Top 11 Storage Architect Certifications

Certifications are important for storage architects in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of competency and expertise that employers look for when hiring. They also serve as proof that the individual has taken the time to invest in their career development, which is viewed favorably by potential employers. Additionally, certifications can provide assurance to employers that the storage architect has a comprehensive understanding of the latest industry trends and technologies related to storage architecture, allowing them to hit the ground running when it comes to designing, implementing, and managing storage solutions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Storage Architects and explains how they can help to advance a storage architect's career.

What are Storage Architect Certifications?

Storage Architect Certification is a certification program designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in designing, deploying, configuring, and managing storage solutions. It helps individuals prove their expertise and knowledge in the field of storage architecture.

The certification program covers topics such as: storage architectures, RAID technologies, SAN and NAS systems, backup and recovery strategies, virtualization technologies, data protection methods, and system performance optimization. The certification verifies that the individual has a deep understanding of the various aspects of storage architecture. It also provides a measure of assurance that the individual has the necessary skills to design, implement, optimize and maintain enterprise-level storage systems.

Storage Architect Certification can help individuals stand out in the job market by demonstrating their proficiency in this highly sought-after skill set. It can also provide employers with an assurance that they are hiring qualified professionals who have met certain standards of excellence in their field. Furthermore, it can give an individual greater confidence in their abilities when working on complex storage solutions. In addition to these benefits for individuals and employers alike, Storage Architect Certification may also open up new opportunities for career advancement or even job changes within the industry.

Pro Tip: When considering storage architect certification, focus on certifications that provide a comprehensive understanding of the architecture and technologies used in storage systems. This will allow you to better understand the complexities of storage design and implementation and give you an edge when competing for jobs.

Related: What does a Storage Architect do?

Top 11 Storage Architect Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Storage Architects today.

1. CompTIA Storage+

CompTIA Storage+ is a certification program for IT professionals who want to specialize in storage technologies. It is designed to validate the skills and knowledge required to design, implement, manage, and troubleshoot storage solutions. The certification covers topics such as storage area networks (SANs), network-attached storage (NAS), unified storage systems, cloud storage, virtualization, data protection, backup/recovery, and more.

The CompTIA Storage+ exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 90 minutes. To earn the certification, you must pass the exam with a score of 750 or higher on a scale of 100-900.

You can prepare for the CompTIA Storage+ exam by taking an instructor-led training course or self-studying using books or online resources. Once you have prepared adequately for the exam, you can register for it through Pearson VUE or Prometric testing centers. The cost of the exam varies from country to country but typically ranges from $200-$250 USD.

Once you have passed the CompTIA Storage+ exam, your certificate will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed. You can renew your certification by passing either the current version of the CompTIA Storage+ exam or by completing Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

2. EMC Proven Professional Data Scientist Associate (EMCDSA)

The EMC Proven Professional Data Scientist Associate (EMCDSA) is a certification program that validates the skills and knowledge of data scientists. It is designed to help IT professionals demonstrate their expertise in data science, analytics, and big data technologies. The certification requires applicants to pass an online exam that covers topics such as machine learning algorithms, data analysis techniques, and predictive modeling.

It typically takes around 4-6 months to complete the EMCDSA certification process. To get certified, applicants must first purchase the exam voucher from EMC's website. The cost of the voucher depends on the country where you are located and can range from $200 to $400 USD. After purchasing the voucher, applicants must schedule an appointment with Pearson VUE for taking the exam. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 90 minutes.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your EMCDSA certificate from EMC within 8 weeks or less. You will also be given access to exclusive resources such as webinars and community forums for continuing your education in data science.

3. HPE Master ASE – Storage Solutions Architect V2

HPE Master ASE – Storage Solutions Architect V2 is a certification program offered by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) that validates an individual's expertise in designing, deploying, and managing HPE storage solutions. It is designed for IT professionals who want to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in this field.

The certification requires an individual to pass two exams: the HPE0-V14 exam and the HPE6-A44 exam. The HPE0-V14 exam covers topics such as storage architecture, data protection, storage management, and more. The HPE6-A44 exam tests an individual’s ability to design and deploy HPE storage solutions.

It typically takes around three months to prepare for the exams and complete the certification process. However, this can vary depending on an individual’s experience level and study habits.

To get certified, individuals must first register with Pearson VUE or Prometric (depending on their location) to take the exams. They then need to pay the applicable fees for each exam ($150 USD per exam). Once they have passed both exams, they will receive their official certification from HPE.

The cost of the entire certification process varies depending on where you are taking the exams and other factors such as study materials used or practice tests taken. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $300 USD up to $1000 USD or more depending on your preparation needs.

4. IBM Certified Solution Architect – Storage Solutions V1

IBM Certified Solution Architect – Storage Solutions V1 is a professional certification from IBM that validates a candidate’s knowledge and skills in designing, implementing, and managing storage solutions. This certification covers the latest technologies such as SAN (Storage Area Network), NAS (Network Attached Storage), cloud storage, and object storage.

It typically takes between two to four months to prepare for the exam depending on the individual's background knowledge. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and has a time limit of 90 minutes. To get certified, you must pass one exam: C9020-660 IBM Certified Solution Architect - Storage Solutions V1. The cost of the exam is $200 USD.

5. NetApp Certified Data Management Administrator (NCDA)

NetApp Certified Data Management Administrator (NCDA) is a professional certification program offered by NetApp, the leading provider of storage and data management solutions. The NCDA certification validates an individual’s expertise in designing, deploying, and managing NetApp storage systems. It is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the skills needed to effectively manage NetApp storage systems in a variety of environments.

To get certified as an NCDA, you must pass two exams: the NS0-151 exam and the NS0-161 exam. Both exams are administered by Pearson VUE and cost $150 each. The NS0-151 exam covers the fundamentals of data management on NetApp systems, while the NS0-161 exam focuses on advanced topics such as performance tuning and troubleshooting.

The amount of time it takes to become certified as an NCDA depends on your experience level and how much time you can dedicate to studying for the exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from one to three months to prepare for both exams.

In addition to passing both exams, you must also have at least six months of hands-on experience with NetApp storage systems in order to be eligible for certification.

The cost of becoming certified as a NCDA includes the fees for both exams ($300 total), any study materials you may need (such as books or online courses), and any other costs associated with taking the exams (such as travel expenses).

6. Oracle Certified Master, Oracle Storage Administration (OCMOSA)

Oracle Certified Master, Oracle Storage Administration (OCMOSA) is a certification program developed by Oracle Corporation to demonstrate expertise in the administration of Oracle storage solutions. This certification requires a deep understanding of Oracle storage technologies and their integration with other components of the Oracle Database environment.

The OCMOSA certification is an advanced-level credential that validates the professional’s ability to design, implement, configure, and troubleshoot storage solutions for the Oracle Database. It includes topics such as storage architecture, replication technologies, backup and recovery strategies, and performance tuning.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete the necessary training and pass the required exams to obtain this certification. The training can be completed through self-study or instructor-led courses offered by Oracle University or authorized third-party providers. The cost of training varies depending on the provider but can range from $2,000 - $5,000 USD.

In addition to completing the necessary training, candidates must also pass two exams: 1Z0-066: Oracle Database 12c: Data Guard Administrator and 1Z0-063: Oracle Database 12c: Advanced Administration. Both exams cost $245 USD each.

Once all requirements have been met, candidates will receive an official OCMOSA certificate from Oracle Corporation recognizing their achievement.

7. Red Hat Certified Architect – Storage Solutions (RHCA-SS)

Red Hat Certified Architect – Storage Solutions (RHCA-SS) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their expertise in designing, implementing, and managing storage solutions based on Red Hat products. The RHCA-SS certification covers the following areas:

• Designing and deploying Red Hat Storage Server
• Configuring and managing Red Hat GlusterFS
• Utilizing Red Hat Ceph Storage for object storage
• Managing Red Hat OpenShift Container Storage
• Integrating with external storage systems
• Automating storage management with Ansible
• Monitoring and troubleshooting storage performance

In order to obtain the RHCA-SS certification, candidates must pass two exams: EX280 - Red Hat Certified Specialist in Hybrid Cloud Storage Administration exam and EX283 - Red Hat Certified Specialist in Enterprise Storage Management exam. Both exams are available through Pearson VUE. The cost of each exam is $400 USD. It usually takes between 3-6 months of preparation time to get ready for the exams.

8. SNIA Certified Storage Networking Expert (SCSN-E)

SNIA Certified Storage Networking Expert (SCSN-E) is a certification program offered by the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA). It is designed to recognize storage networking professionals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of storage networking technologies, architectures, and implementations. The SCSN-E certification requires passing three exams: SNIA Certified Storage Architect (SCSA), SNIA Certified Storage Engineer (SCSE), and SNIA Certified Storage Professional (SCSP).

The SCSN-E certification takes approximately 8 to 10 months to complete depending on the individual’s experience level and study habits. To get certified, an individual must first register for the SCSN-E program through the SNIA website. After registering, an individual must pass all three exams within a two-year period in order to receive the certification.

The cost of the SCSN-E certification varies depending on where you take the exams. The cost of each exam ranges from $200-$400 USD. In addition to the exam fees, there are other associated costs such as training materials and books that may need to be purchased in order to prepare for the exams.

9. VMware Certified Professional – Cloud Infrastructure and Services (VCP-CIS)

The VMware Certified Professional – Cloud Infrastructure and Services (VCP-CIS) certification is a vendor-neutral, industry-recognized credential that validates an individual’s expertise in the design, implementation, and management of cloud infrastructure and services. It is designed for IT professionals who are responsible for designing, deploying, configuring, managing, and troubleshooting cloud infrastructure solutions using VMware products.

To obtain the VCP-CIS certification, individuals must first complete a qualifying course such as the VMware vSphere: Install Configure Manage or the VMware vCloud Director: Install Configure Manage. After completing the course, they must pass two exams: the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization (VCP6-DCV) exam and the VMware Certified Professional 6 – Cloud Infrastructure and Services (VCP6-CIS) exam. The exams can be taken online or at a Pearson VUE testing center.

The cost of obtaining the VCP-CIS certification varies depending on which training program you choose to take. Most programs range from $3,000 to $4,500 USD. The cost of taking the exams is separate from any training costs and typically ranges from $225 to $250 USD per exam.

In total it takes approximately 3 months to obtain your VCP-CIS certification if you are taking a self study approach; however this timeframe may vary depending on how much time you have available to dedicate to studying for your exams.

10. Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert: Data Platform and Cloud Platform

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE): Data Platform and Cloud Platform is a certification program designed to validate the skills of IT professionals who design, implement, and maintain data solutions that use Microsoft technologies. This certification is intended for individuals who have experience with SQL Server and/or Windows Azure.

The MCSE: Data Platform and Cloud Platform certification requires successful completion of two exams: Exam 70-464: Developing Microsoft SQL Server Databases and Exam 70-465: Designing Database Solutions for Microsoft SQL Server. The exams are designed to assess an individual’s ability to design, develop, deploy, and maintain database solutions using Microsoft SQL Server technologies.

It typically takes between 4-6 months to complete the requirements for the MCSE: Data Platform and Cloud Platform certification depending on the individual’s work experience and existing knowledge base. To get started, individuals should review the exam objectives for each of the required exams and begin studying accordingly. A variety of resources are available online to help prepare for these exams including books, practice tests, tutorials, and instructor-led training courses.

The cost of obtaining the MCSE: Data Platform and Cloud Platform certification varies depending on which resources are used in preparation for the exams. Each exam costs $165 USD when taken at a Pearson VUE testing center or $150 USD when taken online through OnVUE testing centers. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing study materials such as books or practice tests.

11. Cisco Certified Network Professional – Data Center (CCNP-DC)

Cisco Certified Network Professional – Data Center (CCNP-DC) is a professional certification program from Cisco Systems that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in designing, deploying, and troubleshooting data center networks. It is part of the CCNP family of certifications and is designed for IT professionals who have at least three to five years of experience working with data center technologies.

The CCNP-DC certification requires candidates to pass four exams: two core exams (300-601 DCID and 300-615 DCIT) and two concentration exams (300-620 DCACI or 300-625 DCSAN). Candidates must also hold a valid Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Data Center certification before attempting the CCNP-DC.

It typically takes six to nine months to complete the CCNP-DC program, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying each day. The cost of the four exams varies depending on the country where you take them, but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD per exam.

Do You Really Need a Storage Architect Certificate?

Storage architecture is an important part of any IT infrastructure. It helps organizations store, manage, and protect their data in a cost-effective way. As such, it is essential for any organization to have a qualified storage architect in order to ensure that their systems are running efficiently and securely.

Having a certification in storage architecture can be beneficial for both job seekers and employers. For those seeking employment, having the certificate shows prospective employers that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as a storage architect. On the other hand, for employers, having someone with certification on staff will help ensure that their data is properly managed and protected.

Overall, obtaining a storage architecture certificate can be very beneficial for those looking to pursue a career in this field. While it may not guarantee success or employment in the field, it does show potential employers that you are serious about your career choice and have taken the necessary steps to become certified in storage architecture. That being said, it is ultimately up to you whether or not you think obtaining a certificate is worth your time and money.

Related: Storage Architect Resume Examples

FAQs About Storage Architect Certifications

Q1: What is a Storage Architect Certification?

A1: A Storage Architect Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in designing, deploying, and managing storage solutions.

Q2: What are the prerequisites for obtaining a Storage Architect Certification?

A2: Prerequisites for obtaining a Storage Architect Certification vary depending on the certification provider. Generally, applicants must have experience working with storage technologies and knowledge of related concepts such as RAID, SANs, NASs, backup strategies, etc.

Q3: How long does it take to obtain a Storage Architect Certification?

A3: The time it takes to obtain a Storage Architect Certification depends on the specific certification program. Generally, it can range from several weeks to several months.

Q4: What are the benefits of obtaining a Storage Architect Certification?

A4: Benefits of obtaining a Storage Architect Certification include increased job opportunities and higher salary potential. Additionally, having a certification provides employers with an assurance that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge needed for successful storage architecture projects.

Q5: Are there any online resources available for studying for a Storage Architect Certification?

A5: Yes, there are many online resources available for studying for a Storage Architect Certification. These include books, webinars, practice tests and more. Additionally, many vendors offer training courses specifically designed to help individuals prepare for their desired certification exam.