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Certification FAQ

What is the Hitachi Data Systems Certified Professional Program?: The Hitachi Data Systems Certified Professional Program is designed to validate the skills and knowledge in the areas of storage architecture, implementation, solutions and administration. It is for Hitachi Data Systems partners, customers and personnel who are utilizing products and technology offered by Hitachi Data Systems. For more detailed information on the program please visit http://www.hds.com/certification.

The new Hitachi Data Systems Storage Technology Certification track is vendor neutral and is available to partners, customers, employees and the general public. It is supported by the book “Storage Concepts: Storing and Managing Digital Data”.
What credentials can candidates earn?: Hitachi Data Systems Certified Professional (Foundations)
This track is intended for all Hitachi Data Systems partners, customers and employees with a technical focus on Hitachi storage technology and products. Passing the foundations exam is required for all further certification credentials (with the exception of FCS Implementer and FCS Architect).

For more information and a list of supporting courses: http://www.hds.com/services/education/certification/storage-foundations-track.html

Certified Professional (HCP)

Credential earned by:

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Foundations– exam (HH0-130)

Hitachi Data Systems Implementer Track
The Hitachi Data Systems Certified Implementer credential is designed for Hitachi Data Systems employees and authorized partners.

Implementers should have strong knowledge of Hitachi storage systems and software products and thorough understanding of installation, configuration and deployment procedures, as well as associated administrative activities.

This certification track has six paths to choose from; Implementer Enterprise, Implementer Modular, Implementer Compute Platform, Implementer NAS, Implementer Hitachi Content Platform or Implementer - Hitachi Unified Storage VM.

For more information and a list of supporting courses: http://www.hds.com/services/education/certification/certified-implementer

Certified Implementer - Enterprise

Credential earned by:

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Implementer exam - Enterprise (HH0-210)

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Foundations exam

Certified Implementer - Modular

Credential earned by:

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Implementer exam – Modular (HH0-220)

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Foundations exam

Certified Implementer - Compute Platform

Credential earned by:

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Implementer exam – Compute Platform (HH0-230)

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Foundations exam

Certified Implementer - Hitachi Unified Storage VM

Credential earned by:

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Implementer exam – entry level Enterprise (HH0-240)

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Foundations exam

Certified Implementer – NAS

Credential earned by:

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Implementer NAS exam –(HH0-250)

Certified Implementer – Hitachi Content Platform

Credential earned by:

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Implementer Hitachi Content Platform exam –(HH0-260)

Hitachi Data Systems Solutions Track
The Hitachi Data Systems Solution Specialist credential is designed for the Hitachi Data Systems employees and partners.

The participants in the Solutions track should have strong knowledge of Hitachi storage systems, software products and associated services. They have thorough understanding of installation, configuration and deployment procedures, and they implement Hitachi solutions following the Hitachi Data Systems professional services delivery methodology.

The track contains two specializations from which to choose: Certified Solution Specialist – Business Continuity and Certified Solution Specialist – Virtualization.

For more information and a list of supporting courses: http://www.hds.com/services/education/certification/certified-solutions-specialist.html

Certified Solution Specialist–Business Continuity

Credential earned by:

Pass the Solution Specialist–Business Continuity exam (HH0-270)

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Foundations exam

Certified Solution Specialist–Virtualization

Credential earned by:

Pass the Solution Specialist–Virtualization exam (HH0-280)

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Foundations exam

Hitachi Data Systems Certified Storage Architect
For storage architects that assess, plan and design storage solutions with HDS products and technology, this track is designed primarily for Hitachi Data Systems personnel and authorized partners. This certification has three paths to choose from, Business Continuity, Performance and NAS.

For more information and a list of supporting courses: http://www.hds.com/services/education/certification/storage-architect-track.html

Certified Architect – Business Continuity

Credential earned by:

Passing the Hitachi Data Systems Architect–Business Continuity exam (HH0-400)

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Foundations exam

Certified Architect – Performance

Credential earned by:

Passing the Hitachi Data Systems Architect-Performance exam (HH0-440)

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Foundations exam

Certified Architect – NAS

Credential earned by:

Passing the Hitachi Data Systems Architect-NAS exam (HH0-450)

Hitachi Data Systems Certified Storage Architect – Expert
This advanced certification builds upon the Certified Architect credential leveraging vendor-neutral storage industry credentials offered by the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA)

For more information: http://www.hds.com/services/education/certification/expert.html

Certified Architect - Expert

Credential earned by:

Achieve Certified Architect status

Pass the SNIA Architect exam (S10-300 or S10-310)

Hitachi Data Systems Certified Storage Manager
The Hitachi Data Systems Certified Storage Manager credential is designed for storage managers. This track is for customers only.

For more information and a list of supporting courses: http://www.hds.com/services/education/certification/storage-management-track.html

Certified Storage Manager

Credential earned by:

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Storage Manager - Storage Management exam (HH0-380)

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Foundations exam

Hitachi Data Systems Certified Storage Manager – Expert
This advanced certification builds upon the Certified Storage Manager credential leveraging vendor-neutral storage industry credentials offered by the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA).

For more information and a list of supporting courses: http://www.hds.com/services/education/certification/storage-manager-expert.html

Certified Storage Manager–Expert

Credential earned by:

Achieve Certified Storage Manager status

Pass the SNIA Storage Management exam (S10-201 or S10-210)

Hitachi Data Systems Certified Storage Technology Track
This vendor neutral track is for all audiences interested in storage technology. Junior IT professionals looking to carve out a career path with a focus on storage, and IT professionals who seek to expand their knowledge on storage would be ideal candidates for this track. Also, college and university students and recent graduates would gain a head start in their IT careers by gaining this Storage Technology certification.

For more information: http://www.hds.com/services/education/certification/storage-technology-track.html

Storage Technology Certification

Credential earned by:

Passing the Hitachi Data Systems Storage Technology exam (HH0-050)

Hitachi Data Systems Sales Qualification
This track is intended for Hitachi Data Systems partners and personnel who sell products, services and technology from Hitachi Data Systems.

For more information and a list of supporting courses: http://www.hds.com/services/education/certification/sales-qualification-track.html

Qualified Sales Professional

Credential earned by:

Pass the Hitachi Data Systems Sales Qualification exam (HDS-SQ100)

Hitachi TrueNorth™ Consultative Selling Workshop 1 day ILT Course #SOI2161 and in class exam
How do I get my credentials?: Certification credentials take up to three weeks to be sent out to candidates depending on when they have taken the exam. We send the electronic copies of the certificate so you can print, email and share your credential. We also email the certification logos so that you can import them onto business cards, letterhead etc. at your own discretion. We do not send hardcopy certificates.
How do I get certification credit in the TNCPP program?: Don’t miss out on certification credit
Some partners use personal email addresses when taking Hitachi Data System exams at Prometric. If you have done this, to ensure that you get credit for any exams please contact hdscertifications@hds.com listing the email address you used with Prometric, and your work email used with PartnerXchange. We will not use your personal email for any other purpose.

In order for Hitachi to more easily confirm your achievements for compliance within the TNCPP program, when taking a test at Prometric please use the same email address that you use for PartnerXchange. Hitachi Data Systems reserves the right not to issue certifications if you use an email address that is not registered with PartnerXchange, or are unable to provide us with a registered email address.
What exams are currently available?: The following exams are now available at all Prometric test centers

Hitachi Data Systems Foundations exam (HH0-130)

Hitachi Data Systems Implementer – Enterprise exam (HH0-210)

Hitachi Data Systems Implementer – Modular exam (HH0-220)

Hitachi Data Systems Implementer – Compute Platform exam (HH0-230)

Hitachi Data Systems Implementer – entry level Enterprise exam (HH0-240)

Hitachi Data Systems Implementer NAS exam – (HH0-250

Hitachi Data Systems Implementer Hitachi Content Platform exam – (HH0-260)

Hitachi Data Systems Solution Specialist–Business Continuity exam (HH0-270)

Hitachi Data Systems Solution Specialist–Virtualization exam (HH0-280)

Hitachi Data Systems Storage Manager – Storage Management exam (HH0-380)

Hitachi Data Systems Architect–Business Continuity exam (HH0-400)

Hitachi Data Systems Architect–Performance exam (HH0-440)

Hitachi Data Systems Architect–NAS exam (HH0-450)

Hitachi Data Systems Storage Technology exam (HH0-050)
How are the certification exams developed?: All Hitachi Data Systems certification exams are developed by Hitachi Data Systems subject matter experts using industry-standard processes and procedures for certification exams.
Who should become certified?: The certification program includes exams appropriate for highly technical experts as well as professionals who require a basic understanding of storage products and technologies offered by Hitachi Data Systems.

Hitachi certification is designed for all professionals involved in developing, managing, administrating, designing, selling, implementing, and maintaining storage network solutions.
Why become certified?: Certification will provide professionals working with Hitachi Data Systems storage products and technology credentials that validate their expertise level in storage management, services and implementations, including HDS best practices and solutions.

Validate your skills and knowledge

Gain peer recognition

Make yourself more valuable to your company

Target and build upon the skills you have as an industry professional

Gain more business due to your validated expertise
Where are the exams offered, and how do I register to take the exams?: All third party proctored certification exams are offered through Prometric and are available worldwide at all Prometric test centers. Candidates may register online at www.prometric.com/hitachi.

Candidates may register for the Internet-based Hitachi Data Systems Sales Qualification Exam at www.ibt.prometric.com/hds.
How much do the certification exams cost?: Exam costs are based on the United States dollar value assigned and then converted to the local currency.

All published exams cost, with one exception*, US$200 in the U.S. and Canada

All published exams cost, with one exception*, US$225 outside the U.S. and Canada or equivalent in local currency.
* HDS Storage Technology exam costs $125 or equivalent in local currency
What is the format of the exams?: The exams are multiple question, multiple choice, proctored examinations, as well as on-line multiple question, multiple choice exams and performance-based tests.
How long are the tests and what scores do you need?: Exam details will be posted on the Hitachi Data Systems Academy Web site at http://www.hds.com/certification and are subject to change.
How do I prepare for the exams?: Exam descriptions as well as the training available for each certification will be posted on the Hitachi Data Systems Academy Web site at http://www.hds.com/certification and are subject to change.
Are there any credentials for sales professionals?: The Hitachi Data Systems Qualified Sales Professional Program is designed primarily for HDS partners. To become HDS Sales Qualified, the participant must pass the Hitachi Data Systems Sales Foundations Qualification test (HDS-SQ100). This test will be available via Internet Based Testing (IBT) at http://ibt.prometric.com/hds.

To prepare for the on-line test, it is recommended to follow the sales learning paths at http://www.hds.com/services/education/certification/sales-qualification-track.html. The exam is open book.
What is recommended for pre-sales technical professionals?: All pre-sales technical professionals, in addition to following the Pre-Sales Learning paths, should pursue the HDS Certified Professional credential, which is obtained by passing one of the HDS Storage Foundations certification exams.
What does it cost for a Hitachi Data Systems Sales Qualification?: The sales courses are usually free of charge.

The Hitachi Data Systems Sales Foundations Qualification exam costs $50.
Are there any prerequisites for earning Hitachi Data Systems certification credentials?: There are no prerequisites for the program. All credentials require the certification candidate to pass the Hitachi Data Systems Storage Foundations exam (with the exception of FCS Implementer and FCS Architect).
What are the recertification rules?: Re-certification rules for 2013:

Each year the rules for re-certification are evaluated so they may change from year to year.

All credentials starting in 2006 have been stamped by the year.

Re-certification must take place every two years.

Credentials associated with partner programs also require re-certification every two years.

For 2013 re-certification, the requirement for 2011 or 2012 credentialed participants to obtain the equivalent 2013 credential is passing the Foundations exam.
Special re-certification promotion in 2013:
For those who have earned the Foundations HCP 2011 or 2012 credential, passing an advanced exam in 2013 and will also renew the HCP credential to 2013.
What is the re-take policy?: Participants must wait 72 hours before retaking a certification exam.

The Hitachi Data Systems Certification Program office may waive that requirement

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