HP ExpertOne Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification FAQ December 2014 What are the steps to certification? Why is the application the first step of the process? What are the requirements to earn HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification? What are the prerequisite certifications for HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification? What types of experience and knowledge do I need to qualify for the certification? HP technical knowledge and skills HP sales knowledge and skills General technical knowledge and skills Business knowledge and skills Leadership skills Is it advisable to be at ASE level before considering this certification? What is the best route to achieve this certification for new entrants into IT? What can I do to acquire some of the knowledge and experience recommended for this certification if I don t already have it? What is the reference requirement? What is a board review? Why do I have to attend the board review in person? What languages are currently supported by the HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification program? Who are the members of the board review team? What is the cost to attain this certification? The costs seem high. How does HP justify the fees for the application and exams? What training is available to prepare for the required test center exams? Preparation training for the HP0-D31 exam Preparation training for the HP0-D32 exam Does the recommended Architecting HP Data Center and Cloud Solutions training prepare me for the board review exam? When can I submit an application to begin the certification process? Can I take the training and participate in the in-person board review all at the same time? What happens if I apply for the certification for a specific date and need to reschedule to a later date? What happens if I do not pass one of the steps? Does my employer need to endorse my application? Why would I want to make the investment in this certification? How is the HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification positioned within the HP Data Center and Cloud certification portfolio? What are some typical responsibilities of Data Center and Cloud Architects? I have an extensive technical background with HP products, designing technical solutions and proofs of concept; however, I have not worked in a business role where I needed to tie the solution back to corporate objectives and goals. Can I qualify for the certification without the financial or business experience? Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
What are the steps to certification? Overview: Steps to attain this certification 1. Submit an application and provide a reference contact a. The application must be accepted by the board in order to move forward in the program 2. Take the training (optional but recommended) 3. Pass any one of the following test center exams: a. HP0-D18 (Architecting HP Converged Infrastructure Solutions, part of the HP Master ASE Converged Infrastructure Architect certification; this exam is replaced by test center exam HP0-D22) b. HP0-D22 (Architecting HP Converged Infrastructure Solutions, part of the HP Master ASE Converged Infrastructure Architect certification) c. HP0-D26 (Designing HP Data Center and Cloud Solutions, part of the HP ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect V1 certification; this exam is replaced by test center exam HP0-D31) d. HP0-D29 (Delta Designing HP Data Center and Cloud Solutions, part of the HP ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect V1 certification) e. HP0-D31 (Designing HP Data Center and Cloud Solutions, part of the HP ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect V1and V2 certifications f. HP0-D32 (Architecting HP Data Center and Cloud Solutions, part of the HP MASE - Data Center and Cloud Architect certification) 4. Pass the board review exam HP0-D19 5. Receive the certification award Why is the application the first step of the process? The application is your chance to show the board that you have the technical and business skills required to become an HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect. The application should be approached in the same way that a resume or job application is completed. This is your chance to convince the board that you are qualified to participate in the program. This certification requires a significant time and money investment. HP wants to ensure that every candidate has the requisite background and experience. If your skills are not adequately represented, the board may reject your application, and you cannot reapply for at least six (6) months. There is no refund for the application fee. What are the requirements to earn HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification? Achievement of this credential requires: 1. Completing the application and reference information and being approved to begin the certification (Note: There is a fee for the application.) 2. Passing one of the HP0-D31, HP0-D32, HP0-D22 (now inactive), HP0-D18 (now inactive), HP0-D26 (now inactive), or HP0-D29 (now inactive) test center exams 3. Passing the HP0-D19 board review exam, which includes creating a data center business solution and presenting it in English to the board (requires 2 days including discovery, preparation, and presentation) What are the prerequisite certifications for HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification? There are numerous ways a person can leverage personal experience to acquire the prerequisite skills needed to earn this certification; therefore, no formal prerequisite certifications are required. However, the competencies required are based on the Industry-standard fundamental technologies in the Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL), Information Technology Service Management (ITSM), and/or The Open Group Architecture Framework (TOGAF) certifications. The test center exam required validates that the person has this base level of industry knowledge. What types of experience and knowledge do I need to qualify for the certification? The HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification encompasses a broad range of both technical and business experience and knowledge. The ideal candidate will possess a variety of technical, business, and leadership skills in the following areas: HP technical knowledge and skills Deep technical expertise in practice area(s) such as systems management, converged infrastructure, data center technologies, business technology automation, and IT service management Technical depth and breadth within the HP infrastructure product focus area(s) such as HP servers, storage, networking, management software, power and cooling, and so on Well versed on technologies within specific HP domains, such as servers, storage, networking, software, ConvergedSystems, and the cloud Technology architecture and design expertise within one or more areas of the HP Converged Infrastructure Reference Architecture and HP Cloud Functional Reference Architecture Deep knowledge of HP technology differentiators (HP FlexFabric, HP Data Center Smart Grid, HP OneView, HP Helion, HP ConvergedSystems, and HP Helion Cloud System ) Awareness of HP Services to include warranty uplifts, reactive, proactive, consulting, outsourcing, application modernization, training, and more; this includes assessment services for aforementioned disciplines (and more) 2
Acumen around HP financing; for example, the ability to differentiate the appropriateness of a lease versus a purchase HP sales knowledge and skills Working knowledge of HP s go-to-market strategy and vision across all Enterprise Group EG domains Consultative selling skills Ability to glean and discover, gather requirements, and identify a customer s IT and business transformation needs, both near and long term General technical knowledge and skills Solution sizing skills Strong experience and expertise among two or more relevant operating systems Strong experience and expertise among two or more relevant independent software vendor (ISV) applications Fluency in LAN and SAN technologies both legacy and leading edge A working knowledge of governance and frameworks using established disciplines such as ITIL, TOGAF, etc. Heavy solution focus and deep technical ISV understanding Experience using common industry tools and methods for requirements gathering and solutions design An understanding of HP s competitors and their competing solutions and offerings Business knowledge and skills Very strong communication and presentation skills backed by verifiable experience Proven ability to establish credibility at the CxO level and below Sales negotiation skills Financial acumen related to effectively discussing IT return on investment (ROI) and total cost of ownership (TCO) Ability to map converged infrastructure and data center solutions to business and customer needs Firm understanding of general project planning and management principles and the ability to apply them Ability to develop and deliver basic statements of work and associated scope documents Excellent organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks Leadership skills Ability to lead teams through the design and delivery of information technology projects Team player who can effectively work across a highly matrixed team, developing strong relationships across a wide variety of organizations Is it advisable to be at ASE level before considering this certification? Although there are no specific certification prerequisites for the HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification, it is quite helpful to hold current HP certifications such as an ASE credential. Good functional certifications at the HP ASE level include: HP ASE Server Solutions Architect V8 HP ASE Storage Solutions Architect V1 HP Master ASE Storage Solutions Architect V1 HP ASE FlexNetwork Architect V2 HP Master ASE - FlexNetwork Solutions V1 HP ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect V1or V2 What s the best route to achieve this certification for new entrants into IT? HP recommends at least 10 years of experience designing enterprise solutions before a candidate applies to become an HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect. To lay a foundation to get to that level, an IT professional can begin at the ATP or ASE levels with a focus on data center and cloud technologies or on a technology domain such as storage, networking, or servers. The HP ATP Data Center and Cloud and HP ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certifications are good starting points to work toward the Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect level certification. What can I do to acquire some of the knowledge and experience recommended for this certification if I don t already have it? Appendix A of the Data Center and Cloud Architect handbook has recommendations for how to acquire specific competencies if you don t already possess them. These recommendations might include obtaining third-party certifications or taking additional training. What is the reference requirement? A requirement for acceptance to pursue this certification is the identification of a reference who can promote why the candidate is qualified to pursue this certification. A candidate should choose a reference who is knowledgeable about all the candidate s business and technical skills and who can validate their previous experience in scoping and designing data center and cloud solutions. The candidate s reference can be a direct manager, a company executive, a colleague, or an HP contact. The reference cannot be a relative or 3
a person who directly or indirectly reports to the candidate. The reference will be required to complete a short survey about the candidate s experience and may be contacted by HP with additional questions, so it is important to obtain his or her agreement to participate prior to submitting the person s name. What is a board review? A panel of five subject matter experts selected by HP comprises the review board. The candidate for certification goes before this board and presents his or her proposal in English for the design of a data center environment based on HP Converged Infrastructure and cloud strategies, technologies, and products. The proposal must include cost justification for the solution and support the organizational goals of the company presented in the scenario. Based on the face-to-face interaction with the candidate, each board member will score the candidate. The combined score will determine whether or not the candidate achieves the certification. Why do I have to attend the board review in person? HP has made a significant investment in the intellectual property of the board review exam. To ensure the integrity of the exam, it is conducted in person. Moreover, a face-to-face interaction between the candidate and the board is a more accurate representation of a real-life scenario where an Architect presents his or her solution to the leaders of a company. HP has scheduled board review sessions around the world to make it easier for a candidate to choose a convenient location. What languages are currently supported by the HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification program? At this time, English is the only supported language for this certification. The board review is consistent in this format. The five board review judges are diverse in their native language and therefore a language that is common to all is required. We realize the discomfort that can be experienced when presenting outside of one s native language; however, there is no deduction for language fluency, provided the candidate can communicate their solution components and business value. Who are the members of the board review team? The members of this panel are people that HP has identified as experts pertaining to HP Converged Infrastructure and cloud solutions. People who have already attained the HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification may apply to be on a board. What is the cost to attain this certification? The basic costs for the certification process include: Application fee: $200 USD Training fee (optional): $1,500 USD If needed, Pearson VUE exam HP0-D32: included at no cost with the board review fee (administered at the board review session) Board review HP0-D19: $3,000 USD Total with training: $4,700 USD Total without training: $3,200 USD These fees do not include travel and lodging to the multiday training and exam sessions. The costs seem high. How does HP justify the fees for the application and exams? The fees to attain this HP Data Center and Cloud Architect certification are comparable to, or even less than, the fees charged by other IT vendors for similar architect-level certifications. Everything about the application and examination process for a certification of this stature is resource intensive. Many highly skilled people are involved in the intimate processes of evaluating the applications, developing the exams, and conducting the board reviews, and they must be appropriately compensated for their work. What training is available to prepare for the required test center exams? Preparation training for the D31 or HP0-D32 exam Designing HP Data Center and Cloud Solutions, course 00907924, is the recommended training to prepare for the HP0-D31 or HP0-D32 exam. This course prepares the participant to navigate through the HP Converged Infrastructure and HP Helion cloud solution offerings, and to identify, describe, position, demonstrate, and specify the correct solution based on identified customer needs, the associated ROI/TCO, and the customer s current IT infrastructure maturity level. Upon its completion, the candidate should be able to demonstrate a broad understanding of purpose, function, market positioning, competition, and capabilities of data center solutions based on the HP Converged Infrastructure and HP Helion solutions. 4
Does the recommended Architecting HP Data Center and Cloud Solutions training prepare me for the board review exam? Not completely. The two-day Architecting HP Data Center and Cloud Solutions class, course ID 00908011, reviews the skills required to design complex HP Converged Infrastructure and cloud solutions and helps prepare experienced presales individuals for the board review; however, it does not replace the required skills listed in the Ideal Candidate and Prerequisite Knowledge and Skills sections of the HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification handbook. When can I submit an application to begin the certification process? The first step in attaining the HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification is to submit an application and be approved to attempt this certification. The application outlines the candidate s business and technical qualifications. This is the candidate s opportunity to sell their skills, and time should be set aside to prepare accordingly. Download the Key Dates document for current application deadlines. Can I take the training and participate in the in-person board review all at the same time? Yes, our process allows you to take the two-day training course, the proctored exam (if required), and the board review exam all in one week. This reduces travel expenses and time out of the office. What happens if I do not pass one of the steps? HP has provisions to allow candidates to reapply for the certification process or to retake an exam if necessary. Consult the Data Center and Cloud Architect Retake, Remediation & Expiration Policy for complete details on what to do if any of the required steps to certification are not passed. Does my employer need to endorse my application? While not required, it is highly recommended. This certification requires a significant time and money investment. HP wants to ensure that every candidate has the requisite background and experience as well as the support of his or her employer before entering this program. Why would I want to make the investment in this certification? The HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect is the only credential in the IT industry that spans convergence of the entire data center. In addition to the technology component, this certification emphasizes the business value of converged solutions. As organizations around the world transition to the powerful HP Converged Infrastructure and cloud, they are demanding high-quality people with the knowledge and stature to lead their transformation projects. The HP certified Data Center and Cloud Architect skills are in high demand and will be for the coming years, providing the Master ASE Architect with good long-term career opportunities. How is the HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification positioned within the HP Data Center and Cloud certification portfolio? This Master ASE Architect certification is the highest level of presales certification within the HP Data Center and Cloud certification portfolio, which also includes: Professional career (technical) certifications HP ATP Data Center and Cloud V1 HP ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect V1 or V2 Sales certifications (HP Partner Restricted) HP Sales Certified Cloud Solutions and Services [2015] In addition, the HP Master ASE Data Center and Cloud Architect certification is the flagship credential of the HP ExpertOne program. 5
What are some typical responsibilities of Data Center and Cloud Architects? The Data Center and Cloud Architect may have responsibility for the following: Lead the engagement with the customer Assist the sales team in preparing responses to RFPs/RFQs Drive the development, specification, and communication of the architecture plans that clearly show resolution to the customer business and IT needs Develop the design for the enterprise infrastructure Select the appropriate infrastructure components, technologies, products, education, and services Present and explain the proposed solution to the highest levels of a customer account s management team, ensuring that the executives understand the business value the solution will provide Participate in business architecture plans and discussions (roadmap projects, business transformation, and so on) Set the strategy for enterprise information across the infrastructure Identify new opportunities to provide innovative solutions to business challenges; that is, the person is known to be an out of the box thinker Develop and apply converged infrastructure and cloud architecture principles, guidelines, and standards I have an extensive technical background with HP products, designing technical solutions and proofs of concept; however, I have not worked in a business role where I needed to tie the solution back to corporate objectives and goals. Can I qualify for the certification without the financial or business experience? No. Financial acumen and the ability to sell the converged infrastructure and cloud value to an organization s leaders are critical competencies needed to earn this elite certification. You will be asked to identify how a technical solution meets specific business goals and objectives, and back it up with real ROI data. Who can I contact if I have additional questions? For all other questions, send an email to HPCIboardexaminquires@hp.com. Copyright 2012-2014 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. Created September 2012, Updated December 2014