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Exam Information
Official specifications published by NetApp
Exam Format
90 min
60
62%
Implementation Engineer
Registration
$150 USD
Pearson VUE or online proctoring
Validity
3 years
Pass a current NetApp certification exam; Complete NetApp Continuing Education credits
NS0-520 Exam Topics and Domains
NS0-520 is organized into 4 weighted domains. Expect to work with FC Switches, FlexVol, Linux, ONTAP Clusters, and more.
1
ONTAP SAN Solution Assessment
25%
Prerequisites and Inventory for SAN Component Installation
Hardware PrerequisitesSoftware Prerequisites
- Identify prerequisites for SAN component installation
- Create accurate inventory of SAN components
- Validate hardware and software compatibility
Configuration Components and Tools
Configuration Tools
- Identify appropriate configuration tools for SAN deployment
- Use CLI and GUI tools effectively
Solution Design and Hardware Provisioning
Design Considerations
- Design scalable SAN solutions
- Plan for capacity and performance requirements
- Implement high availability designs
Environmental and Physical Considerations
Physical Environment
- Assess environmental requirements for SAN deployment
- Validate physical infrastructure readiness
2
ONTAP SAN Concepts
25%
Data Protection Concepts
Snapshot TechnologyReplication
- Implement data protection strategies
- Configure snapshot policies
- Set up replication relationships
Storage Controller Configuration
Cluster ConfigurationSVM Configuration
- Configure clustered storage systems
- Create and manage SVMs
- Implement storage efficiency
Switch and Host Configuration
FC Switch ConfigurationHost Configuration
- Configure FC switches for SAN
- Set up host systems for SAN connectivity
- Implement multipathing solutions
Storage Space Utilization and Management
Space Management
- Implement efficient storage provisioning
- Configure storage efficiency features
- Monitor and manage storage space
3
ONTAP SAN Implementation and Configuration
35%
Clustered Storage Systems and Node Configuration
Cluster Setup
- Build ONTAP clusters
- Configure cluster networking
- Add nodes to existing clusters
SVM Configuration
SVM Creation and Management
- Create and configure SVMs
- Enable SAN protocols on SVMs
- Manage SVM resources
FCP, NVMe, and iSCSI Configuration
FCP ConfigurationiSCSI ConfigurationNVMe Configuration
- Configure FCP services and LIFs
- Set up iSCSI with authentication
- Implement NVMe/FC with ANA
- Create and manage LUNs and namespaces
Switches and Host Systems Configuration
Switch ConfigurationHost Configuration
- Configure FC switch zoning
- Set up host multipathing
- Install and configure host utilities
- Map LUNs to hosts
Data Protection
Snapshot ConfigurationReplication Setup
- Configure snapshot policies
- Set up SnapMirror relationships
- Perform recovery operations
Storage Space Management
LUN ProvisioningStorage Efficiency
- Provision LUNs efficiently
- Enable storage efficiency features
- Monitor space utilization
4
ONTAP SAN Implementation Testing and Troubleshooting
15%
Testing Tasks
Connectivity TestingFailover Testing
- Perform connectivity testing
- Validate multipathing functionality
- Test failover scenarios
Troubleshooting Procedures
Common IssuesDiagnostic Tools
- Identify and resolve common SAN issues
- Use diagnostic tools effectively
- Analyze logs and AutoSupport data
Data Migration
Migration PlanningMigration Execution
- Plan data migration projects
- Execute migrations using FLI
- Validate migration success
How do I earn this certification?
Passing NS0-520 earns the NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer - SAN Specialist, ONTAP (NCIE-SAN) certification. It sits in the SAN Implementation - ONTAP track.
Current Level Exams
NS0-521 - NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer - SAN Specialist, ONTAPNS0-521 is a related exam for the same NCIE-SAN track
Next Level Options
NS0-603 - NetApp Certified Hybrid Cloud Architect Advanced architecture-level certification
Alternative Paths
- NS0-525 - NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer - Data Protection Complementary specialization in data protection
- NS0-505 - NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer - SAN E-SeriesSAN implementation for E-Series platforms
- NS0-527 - NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer - Data Protection Specialist Specialist-level data protection skills
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 NS0-520 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
Updates
- NVMe/FC ONTAP 9.8+ NVMe/FC and ANA configuration are key exam topics in current versions • Release date: 2020+
- ONTAP 9.x 9.8+ Exam focuses on ONTAP 9.x features and configurations • Release date: Ongoing updates
- Foreign LUN Import (FLI) Current Data migration using FLI is covered in testing and troubleshooting domain • Release date: Available in ONTAP
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Storage Administrators and SAN Administrators.
Certification: NetApp Certified Data Administrator (NCDA); Exam Code: NS0-158 or NS0-159; Type: certification
- 6-12 months experience implementing ONTAP SAN solutions
- Advanced SAN knowledge of integrating and configuring block protocols
- Experience with Windows, Linux, ESX, and UNIX operating systems
- Understanding of FC switched fabric, NVMe, and iSCSI solutions