Overview
Earning the Cisco 350-601 DCCOR certification was one of my most challenging yet rewarding professional achievements. As someone who had worked with Cisco data center technologies for about two years, I knew the exam would test both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. What I didn't anticipate was how comprehensive the test would be, covering everything from traditional networking concepts to modern automation techniques. This article shares my authentic journey - the resources I used, the mistakes I made, and the strategies that ultimately led me to pass on my first attempt with a score of 890/1000.
Understanding the Exam Structure
The 350-601 exam blueprint became my roadmap. I printed it out and highlighted areas where I lacked experience. The five domains carried different weights:
Network (25%): This was my strongest area, focusing on Nexus switches, VXLAN, OTV, and routing protocols. However, I underestimated how deeply it would test BGP EVPN concepts.
Storage (15%): Fibre Channel and FCoE were completely new to me. I spent nearly three weeks just understanding zoning, VSANs, and NPV/NPIV modes.
Compute (25%): UCS architecture was familiar, but the exam's emphasis on integration with virtualization platforms surprised me.
Automation (20%): As someone with basic Python knowledge, this section intimidated me the most. The exam tested not just theory but actual script interpretation.
Security (15%): While conceptually straightforward, the depth of AAA implementation details and RBAC nuances required careful study.
My 8-Week Study Plan
Weeks 1-2: Foundation Building
I dedicated the first two weeks to official Cisco materials:
Watched all Cisco Learning Network videos
Completed the "Introduction to Data Center Networking" course
Created flashcards for all acronyms and protocols
Weeks 3-5: Hands-On Labs
Using Cisco's dCloud and EVE-NG, I built:
A complete VXLAN fabric with BGP EVPN
FC and FCoE storage network
UCS domain with service profiles
Basic Python scripts for device automation
The turning point came when I finally understood how UCS service profiles abstract hardware - this took three days of反复实验.
Weeks 6-7: Advanced Topics and Weak Areas
I focused on:
Deep diving into NX-OS APIs
Creating Ansible playbooks for configuration management
Practicing FC zoning scenarios until I could do them blindfolded
Week 8: Final Review
Took four full-length practice tests
Reviewed all incorrect answers
Created a "cheat sheet" of key concepts for final review
The Three Biggest Challenges
Storage Networking Concepts: I initially struggled with FC zoning and VSANs. What helped was creating physical diagrams of every scenario and walking through them step-by-step.
Automation Questions: The exam presented Python and Ansible code snippets that required careful analysis. I practiced by writing and debugging actual scripts daily.
Time Pressure: With 90 minutes for 90+ questions, I learned to:
Allocate 50 seconds per question
Flag uncertain items immediately
Use the whiteboard for complex scenarios
Exam Day Experience
The testing center environment was stricter than I expected:
No watches or jewelry allowed
Strict monitoring during breaks
Uncomfortable noise-canceling headphones
The questions were more scenario-based than I anticipated, often presenting complex configurations and asking "what would happen if..." I used my whiteboard extensively to map out topologies.
Key Takeaways for Success
Lab Everything: Theoretical knowledge wasn't enough - I needed hands-on experience with every technology.
Understand, Don't Memorize: The exam tests comprehension, not just recall. I focused on why technologies work the way they do.
Practice Under Real Conditions: Taking timed practice tests helped me develop the right pacing.
Learn from Mistakes: Every wrong practice question becomes a learning opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Passing the 350-601 required about 200 hours of study over two months. The most valuable resources were:
Cisco's official documentation
Hands-on lab time
Practice tests from multiple sources
If I had to do it again, I would spend more time on automation concepts earlier in my preparation. For anyone attempting this exam, remember: consistent, focused study with plenty of hands-on practice is the key to success.
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