All candidates must meet the following baseline requirements:

Step 1   Complete either one of the following options:

1. Earn the following two Cisco certifications ICSNS (Data Center Storage Networking Support Specialist) and DCNIS (Data Center Networking Infrastructure Support Specialist)
   
   OR
2. "Fast start option”: Choose this option if you wish to bypass Option A by completing your Cisco CCNA certification and passing the DCUCI Qualifier Exam (642-979)

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

Required: Cisco requires validation of obtaining a VCP3 or VCP4 certification 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. 

Note to Channel Partners: The Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Support Specialist should not be confused with the Cisco Unified Computing Technology Support Specialist. Although the 642-983 exam supports both specialization programs, the 642-994 exam only supports the Cisco Data Center Unified Computing Support Specialist certification. In addition, Channel Partner specializations do not require the specialist badge represented on this page for specialization job role qualification. For more information on job role requirements, please visit the Partner Central Specialization pages. For more information on qualifying exams, please visit the Partner Education Connection.

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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