All candidates must meet the following baseline requirements:

Step 1   Complete either one of the following options:

1. Earn the following two Cisco certifications DCSNS (Data Center Storage Networking Design Specialist) and DCNID (Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist)
   
   OR
2. "Fast start option": Choose this option if you wish to bypass Option A by completing your Cisco CCDA certification and passing the DCUCD Qualifier Exam (642-978)

Step 2   Pass the VMware Certified Professional exam: VCP3 (#VCP310) or later Certification Exam

Required: Cisco requires validation of passing the VCP3 or VCP4 exam from VMware. Please complete the validation process.

Note: Prerequisites NOT applicable for DCUC ATP Partner status. Please visit
Data Center Unified Computing Requirements for specific DCUC ATP Roles and Requirements.

Complete one of the following recertification options every two years:

• Re-take and pass all exams for each Specialist certification indicated on the specific certification page. Please note: this includes ALL exams whether refreshed or not.
• Pass a current CCIE or CCDE written exam

Achieving or recertifying CCDE or any CCIE automatically extends your active Specialist certification(s) up to the point of expiration of the last certification achieved.

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