Nutanix Certified Services - Core

(NCS-Core) 6.8 Exam

Exam Blueprint Guide

1
Authors:
Jeff Hall – Manager, Technical Certification Development
Jon C. Hall – Director, Technical Certifications

Contributors:
Akwasi Adjei, Services Consultant
Vlad Glemb, Staff Consulting Architect
Ross Hunt, Staff Resident Architect
Frank Mazzotti, Sr. Converged Infrastructure Engineer
YC Miu, Technical Consultant
Farhan Parkar, Solution Architect
Geoff Pattishall, Chief System Engineer
Jordan Petersen, Services Consultant
Louis-Xavier Piqueret, Services Consultant
Brett Ruth, Staff Resident Architect
Ganang Saputro, Services Consultant
Vivek Sarmalkar, Services Consultant
Tyler Schoening, Staff Consultant
Rob Schricker, Staff Consultant
Brian Smith, Services Consultant
Daniel Sullivan, Services Consultant
Luis Valdes, Resident Consultant
Daniel Vasquez, Staff Consultant
Edgar Ventura, Resident Consultant
Akmal Waheed, Services Consultant
Justin Wolff, Sr. Staff Consulting Architect
Jeff Yaptengco, Nutanix Services Partner Program Manager

Disclaimer:
The Nutanix Certified Services - Core 6.8 Exam Blueprint Guide provides an overview of the
objectives that must be mastered to achieve the NCS-Core 6 certification credential. Nutanix
does not offer any guarantees that this guide will ensure a candidate’s success in achieving
the NCS-Core 6 certification. All information in this guide is subject to change at any time at
the sole discretion of Nutanix.
Table of Contents
1. The Exam..............................................................................................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Purpose of Exam ............................................................................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Number of Questions .................................................................................................................................................................................4
1.3 Pricing ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
1.4 Passing Score ..................................................................................................................................................................................................4
1.5 How Objectives Relate to Questions on the Exam .................................................................................................................4
1.6 Languages .........................................................................................................................................................................................................4
1.7 Time Limit ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................4
1.8 Scheduling and Taking the Exam .....................................................................................................................................................4
1.9 Certification Tracks ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.10 Prerequisites .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
1.11 Retake Policy ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.12 Exam Security ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
1.13 Recertification ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
1.14 Benefits of Certification .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6
2. Intended Audience ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
3. Objectives Covered in the NCS-core 6.8 Exam ................................................................................................................................ 8
3.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
3.2 Objectives ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Section 1 - Conduct Pre-Delivery Activities .................................................................................................................................... 8
Section 2 - Conduct the Cluster Deployment ............................................................................................................................ 10
Section 3 - Conduct Validation Activities ...................................................................................................................................... 13
Section 4 - Complete and Handover Project Deliverables ................................................................................................ 14
4. NCS Tracks and Training Recommendations ................................................................................................................................ 16
4.1 Nutanix Certified Services Tracks ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.2 Course Recommendation ................................................................................................................................................................... 16
5. Resources ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
5.1 Nutanix Community Edition ............................................................................................................................................................... 17
5.2 Test Drive ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
5.3 The Nutanix Next Community .......................................................................................................................................................... 17
5.4 Additional Database Automation Resources .......................................................................................................................... 17
1. The Exam
1.1 Purpose of Exam
The Nutanix Certified Services - Core (NCS-Core) 6.8 exam will measure a candidate’s ability to
successfully conduct customer-facing engagements for the purposes of gathering requirements,
deploying and configuring Nutanix clusters and additional portfolio products, performing basic
troubleshooting, utilizing Nutanix support resources, and engaging in customer-focused knowledge
transfer. Successful candidates demonstrate mastery of these skills and abilities.

1.2 Number of Questions

The NCS-Core 6.8 exam consists of 75 multiple-choice and multiple-response questions.

1.3 Pricing
The cost for the NCS-Core 6.8 exam is $199 USD.

1.4 Passing Score

The passing score for this exam is 3000, using a scaled scoring method. The scale is from 1000-6000.
Scaled scores are calculated using a mathematical formula that considers a variety of factors, including
the number and type of exam questions included in a specific version of the exam.

Because this combination may vary in different versions of the same examination, scaled scores provide
a fair score for everyone based on the version of the exam taken.

1.5 How Objectives Relate to Questions on the Exam

Objectives summarize what the test is designed to measure. Objectives are developed by Exam
Developers and Subject Matter Experts based on identified tasks that relate to the job of deploying and
administering a multicloud environment utilizing Nutanix products and technologies. Once the initial
development process is complete, these objectives are verified using an external group of individuals in
the actual job role. Finally, a number of questions is determined for each objective, which relates directly
to the criticality of the task in the job role.

1.6 Languages
The exam is available in English.

1.7 Time Limit

The time limit for the exam is 120 minutes.

1.8 Scheduling and Taking the Exam

This exam is delivered via remote proctoring or in-person at select test centers.
If you select remote proctoring, after registering for the exam and providing valid identification, you will
receive information on how to take the exam from your location using a web browser. Because the exam
is remote proctored, you will be provided with a locked down, monitored, secure exam experience.
If you select in-person testing, you will be able to select a test center near you. On the day of the exam,
you will need to arrive at the test center 15 minutes prior to the exam start time with a valid government-
issued ID.

1.9 Certification Tracks

The NCS-Core 6.8 exam is a core component of the Nutanix Certified Services - Core track. Passing this
exam results in achieving the NCS-Core 6 certification.

The certification requires a passing score on the exam. While it is not required that you attend a course,
Nutanix provides training that covers the objectives on the exam. Details on the recommended training
course are provided in Section 4.

1.10 Prerequisites
In order to become NCS-Core 6 certified, you must first pass the current version of the Nutanix Certified
Professional - Multicloud Infrastructure (NCP-MCI) certification exam.

1.11 Retake Policy

If a candidate fails an exam on the first attempt, he or she is allowed two additional attempts. There is a
seven-day waiting period between attempts. Like the first attempt, these are paid for individually and
Nutanix recommends that you allow sufficient time between attempts to be properly prepared and to
maximize your chances for success.

Please note: After three attempts, you will be unable to take the exam for 60 days, after which you can
email [email protected] and request that your attempts are reset. Nutanix recommends you utilize
the time to thoroughly review this guide and the related references and/or take the recommended training
for this exam.

1.12 Exam Security

Nutanix reserves the right to refuse certifying a candidate who violates exam security policies. This
includes copying and redistribution of exam material, using any type of study material during the exam
itself, attempting to photograph exam items and taking an exam using a false identity. Your identity is
captured as part of the exam registration process and must be validated before you will be allowed to
take the exam.

1.13 Recertification
Once you have passed the NCS-Core 6.8 exam and achieved the NCS-Core 6 certification, it will remain valid
for two years.

To maintain your certification status, you must either renew your existing certification within two years of
passing the certification exam by passing the latest NCS-Core certification exam or complete an NCS-level
certification within another Services certification track.
1.14 Benefits of Certification
● Digital badge from Credly that you can share on social media

● Opportunity to participate as a SME to develop future exams

● Discount on attending Nutanix .NEXT

2. Intended Audience
A candidate for the NCS-Core 6.8 exam and NCS-Core 6 certification is capable of successfully
independently executing a Service Delivery Kit by facilitating a kickoff call, deploying Nutanix clusters using
Foundation, and providing customer deliverables and knowledge transfer. Candidates should also be able
to troubleshoot basic connectivity issues, locate and interpret log files, and leave the Nutanix environment
in a production-ready state.

Candidates are typically Cloud and Virtualization professionals with about 1-3 years of consulting
experience. Additionally, the successful exam candidate will most likely have taken Nutanix Services-related
training courses.
3. Objectives Covered in the NCS-core 6.8
Exam
3.1 Introduction
It is recommended that candidates are capable of successfully independently executing a Service
Delivery Kit by facilitating a kickoff call, deploying Nutanix clusters using Foundation, and providing
customer deliverables and knowledge transfer before attempting the Nutanix Certified Services – Core
6.8 exam. It is also recommended that the candidate complete the training course described in Section
4 prior to taking the exam

3.2 Objectives
Prior to taking this exam, candidates should understand each of the following objectives. Each objective is
listed below; along with related tools the candidate should have experience with, and related
documentation that contains information relevant to the objective. Please note that some documentation
requires access via the Support Portal. Information on creating an account for use with the Support Portal
can be found here.

Additionally, some objectives within this exam require access to and knowledge of the Nutanix Service
Delivery Kits (SDK), which are available here.

All objectives may also be referenced in other product documentation not specifically highlighted below.
The candidate should be familiar with all relevant product documentation or have the equivalent skills.

Objective 1.1 - Review, Analyze, and Execute Delivery Workflow

Knowledge:

● Review, consume, and interpret the service delivery kits (SDK)

● Determine stakeholders from which to gather key information

● Review, consume, and interpret a common service description

● Review, consume, and interpret the scope of work

● Review, consume, and interpret bill of materials

References:

● Increasing the Cluster Fault Tolerance Level

● SDK - NCI Cluster Deployment or Expansion

● Host Connections

● SDK – HCI Cluster Deployment - Predelivery Questionnaire

 ● SDK – NCI Cluster Deployment or Expansion - Predelivery Questionnaire

● SDK – HCI Cluster Deployment - Simplified Deployment Questionnaire

Objective 1.2 - Conduct a Discovery Session

Knowledge:

● Gather key customer requirements provided within the cluster questionnaire

● Given a customer use case, explain pre-requisites for a successful project delivery

● Given a completed cluster questionnaire, identify additional work required to build out the cluster

● Present information to the customer to confirm understanding of key technical specifications,

constraints, etc.

● Provide and discuss best practices based on customer environment

References:

● AHV Networking Best Practices

● Data-at-Rest Encryption

● Considerations for Bare-Metal Imaging

● Node Configuration and Foundation Launch

● Foundation Considerations

● Global Storage Guidelines for Heterogeneous Clusters

● Configuring Foundation VM by Using Foundation GUI

● Cisco Nexus Recommended Practices for a Nutanix Environment

Objective 1.3 - Ensure Site Readiness for Cluster Deployment

Knowledge:

● Confirm:

○ Rack space/Power/Cooling are available

○ Network configuration is completed

○ Network cabling provided

○ Customer infrastructure is available

References:

● Recommendations for Time Synchronization

● Cluster Time Synchronization

● Configuring Foundation VM by Using the Foundation GUI

 ● VLANs

● Installation and Troubleshooting of portable Foundation (Foundation App)

● Setting Up the Network

● Nutanix Node, Switch, and SFP Module Compatibility Guidance

Objective 1.4 - Prepare Installation Environment

Knowledge:

● Download required installation binaries

● Complete Foundation Configuration

● Prepare hardware required for installation

● Configure environment for remote deployment, as applicable

References:

● Changing the IPMI Password

● Hypervisor ISO Images

● Configuring the Foundation GUI Automatically

● NX Series Hardware Administration Guide

● Prism Central Configuration Maximums

Objective 2.1 - Perform hardware installation according to the field installation guide

Knowledge:

● Complete rack and stack

● Complete network and power cabling based on best practice guidelines

● Identify missing, correct components

References:

● Hardware Replacement Documentation

● Nutanix Rack Mounting Guide

● Open vSwitch - Layer 2 Network Management

● Prepare Bare-Metal Nodes for Imaging

● Reconfiguring IPMI using ipmitool

● Setting IPMI Static IP Address

 ● Nvidia GPU Hardware Troubleshooting within a Nutanix Environment

Objective 2.2 - Conduct a Foundation and create/build the cluster

Knowledge:

● Complete out-of-band/remote-hand configuration, if required

● Start Foundation, confirm service availability

● Complete cluster configuration information

● Resolve any issues preventing Foundation from completing successfully

● Build cluster and confirm Prism accessibility

References:

● Field Installation Overview

● Using Nutanix Network Crashcart Script to Configure AHV Networking

● Prepare Factory-Imaged Nodes for Imaging

● Prepare Bare-Metal Nodes for Imaging

● Troubleshooting Foundation Failures

● Troubleshooting Issues During a Foundation Installation

● Fixing IPMI Configuration Issues

● Setting Up the Network

● Considerations for Bare-Metal Imaging

● Resolving Cluster Creation Failure or Node Addition Failures to an Existing Cluster

● Resolving Foundation Failures to Validate the IPMI Network

● Discovering Nodes in a VLAN-Segmented Network

● Foundation Use Case Matrix

Objective 2.3 - Configure advanced settings within the cluster

Knowledge:

● Provide configuration according to Cluster Deployment Checklist/Questionnaire

● Complete Prism Element configuration as per the Cluster Deployment Checklist/Questionnaire

● Complete hypervisor configuration, as applicable

● Deploy and configure management plane

References:
● SDK – NCI Cluster Deployment Checklist
 ● Network Visualization

● Resolving Issues with Joining a Cluster to Prism Central

● Configuring HTTP Proxy

● Troubleshooting LCM Inventory/Update Failures When DNS Servers Are Not Reachable

● Rebuild Capacity Reservation

● View Physical NIC Status from the CVM

● Controlling Cluster Access

● Nutanix Ports and Protocols

● VMHA Recommendations
● Data Locality

● Upgrade Process - What Happens During an Upgrade

● Cluster Services that Support Traffic Isolation

● Alert - Inconsistent Virtual Switch State Detected

● Hyper-V Installation Requirements

● Hyper-V Hypervisor Upgrade Recommendations, Requirements, and Limitations

Objective 2.4 - Configure basic products/features within the scope of a cluster deployment

Knowledge:

● Complete Prism Central installation and configuration

● Complete Nutanix Volumes installation, as applicable

● Complete Nutanix Files installation, as applicable

● Complete Protection Domain configuration, as applicable

References:

● Downloading Prism Central VM Installation Files (Manual Method)

● Registering or Unregistering a Cluster with Prism Central

● Verifying the Cluster Health

● Data Efficiency

● Fault Tolerance: FT1 vs FT2

● Introduction to Nutanix Files

● Installing Files

● Nutanix Files Configuration Maximums

● Remote Site Configuration

 ● Which Alerts Automatically Generate a Support Case with Nutanix Support

Objective 3.1 - Conduct the test plan based on customer requirements

Knowledge:

● Conduct tests for:

○ Manageability

○ Availability

○ Networking

○ Operational
● Document results

○ Capture screenshots as supporting evidence, as applicable

● Discuss and finalize success criteria for test plan

References:

● X-Ray Overview
● Controlling Cluster Access

● Failover Operation Types

● Configuring a Filesystem Whitelist

● Test Scenarios

● X-Ray Zero-Configuration Networking

● How to Enable, Disable, and Verify LACP on AHV Hosts

● LACP and Link Aggregation

● SDK – NCI Cluster Deployment or Expansion - Test Plan.docx

Objective 3.2 - Troubleshoot and fix issues that arise during testing

Knowledge:

● Perform a root cause analysis and address common issues that arise

● Take appropriate post-troubleshooting actions, such as:

○ Determine when and how to escalate

○ Re-execute tests

○ Add exceptions as applicable

References:

● Installing a Custom Certificate as “Trusted” on the CVM

● Configuring an SMTP Server

● Troubleshooting vMotion network failures

● Shutting Down a Node in a Multi-Node Cluster

● Troubleshooting ADValidationCheck Alerts

● Resolving Shares Not Accessible in Nutanix Files Environment

● Troubleshooting within a Nutanix Files Environment

● NCC Health Check: PC and VM Resource Resizing Checks

● NCC Health Check: Default Password Checks

● Nutanix AHV Networking Best Practices

Objective 4.1 - Create and/or modify deliverables

Knowledge:

● Run as-built documentation tools

● Recognize as-built documentation components required based on a project and update, as required

● Update custom images based on environment, as required

● Update diagram based on a specific configuration, as applicable

References:

● SDK – As-Built Tools

● SDK – Consultant Guide

● SDK – As-Built Guide

Objective 4.2 - Conduct knowledge transfer sessions

Knowledge:

● Demonstrate cluster operations pertaining to the customer environment (e.g., dashboard, LCM, VM
CRUD, storage management, CVM)

● Demonstrate support portal

● Demonstrate support case handling

 ● Educate the customer on general best practices

References:
● AHV Best Practices

● Interpreting Advertised Capacity Configuration and Logical Usages of Storage Containers

● Creating a Storage Container

● Capacity Reservation Best Practices

● SDK – NCI Cluster Deployment or Expansion - Predelivery Questionnaire.xlsx

4. NCS Tracks and Training Recommendations
4.1 Nutanix Certified Services Tracks

4.2 Course Recommendation

Nutanix offers a course that provides training on the objectives tested for in the exam.

The details are as follows:

Nutanix® Certified Services (NCS) Core Learning Plan

The Nutanix Certified Services (NCS) Learning Plan enables you to deliver a wide range of services including
cluster deployment, data protection, migration, and fitcheck services.

It trains you how to deliver professional services engagements based on the Nutanix Consulting Services
delivery methodology.

The material provided in the Learning Plan courses cover a majority of the objectives (approximately 80%)
that appear on the NCS-Core 6.8 exam and is recommended for individuals who want to gain a good
understanding of these objectives.

Please note that additional exposure to a Nutanix environment is highly recommended.

Tel 1 (855) 688-2649

Email [email protected] ©2024 Nutanix, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
5. Resources
5.1 Nutanix Community Edition
The Nutanix Community Edition is a free product that allows you to deploy a Nutanix Enterprise Cloud.
To download the software and build your own environment for exam preparation, click here.

5.2 Test Drive

You can also take a 2-hour Hyperconverged Test Drive, which utilizes the Nutanix Community Edition,
by clicking here

5.3 The Nutanix Next Community

The Nutanix Next Community is a social interaction site where professionals can connect with cloud
builders from around the world, learn from IT Pros in the industry and share experiences. The
community maintains an area focused on the NCP certification, which is located here

5.4 Additional Database Automation Resources

Find a wealth of additional Nutanix Services resources here.

Tel 1 (855) 688-2649

Email [email protected] ©2024 Nutanix, Inc. All Rights Reserved.