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Data centers are hiring in large numbers to keep pace with the growing demand for their services—but a foundational IT knowledge is insufficient if you want to work at the forefront of data center operations. Professional and advanced certifications can demonstrate your expertise and increase your value to employers. Some certifications are exam-only; others include training programs to prepare candidates for the tests. Whether offered by vendors, training providers, or professional organizations, the many available certifications offer data center professionals the chance to expand their knowledge and skills in a wide range of focus areas, from specific networking protocols to data center design to sustainability.
Here are our picks for the top 10 data center certifications for 2023.
This associate-level certification demonstrates a grasp of IT fundamentals, including basic data center networking, troubleshooting, addressing schemes, switch configurations, VLANs, Nexus OS, common network services, network and server virtualization, load balancing, storage, and network access controls. The CCNA focuses on agility and versatility, certifying management and optimization skills in advanced networks, and is considered an industry standard certification.
Participants must earn a passing score on Cisco exam No. 200-301, which tests their knowledge and their ability to install, operate, and troubleshoot an enterprise branch network.
No prerequisites; Cisco’s Data Center Networking and Technologies course recommended
