Most People Needed at Least 5 Months to Study for the CCNP Data Center Core Exam
by Ross Heintzkill | Published on January 20, 2025
If you want to earn the CCNP Data Center, you'll have the core exam 350-601 DCCOR and one concentration exam to pass first. Wondering how long that'll take? Us, too.
We surveyed IT professionals who’ve taken the DCCOR exam to find out how long it took them to prepare. Out of 2,000 responses collected via social media and email survey, 187 people reported they took the DCCOR exam. How long it took them to study before attempting the 350-601 DCCOR varied, but at minimum, you’ll want to spend at least 3 months preparing before test day (usually longer).
What is the CCNP Data Center?
The CCNP Data Center certification is a mid-career credential designed for IT professionals aiming to deepen their expertise in installing and implementing modern data centers.
If you’re a data center engineer, network engineer, or systems administrator, the CCNP Data Center is worth the effort, especially if you’re looking to manage enterprise-level data centers. Most people who pursue the CCNP Data Center are already involved in or working with Cisco's data center solutions. Whether you want to learn more about automation, virtualization, security, and infrastructure (or validate knowledge you already have with a cert), earning the CCNP Data Center is a good call.
To earn your CCNP Data Center certification, you must first pass the core exam, DCCOR 350-601, and one specialty exam. The DCCOR focuses on implementing core data center technologies related to network, compute, storage network, automation, and security solutions for Cisco data centers. Earning it can clear the way for advanced careers in network architecture and senior data center management. It’s an excellent option if you’re looking to solidify your position in the field or transition into higher-level, specialized roles.
The 350-601 DCCOR costs $400 to attempt and it's a 2-hour exam. Once you pass it, you'll still need to take an additional concentration exam if you want to earn the CCNP Data Center, and those tests usually cost $300-$350.
How Long Does it Take to Study for the CCNP Data Center Core Exam?
Passing the 350-601 DCCOR exam demands serious preparation. For most people, this exam is just too challenging to tackle in a short period without deep, hands-on experience. Just take a look at the DCCOR study time survey results:
Only 7% of people prepared for DCCOR in less than 6 weeks.
Only 25% of people managed to study for DCCOR in 3 months.
Half of respondents needed more than 5 months to prepare for DCCOR 350-601.
Passing the DCCOR exam isn't just about memorizing concepts — you need to fully understand how to design, implement, and troubleshoot data center solutions. The gap between those who needed under 3 months and those who required over 5 months suggests that practical experience plays a huge role in how quickly someone can prepare.
If you plan to take the CCNP Data Center, incorporating hands-on practice — especially through virtual labs — could be the key to cutting down your preparation time. The more familiar you are with real-world data center technologies, the more confident you’ll feel when taking the test. Look for practice environments where you can simulate troubleshooting and implementation tasks, as this could make a big difference in your readiness.
What's on the CCNP Data Center Core Exam?
You’ll have 120 minutes to take the CCNP Data Center Core (350-601 DCCOR) exam required to earn CCNP Data Center certification. DCCOR v1.1 exam topics cover the skills needed to implement network, compute, storage network, automation, and security technologies in a Cisco-powered data center.
It’s a tricky test, and even experienced data center administrators should plan on taking an online DCCOR course to prepare beforehand. Here’s what you need to know ahead of test day:
1.0 Network
The first section of the exam focuses on network infrastructure, accounting for 25% of the topics. This portion tests your knowledge of routing and switching protocols like OSPF, BGP, and VXLAN EVPN, as well as Cisco’s ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) for managing network fabrics and virtual machine networks. It also covers traffic flow and monitoring tools like NetFlow and SPAN.
2.0 Compute
Another significant area of the 350-601 DCCOR exam (also 25%) looks at Cisco’s Unified Computing System (UCS) for rack and blade servers. Skills tested include initial setups, network and storage management, firmware updates, and monitoring through Cisco Intersight. You'll want to understand Cisco HyperFlex for hybrid cloud and hyperconverged infrastructure.
3.0 Storage Network
Once you finish the network and compute sections, you’ll move into the storage network portion of DCCOR (20% of the exam). You’ll need to prove you have the skills needed to manage SAN and Fibre Channel storage, covering zoning, fabric management, and storage security.
4.0 Automation
The 350-601 DCCOR also emphasizes automation, security, and orchestration. 15% of the test covers tasks involving scripting with Python and REST APIs, as well as automation tools like Ansible and Terraform.
5.0 Security
Finally, the last 15% of the exam covers essential security topics across all data center components. This includes network security features like AAA and role-based access control (RBAC), as well as ACI-based segmentation.
Preparing for the CCNP Data Center core exam typically requires more than 5 months of study, but a high-quality online DCCOR course can make it faster. Find an instructor who can break down data center concepts and tools into structured lessons, like Jeff Kish and David Smith do in the CBT Nuggets CCNP Data Center online training.
A great CCNP course should include interactive labs and quizzes that help you reinforce and retain knowledge. This helps you focus on the subjects you need more time with, and speeds up the study process.
Why Should I Spend Over 5 Months Earning the CCNP Data Center?
The CCNP Data Center is ideal for professionals late in their career who want to manage complex data center environments, or mid-career network admins who want to climb higher on the ladder. This certification can lead to roles like data center engineer, infrastructure architect, or network operations lead, perfect for those with strong IT infrastructure backgrounds.
CCNP Data Center is a big certification that covers tons of material, which is why most people invest five months (if not more). But a good course can help you be more comfortable with Cisco ACI, UCS, and advanced networking for data centers. If you’re already a systems admin or network engineer, this cert brings you to a higher level of expertise, enabling you to handle enterprise data centers confidently.
How to Prepare for the CCNP Data Center
Prepping to pass 350-601 DCCOR can take over 5 months, but using online resources like virtual labs and practice exams can help you learn new concepts and get them to stick. The trick is knowing where to find them.
Use Online Training Resources
While free training content for Cisco’s Data Center exams is available, a structured, paid course ensures high-quality, cohesive learning. CBT Nuggets CCNP Data Center training covers key topics, like Cisco ACI and UCS, in line with the certification exam so you can focus your time where it counts.
Use Virtual Labs
Virtual labs provide you with a realistic, interactive Cisco data center environment where you can practice complex data center configurations. A CBT Nuggets subscription includes virtual labs that reflect real-world scenarios, helping you build applicable skills faster than theory-based study alone.
Test Yourself Using Practice Exams
Practice exams give you a preview of what to expect on the certification test. All CBT Nuggets subscribers have access to practice exams that can help you highlight areas you may need to spend extra time studying.
Learn From Experts
Train with data center pros who know Cisco’s platforms inside and out. Trainers like David Smith and Jeff Kish create lessons that are easy to follow, using visuals and examples that simplify even the most complex topics so you can understand Cisco’s technology in practical, approachable ways.
If you’re ready to advance into data center networking, the CCNP Data Center certification is a powerful move. Study times can often take 5 months or more, but CBT Nuggets’ 350-601 DCCOR course can streamline your path. Designed with practical labs and comprehensive lessons, you’ll focus on exactly what you need to know to feel prepared.