Exam Objectives and Commonly Referenced Documentation for FlashArray Storage Professional Certification

Certifications

Audience
Public
Product
FlashBlade
FlashArray
FlashStack
Evergreen
Pure1
Portworx
Source Type
Documentation

The following tables list the FlashArray Storage Professional exam objectives and how these objectives align to the corresponding commonly referenced product documentation and resources. Candidates are encouraged to review the applicable topics as part of their preparation for the exam.

Exam Domain 1: Administration (Weightage 30%)

Exam Objectives

Applicable Documentation and Resources

1.01 - Volume configuration

Objective Subtopics:

  • Understand the process of configuring and managing volumes on a Everpure FlashArray

  • Learn to troubleshoot common issues related to volume configuration using Everpure documentation

  • Develop the ability to manage system space effectively, including understanding the implications of different volume configurations

1.02 - Array configuration and management

Objective Subtopics:

  • Gain knowledge of configuring and managing a Everpure FlashArray, including software updates and release notes

  • Apply best practices for array management to ensure optimal performance and reliability

  • Learn how to use internal processes and community resources for effective array configuration

1.03 - 3rd party integrations

Objective Subtopics:

  • Understand how to integrate Everpure arrays with third-party systems and software

  • Learn to manage and troubleshoot third- party integrations, including how to prepare and execute integration steps

  • Gain proficiency in handling alerts and expectations during integrations

1.04 - Host connection configuration

Objective Subtopics:

  • Learn to configure host connections using Fibre Channel and iSCSI in Everpure environments

  • Understand the best practices for SAN design, setup, and the configuration of Fibre Channel ports

  • Gain insights into optimizing network configurations, including jumbo frames and host settings for VMware environments

1.05 - Security/Authentication

Objective Subtopics:

  • Understand the process of generating API tokens and securing access to the Everpure array

  • Learn the best practices for configuring and managing security and authentication protocols, including zoning recommendations

  • Gain knowledge of how to ensure secure communications and access control in a Everpure environment

Exam Domain 2: Monitoring (Weightage: 20%)

Exam Objectives

Applicable Documentation and Resources

2.01 - Pure1®

Objective Subtopics:

  • Learn to use Pure1 for monitoring and managing Everpure arrays

  • Understand the analytics and reporting capabilities of Pure1, and how to utilize them for proactive management

  • Gain proficiency in navigating and utilizing the Pure1 GUI and CLI for comprehensive array management

2.02 - Meta forecasting

Objective Subtopics:

  • Understand the concept and application of meta forecasting in Pure1

  • Learn to interpret performance analytics and forecast future capacity needs

  • Gain the ability to analyze and apply Pure1 Manage release notes to enhance performance monitoring

2.03 - Data reduction ratio and effective use

Objective Subtopics:

  • Understand the principles of data reduction in Everpure arrays

  • Learn how to monitor and optimize data reduction ratios using Pure1 and CLI tools

  • Develop strategies to maximize storage efficiency through effective use of data reduction technologies

2.04 - Pure1, GUI, CLI reports

Objective Subtopics:

  • Learn how to generate and interpret reports using Pure1, the GUI, and CLI

  • Understand how to troubleshoot performance issues using latency and performance analytics

  • Gain knowledge of the various reporting tools available and how to leverage them for better management

2.05 - Storage-relevant capacity

Objective Subtopics:

  • Understand the concept of storage-relevant capacity and how it is managed within Everpure arrays

  • Learn to monitor capacity usage and plan for future storage needs

  • Gain proficiency in using CLI and Pure1 tools to manage and optimize storage capacity

Exam Domain 3: Troubleshooting (Weightage: 20%)

Exam Objectives

Applicable Documentation and Resources

3.01 - Troubleshooting resources

Objective Subtopics:

  • Gain knowledge of the resources available for troubleshooting Everpure environments

  • Learn to utilize reference guides, alerts, and other tools for effective troubleshooting

  • Develop the ability to address common issues related to performance, replication, and storage efficiency

3.02 - Port identification and configuration

Objective Subtopics:

  • Understand how to identify and configure ports for optimal performance in Everpure arrays

  • Learn the planning and design considerations for ActiveCluster and other replication technologies

  • Gain proficiency in configuring network ports to support high-availability storage solutions

3.03 - Recognize how to use alerts

Objective Subtopics:

  • Learn to recognize and respond to alerts generated by Everpure arrays

  • Understand the different types of alerts and their implications for system performance and reliability

  • Gain knowledge of predictive support and other advanced alerting mechanisms in Everpure environments

3.04 - Identify incorrect configuration

Objective Subtopics:

  • Develop the ability to identify and correct configuration errors in Everpure arrays

  • Learn to troubleshoot issues related to asynchronous replication and other advanced features

  • Gain knowledge of the tools and processes for diagnosing configuration-related problems

3.05 - Troubleshooting resources

Objective Subtopics:

  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of the various resources and tools available for troubleshooting Everpure systems

  • Learn to use these resources effectively to resolve complex issues and maintain optimal system performance

Exam Domain 4: Data Resilience (Weightage: 17%)

Exam Objectives

Applicable Documentation and Resources

4.01 - Snapshot management

Objective Subtopics:

  • Understand the principles of snapshot management in Everpure arrays

  • Learn to configure, manage, and troubleshoot snapshots to ensure data protection

  • Gain proficiency in using CLI and other tools for efficient snapshot management

4.02 - Replication configuration

Objective Subtopics:

  • Understand the principles of snapshot management in Everpure arrays

  • Learn to configure, manage, and troubleshoot snapshots to ensure data protection

  • Gain proficiency in using CLI and other tools for efficient snapshot management

4.03 - Policy management

Objective Subtopics:

  • Understand the importance of policy management in maintaining data protection

  • Learn to create and manage policies that govern replication, snapshots, and other data protection mechanisms

  • Develop strategies to ensure compliance with data protection policies

4.04 - SafeMode

Objective Subtopics:

  • Learn about SafeMode and its role in protecting data against ransomware and accidental deletions

  • Understand how to configure and manage SafeMode in Everpure arrays

  • Gain proficiency in using SafeMode as part of a comprehensive data protection strategy

4.05 - Replication Technologies

Objective Subtopics:

  • Understand the various replication technologies supported by Everpure, including ActiveDR and asynchronous replication

  • Learn to configure and troubleshoot these technologies to ensure data availability and disaster recovery

  • Gain knowledge of the bandwidth and network requirements for effective replication

Exam Domain 5: FlashArray File (Weightage: 13%)

Exam Objectives

Applicable Documentation and Resources

5.01 - Configuration

Objective Subtopics:

  • Learn to configure FlashArray File services in Everpure arrays

  • Understand the setup process for file services, including DNS configuration and network settings

  • Gain proficiency in managing file services to support organizational needs

  1. DNS

5.02 - AD Join

Objective Subtopics:

  • Understand the process of joining a Everpure array to Active Directory

  • Learn to configure and manage Active Directory integration for file services

  • Develop strategies to ensure seamless user authentication and access control

5.03 - Protocol access

Objective Subtopics:

  • Gain knowledge of the various protocols supported by FlashArray File services in Everpure arrays

  • Learn to configure and manage protocol access to ensure secure and efficient file sharing

  • Understand the best practices for protocol configuration to meet organizational requirements