FlexPod implementation skills
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 NS0-185.
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Storage installation engineers and NetApp field installation technicians.
- Certification: NetApp Certified Data Administrator (NCDA); Exam Code: NS0-163; Reason: Provides foundational ONTAP knowledge helpful for installation work