NCDA (NS0-164) vs NCSIE (NS0-185): Decoding the NetApp ONTAP Certification Track

For IT professionals looking to prove their expertise with NetApp technologies, two of the most important certifications are the NetApp Certified Data Administrator (NCDA) and the NetApp Certified Storage Installation Engineer (NCSIE). Both certifications validate hands-on experience with NetApp ONTAP, but they focus on different skill sets and career paths. Understanding the difference between NCDA and NCSIE is key to choosing the certification that best aligns with your professional goals.

The NetApp Certified Data Administrator (NCDA) certification proves your ability to administer and manage NetApp ONTAP storage systems. It's designed for professionals responsible for the day-to-day operations of storage environments, ensuring data availability, efficiency, and protection.

●Configuration and management of ONTAP systems

●Data protection and disaster recovery concepts

●Performance monitoring and optimization

●NAS and SAN administration

●Cloud-connected storage management

To earn the certification, candidates must pass the NS0-164 exam, which tests real-world knowledge and problem-solving ability across NetApp’s core technologies.

Candidates should have six to twelve months of hands-on experience with ONTAP and a solid understanding of:

●Networking fundamentals

●Virtualization and cloud concepts

●Storage architecture (SAN/NAS)

●Windows and Linux host OS

●High Availability (HA) and data protection features

The NCDA is often seen as the foundation certification in the NetApp track and serves as a stepping stone for more advanced or specialized credentials.

The NetApp Certified Storage Installation Engineer (NCSIE) certification focuses on the deployment, configuration, and troubleshooting of NetApp storage systems. It is ideal for professionals involved in implementing and supporting NetApp solutions in customer environments.

●Installation and initial setup of NetApp ONTAP systems

●Configuration and integration into existing environments

●Testing and validation of system performance

●Troubleshooting and maintenance of storage systems

Candidates must pass the NS0-185 exam to achieve this certification. This exam assesses practical, hands-on knowledge of ONTAP deployment processes and troubleshooting techniques.

NCSIE candidates should also have six to twelve months of field experience with NetApp systems. While not required, NetApp recommends earning the NCDA certification first, as it provides the core ONTAP knowledge needed to succeed in more advanced, implementation-focused scenarios.

Feature	NCDA (NS0-164)	NCSIE (NS0-185)
Primary Focus	Administration and management	Installation and implementation
Core Skills	Configuring, monitoring, and managing ONTAP systems	Installing, configuring, testing, and troubleshooting ONTAP systems
Recommended Experience	Storage administrators and system engineers	Field engineers and deployment specialists
Exam Goal	Validate ability to maintain and optimize systems	Validate ability to deploy and troubleshoot systems
Career Path	Storage Administrator, System Engineer, Data Management Professional	Implementation Engineer, Technical Consultant, Field Support Engineer
Prerequisite	None	NCDA recommended

Your choice between NCDA and NCSIE depends on your job role and career aspirations:

Choose NCDA (NS0-164) if you want to manage and administer NetApp ONTAP systems daily - focusing on operations, performance tuning, and data protection.

Choose NCSIE (NS0-185) if you're more interested in hands-on installation and troubleshooting, ensuring systems are properly set up and optimized for client use.

Many professionals pursue both certifications to demonstrate their full lifecycle expertise - from deployment (NCSIE) to administration (NCDA) - which makes them valuable assets in enterprise storage teams or service providers.

Earning a NetApp certification offers several advantages:

●Industry Recognition: Proves your credibility as a storage expert.

●Career Growth: Opens doors to roles in enterprise IT, cloud infrastructure, and data management.

●Real-World Skills: Focuses on practical ONTAP administration and deployment knowledge.

●Higher Earning Potential: Certified professionals often command higher salaries and better job opportunities.

With the increasing demand for hybrid cloud and scalable storage solutions, certified NetApp professionals are in high demand across industries.

The NCDA and NCSIE certifications are two essential credentials in the NetApp ONTAP certification track, each focusing on a critical phase of the storage system lifecycle. The NCDA (NS0-164) validates your ability to administer and optimize ONTAP environments, while the NCSIE (NS0-185) demonstrates your expertise in installation and troubleshooting. Whether you start with NCDA and move to NCSIE - or pursue both simultaneously - these certifications will strengthen your technical foundation and help you advance in the competitive world of enterprise data storage.