From D-PE-OE-23 to D-PE-OE-01: Dell's Updated PowerEdge Operate Certification

As IT infrastructures grow increasingly complex, the need for certified professionals who can manage, maintain, and troubleshoot servers continues to rise. Dell Technologies is adapting to these demands with an updated version of its PowerEdge Operate certification. The current D-PE-OE-23 exam will be retired on February 5, 2026, making way for the new D-PE-OE-01 PowerEdge Operate V2 exam, which will launch on February 6, 2026. This transition reflects Dell's commitment to modernizing its certification offerings and aligning them with the practical skills required by today's server administrators and IT professionals.

Why Dell Is Updating the PowerEdge Operate Certification

The PowerEdge Operate certification is designed to validate intermediate-level expertise in operating Dell PowerEdge servers - a foundational component of many enterprise data centers. As server technologies advance and operational expectations evolve, Dell is updating its certification roadmap to ensure credential holders possess the most relevant and up-to-date skills.

The new exam goes beyond traditional theory and toolset knowledge to emphasize real-world application, proactive system monitoring, maintenance, and fast, effective problem resolution.

A Look Back: D-PE-OE-23 Exam

The retiring D-PE-OE-23 exam has served as the cornerstone for validating PowerEdge server operational skills. Its topic distribution covers a broad spectrum of server knowledge, including:

●Server Portfolio and Features 10%

●Server Components 26%

●Server Management and Configuration Tools 14%

●System Administration 18%

●Server Troubleshooting 32%

The exam has traditionally placed strong emphasis on hardware components and troubleshooting capabilities, equipping candidates to understand server internals and resolve complex issues.

Enter D-PE-OE-01: The PowerEdge Operate V2 Exam

Starting February 6, 2026, Dell will introduce the PowerEdge Operate V2 exam (D-PE-OE-01). This updated certification better reflects the realities of day-to-day server operations and shifts the focus toward skills that help organizations maintain stable, high-performance environments.

D-PE-OE-01 Topic

The new exam covers five key domains:

●Server Management 22%

●Server Maintenance 16%

●Troubleshooting 22%

●Server Monitoring 20%

●System Administration 20%

This balanced structure demonstrates Dell's intent to validate both foundational knowledge and hands-on operational competencies.

Key Shifts in Focus

Increased Emphasis on Monitoring & Maintenance 

One of the most significant updates in D-PE-OE-01 is the structured focus on server monitoring and routine maintenance - areas critical for preventing issues before they impact performance or availability.

Practical Troubleshooting in Real Environments 

Troubleshooting remains a core component of the exam, but with greater attention to real-world scenarios and practical response techniques, ensuring exam-takers can apply their skills on the job.

System Administration That Matters 

By elevating system administration tasks to a significant portion of the exam, Dell ensures that certified professionals understand not just how to fix problems, but also how to manage and maintain servers proactively.

What This Means for Candidates

If you're planning to pursue this certification in the future, it's essential to know the transition timeline:

●Last day to take D-PE-OE-23: February 5, 2026

●First day to take D-PE-OE-01: February 6, 2026

Candidates preparing for the exam should adjust their study plans accordingly, focusing on skills such as server health monitoring, routine maintenance tasks, and operational troubleshooting, in addition to traditional server management topics.

Why the New Certification Matters

The updated D-PE-OE-01 exam highlights Dell's recognition of the changing nature of IT operations. Today's server administrators aren't just expected to understand hardware - they must also ensure overall system health, anticipate and prevent issues, and respond effectively when problems arise.

By aligning the certification with these real-world demands, Dell helps professionals demonstrate their ability to:

●Maintain optimal server performance

●React swiftly to operational issues

●Use monitoring tools and techniques effectively

●Provide consistent value to their organizations

Earning the PowerEdge Operate V2 certification positions you as a capable and versatile server operations professional - a valuable asset in any data center or enterprise environment.

The transition from D-PE-OE-23 to D-PE-OE-01 represents more than just an exam update - it marks Dell’s commitment to preparing IT professionals for the challenges of modern server operations. By emphasizing monitoring, maintenance, troubleshooting, and practical system management, the new certification better equips candidates for success in the field. If you're pursuing PowerEdge certification, now is the time to adjust your preparation strategy to align with D-PE-OE-01's updated focus areas. This proactive approach will help you stay current, competitive, and capable in the fast-evolving world of server administration.