Roadmap to Success is a series that helps learners understand certification pathways, career options associated with them, and the next steps beyond certification.
The NetApp Certified Storage Associate is an intermediate-level certification. It enables learners to have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage NetApp storage systems. Employers looking for qualified candidates with a solid understanding of the storage industry and the specific functions of NetApp solutions will find the NCSA highly desirable.
NetApp CertificationsNetApp, as a vendor specializing in storage solutions, offers just a handful of certifications. The certifications can be combined, with the Associate certification being the entry level, followed by the intermediate Administrator level and ending with the advanced Engineer certification. The following certifications are offered by NetApp:
Associate (entry level).
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Start trainingNetApp Certified Storage Associate (NCSA)
Administrator (intermediate level)
NetApp Certified Data Administrator (NCDA):7-Mode
Clustered Data ONTAP NS0-157
Engineer (advanced)
NetApp Certified Implementation Engineer (NCIE):Backup & Recovery
Data Protection
NCIE SAN 7-Mode
NCIE SAN Clustered Data OTAP (NS0-506)
NCIE SAN E Series
FlexPod certifications are available to those who want to combine their NetApp skills and knowledge with their experience using Cisco products.
Cisco and NetApp FlexPod SpecialistFlexPod Designs
Administration and Implementation of FlexPod
The NetApp Certified Storage Associate (NCSA), an intermediate-level certification, is intended to confirm a learner’s basic knowledge of NetApp storage systems as well as Data ONTAP administration. The NCSA is the foundational certification required for all NetApp certifications. However, learners must have previous experience with Windows and/or UNIX and access to a NetApp FAS machine.
The NCSA consists of one exam. SPOTO provides training for that exam.
NetApp Certified Storage Associate (NCSA) NS0-145
This certification path requires that learners have at least 1-3 years of storage product knowledge.
Exam DetailsNetApp offers a variety support materials to help learners prepare for certification exams.
Time allotted for exam: 1.5 hours (90 minutes)Number of questions: 65Passing score: 80%Exam registration: Pearson VueExam cost: $150-$200 (USD), depending on country and examExam study guide: NCSA NS0-145 (free resource)Practice exam: NCSA NS0-145 (free resource)Supplemental resources: NetApp product descriptions; NetApp Library (technical manuals, white papers, knowledge base articles, etc.)
The Next StepThe NCSA certification is an intermediate-level certification that can lead to further professional advancement. Many NCSA-certified learners go on to pursue other NetApp certifications such as the NCDA or NCIE. For learners who want to diversify their resumes, they may choose to pursue Cisco certifications. They start with the Cisco and NetApp FlexPod Specialist, then move on to the CCNA Data Center or CCNP Data Center.
RecertificationThe NCSA certificate is valid for two-years from the date it was earned. Learners can recertify by passing a NetApp certification exam of a higher level. Learn more about recertification through the NetApp Certification Program Policies.
Career ConsiderationsPayscale.com/ provides a helpful salary guide to help learners determine appropriate pay scales for job opportunities associated with the NCSA. An NCSA-certified employee can earn between $41,144 to $181,847 depending on their professional experience. Role