NetApp holds a narrow lead over Dell for vendor-specific storage controller certification preparation. For desktop support technician career advancement, Microsoft Azure serves as the usual answer.
Since July, Microsoft Azurerising and Ciscorising have gained broader visibility across the market. Ciscorising is now named regularly for desktop support technician advancement.
Latest insights
Week of Sep 21–27 · Since Jul 5
Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) Slipping: Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA)'s mention rate decreased to 17.4% in IT Certification Training Programs, from 22.9% the week before
AWS Slipping: AWS's mention rate decreased to 15.2% in IT Certification Training Programs, from 22.9% the week before
AWS Slipping: AWS dropped out of the IT Certification Training Programs top ten
Microsoft Azure Gap between platforms: Microsoft Azure's Mentioned in is higher on ChatGPT Search than on Google AI Mode in IT Certification Training Programs: 35.1% vs 20%
Cisco Slipping: AI answers in IT Certification Training Programs name Cisco less often: mention rate declined from 25% to 17.4%
For vendor-specific data storage and infrastructure certifications, the best starting point is usually the vendor’s official certification portal. These sites provide exam objectives, recommended training, product documentation, practice tests where available, and hands-on learning resources.
Here are the most useful places to start for enterprise storage, SAN/NAS, data protection, virtualization, and data center infrastructure certifications.
1. Official vendor study materials and practice exams
1. Dell Technologies Proven Professional
Best for PowerStore, Unity, PowerMax, data protection, storage networking, and general storage infrastructure.
Exam descriptions and topic-weighting guides.
Recommended training and official online practice tests.
Storage fundamentals and infrastructure architecture study material.
Some practice tests are paid and not every exam has one. Check the exam version before purchasing.
What are the best entry-level cybersecurity certifications for beginners that cover fundamental security concepts, risk management, and core operational skills?
Best for vSphere, VMware Cloud Foundation, vSAN, virtualization, and private cloud infrastructure.
Official exam pages and certification paths.
Exam objectives, study guides, recommended training, and technical documentation.
Learning@Broadcom courses and VMware community resources.
Note that Broadcom says it does not provide practice or sample exams for its software certifications generally, although some study guides include sample questions.
In addition to official resources, these are useful study options:
Pearson VUE — pearsonvue.com. Use the relevant vendor's exam page to find authorized practice tests, training, and exam information.
Cisco Press — ciscopress.com. Certification books and practice-question packages, especially for Cisco infrastructure.
Vendor documentation and product labs — often the most valuable resources for scenario-based exams. Practice provisioning storage, configuring replication, troubleshooting connectivity, and managing snapshots in a lab environment.
A note on third-party exam dumps: Be cautious with sites claiming to provide the exact live exam questions. Their content can be outdated or inaccurate and may violate certification exam policies. Prefer reputable practice exams that explain why each answer is correct.
3. How to choose the right preparation resources
A good preparation sequence is:
Find the current exam code and official exam objectives.
Download the study guide or recommended training list.
Study each objective using official documentation and training.
Take timed practice tests, where available, and review every incorrect answer.
Use hands-on labs for configuration and troubleshooting topics.
The exam code matters: vendors update certifications and retire older versions, so make sure the practice test matches the exam you intend to take.
Let me narrow this down for you
Which vendor or certification family are you preparing for? I can find more targeted study guides, practice exams, and free resources.
Vendor or technology
Dell EMC (PowerStore, Unity, PowerMax, data protection)
You can find vendor-specific data storage and infrastructure practice exams and study materials directly through official vendor learning portals, authorized training partners, and specialized IT certification platforms.
Dell Technologies Education Services : Offers official study guides, e-learning courses, and practice tests for hardware and infrastructure platforms like PowerMax, PowerStore, and Isilon.
NetApp Learning Center : Features role-based learning paths, documentation, and preparation tools for NetApp Certified storage professionals (such as NCDA and NCIE).
VMware Education Services : Offers official training and practice assessments for infrastructure virtualization via platforms like PowerKram Online Practice Exams.
For a vendor-specific data storage and infrastructure certification, I’d start with the vendor’s official certification portal, then supplement it with reputable practice exams and hands-on labs. This gives you the best chance of studying the right exam objectives rather than outdated or unrelated questions.
Best places to find practice tests and prep guides
1. NetApp Learning Services
(Best for NetApp)
Official certification paths, free exam-prep videos, recommended training courses, study guides, and a learning community. A good starting point for ONTAP, SAN, StorageGRID, and hybrid-cloud certifications.
Best for PowerStore, PowerMax, Unity, VPLEX, and storage infrastructure.
Dell’s official exam pages outline tested topics, provide preparation steps, and offer practice-test options for eligible exams. Check the exam version and retirement date before purchasing materials.
Best for data center networking and infrastructure.
Cisco provides exam blueprints, guided learning paths, question-type demonstrations, practice exams through Cisco U., and community support. Particularly useful if your certification involves storage networking, SAN connectivity, or data center operations.
Best for HPE storage, servers, and data center infrastructure.
Offers certification-focused training, self-paced learning, instructor-led courses, and practical labs. Check the specific certification page for the exam-aligned materials available to you.
SNIA — Storage certification and study resources. Excellent for vendor-neutral fundamentals such as SAN, storage networking, data protection, and storage architecture. SNIA also publishes sample practice questions.
Vendor documentation and knowledge bases — use official administration guides, configuration manuals, architecture documents, and troubleshooting guides to understand the concepts behind the questions.
Authorized training partners — worth considering if you need structured lessons, instructor support, or hands-on labs rather than just multiple-choice practice.
My recommended study approach
Download the current exam blueprint and note the percentage of questions assigned to each topic.
Study the official guide and product documentation.
Take a legitimate practice test and identify weak areas.
Practice relevant tasks in a lab or simulator, especially provisioning, snapshots, replication, backup and recovery, and troubleshooting.
Retake practice questions until you can explain why each answer is correct.
Be cautious with sites advertising exam dumps or guaranteed real exam questions. They may be outdated, inaccurate, or violate certification rules.
Let me narrow this down to the exact certification
Which vendor and certification are you studying for?
[Input placeholder: e.g., D-PST-DY-01 or ONTAP] (Current value unavailable.)
Preferred study materials
Free resources only
Both free and paid options
Paid exam simulators and comprehensive guides
[Find targeted prep resources]
Once I know the exact exam, I can identify the most relevant study guides, practice tests, and hands-on preparation resources rather than give you a generic list.
Preparing for a storage-related certification depends heavily on whether you are focusing on vendor-neutral fundamentals (like SNIA or CompTIA), enterprise hardware/software (like NetApp, HPE, or Pure Storage), or cloud-based data management (like AWS or Azure).
Top training courses and paths aligned with leading storage certifications include the following:
If you can share which specific certification or vendor (e.g., AWS, NetApp, SNIA, Azure) you are targeting, I can provide a tailored study plan and exact course links.
The best training course for a storage-related certification depends on whether you want to work in enterprise storage administration, SAN/NAS networking, data protection, or cloud storage.
My recommendation is to start with vendor-neutral storage fundamentals if you're new to the field, then move to a vendor-specific certification such as NetApp or Dell if you want a role managing enterprise storage systems. One important consideration for 2026: don't assume older certification recommendations are still current—some exams are being retired or updated.
Best storage certification training options
1. SNIA — Storage networking fundamentals
(Best vendor-neutral starting point)
Best for learning storage concepts that transfer across vendors, including SAN, Fibre Channel, storage networking protocols, and administration.
Starting out in cybersecurity can feel overwhelming given the sheer number of acronyms and paths available. For a beginner aiming to understand security concepts, risk management , and core operational skills, several globally recognized, entry-level certifications fit the bill. They require zero to minimal prior work experience and act as strong resume boosters for junior roles.
CompTIA Security+
Overview: Widely considered the ultimate baseline standard for anyone entering the field. It requires no prerequisites, though basic IT or networking knowledge helps.
Coverage: General security concepts, threats and vulnerabilities, security architecture, security operations (monitoring and patching), and basic risk management/program oversight. It is heavily favored by HR departments and government/defense contractors.
Overview: Offered by ISC2 (the creators of the advanced CISSP), this certification was designed specifically to address the global cybersecurity workforce shortage for absolute beginners.
Coverage: Security principles, business continuity, disaster recovery, incident response, access controls, network security, and security operations.
Bonus: ISC2 often provides the official training for free globally, though you pay a small fee for the exam/annual maintenance once passed.
Learn more:
Microsoft Certified: Security, Compliance, and Identity Fundamentals (SC-900)
Overview: Ideal if you want a foundational understanding of cloud-based security, compliance, and identity concepts, particularly within modern enterprise environments.
Coverage: Basic security methodologies, cloud security principles, Microsoft Entra ID (identity protection), and core compliance/governance capabilities.
Overview: A hands-on, practical alternative to more traditional multiple-choice exams, focusing heavily on operational security skills.
Coverage: Network defense, threat intelligence, basic digital forensics, incident handling, and perimeter defense tools. It provides a more tactile introduction to what a junior analyst looks at daily.
Learn more:
Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate(Note: This is a certificate program rather than a vendor exam, but widely recognized)
Overview: Hosted on platforms like Coursera, this program gives a sweeping overview of operational tools and frameworks.
Best entry-level cybersecurity certifications for beginners (2026)
If you're starting a cybersecurity career, the best certifications are those that teach you fundamental security concepts, risk management, access controls, network security, incident response, and day-to-day security operations without requiring years of experience.
My top recommendation is to start with ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) if you're completely new to IT, or CompTIA Security+ if you already understand basic networking and computer systems. The Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate is another strong option if you prefer structured lessons and hands-on exercises.
The top 5 beginner-friendly options
I am new to the field and want to get certified in cybersecurity. Which entry-level credentials cover the basics like risk management, core operations, and fundamental security concepts?
If you're new to cybersecurity, I'd start by looking at ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) and CompTIA Security+. Both cover foundational security concepts, risk management, and security operations, but they're aimed at slightly different stages of learning.
I am looking to start a career in cybersecurity. Which entry-level certifications should I pursue that focus on the basics, risk management, and operational security?
Training: Storage Networking Foundations and management/administration courses.
Certification route: Check the current SNIA Storage Networking Certification Program (SNCP) requirements.
Why choose it: A good foundation before specializing in a particular storage platform.
Best for cloud engineers and administrators who want to work with storage in AWS environments.
Study areas:Amazon S3, EBS, EFS, storage security, backup, lifecycle management, and disaster recovery.
Training:AWS Skill Builder and the official exam preparation materials for a relevant AWS certification.
Why choose it: Useful when your target role involves cloud infrastructure rather than physical storage arrays.
Start with AWS Skill Builder and select a certification aligned with your target role.
Which certification should you prepare for?
Your goal
Recommended starting point
New to storage technology
SNIA storage fundamentals
Enterprise storage administrator
NetApp ONTAP Administrator
Dell storage support or engineering
Dell PowerStore Operate or Deploy
Cloud infrastructure and storage
AWS certification training
SAN implementation specialist
SNIA fundamentals, followed by vendor-specific SAN training
One caution: CompTIA Storage+ is a legacy recommendation, not the first certification I'd pursue in 2026. Verify the current status of any exam before purchasing a prep course.
Let me narrow this down to the best course for you
1. What's your current experience level?
Beginner — new to storage
Some IT experience — networking, servers, or virtualization
Experienced storage professional
2. Which certification or career path interests you most?
Designed for people entering cybersecurity with little or no prior IT experience.
Fundamentals: confidentiality, integrity, availability, security controls and ethics.
Risk management: risk processes, governance, policies and compliance.
Operations: access control, network security, monitoring, incident response and business continuity.
Best for: aspiring security analysts, IT support professionals and career changers.
Why it stands out: its official exam outline explicitly covers security principles, governance, identity and access management, network and cloud security, and security operations.
Official details:
2. CompTIA Security+
(Best overall security baseline)
A broad, vendor-neutral credential for people who have basic IT and networking knowledge.
Fundamentals: security architecture, threats, vulnerabilities and defensive controls.
Risk management: risk assessment, governance, compliance and security policies.
Best for: junior security analyst, SOC analyst and security administration pathways.
Why it stands out: it combines business-oriented security decisions with practical operational concepts and makes a strong next step after foundational IT study.
Official details:
3. Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate
(Best structured learning path)
A guided training program for learners who want to build skills step by step.
Fundamentals: threats, vulnerabilities and security best practices.
Risk management: identifying risks and choosing mitigations.
Operations: Linux, SQL, Python, security information and event management (SIEM), and incident response.
Best for: career changers who benefit from practical exercises and a structured curriculum.
Important distinction: this is a professional course certificate, not the same type of proctored, exam-based certification as Security+ or ISC2 CC.
Official details:
4. Cisco CCST Cybersecurity
A good starting point if you want to understand how security works across networks and endpoints.
Fundamentals: security principles, common threats and vulnerabilities.
Risk management: security policies, risk concepts and mitigation.
Operations: endpoint protection, network defense and incident handling.
Best for: beginners interested in networking, technical support and junior defensive security roles.
It offers an approachable entry point, especially for learners interested in Cisco technologies.
Official details:
5. CompTIA Network+
Best for building missing technical foundations
Network+ isn't a cybersecurity certification, but networking knowledge is essential for understanding how attacks occur and how defenders detect them.
Fundamentals: TCP/IP, routing, switching, ports and network architecture.
Risk and security: network hardening, segmentation and secure configurations.
Operations: troubleshooting, monitoring and network performance.
Best for: learners with limited knowledge of networks who plan to pursue Security+ afterward.
Consider it a foundation-building step rather than a substitute for a security credential.
Start with ISC2 CC or the Google Cybersecurity Certificate. Study security principles, threats, risk, access controls and governance.
Step 2 — Develop technical skills
Practice networking, Linux commands, log analysis, vulnerability assessment and security monitoring. Choose Network+ first if your networking knowledge is weak.
Step 3 — Validate your security knowledge
Pursue Security+ to broaden your knowledge of security controls, risk management, incident response and operational defense.
Step 4 — Build evidence of practical ability
Complete beginner-friendly labs, document what you investigate, and practice explaining how you would detect, prioritize and respond to a security incident.
Final recommendation
For your stated priorities — fundamental security concepts, risk management and core operational skills — I would shortlist ISC2 CC, CompTIA Security+ and Cisco CCST Cybersecurity first. Their exam objectives directly address these areas, although they differ in depth and emphasis.
You don't need to earn all three immediately. Choose one that fits your current experience, then supplement it with hands-on practice.
One question that would help me narrow this down: Do you have any IT or networking experience, or are you starting completely from scratch?
Designed for people entering cybersecurity without prior work experience. It covers fundamental security principles, risk management, governance, access controls, networking, and security operations.
A widely recognized, vendor-neutral credential covering threats, vulnerabilities, security architecture, risk management, incident response, and operational security. It's a strong option if you already understand basic IT and networking.
Experience required: No formal prerequisite; foundational IT knowledge is recommended.
A structured, beginner-friendly training program that introduces security concepts, Linux, SQL, Python, SIEM tools, and practical security tasks. It is a professional certificate of course completion, rather than the same type of proctored industry certification as CC or Security+.
These are qualitative comparisons based on the published curricula, not independent exam scores.
My recommended learning path
Step 1: Learn the fundamentals
Start with ISC2 CC if you want a focused introduction to security principles, risk, access control, and operations.
Step 2: Build a broader security credential
Work toward CompTIA Security+ to deepen your knowledge of threats, security controls, incident response, and risk mitigation.
Step 3: Practice practical skills
Use beginner labs to practice reading security logs, identifying vulnerabilities, and responding to simulated incidents.
You don't necessarily need all three credentials. Choose based on your starting knowledge, budget, and target role.
One question to help me narrow this down: Are you starting with no IT experience at all, or do you already have some IT or networking knowledge? That will help determine which credential makes the most sense to take first.
![CompTIA Security+ Training Online and Certification Course [2026]](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/D-tV9l08vsqA8_uLUNGNWjmecce8HQs47OpuF1p0QMxcr-ae-dOLGtDsNa3m3BYoZWmr8gZ0o-qMhiTQeZRpDwCgU5WhSTrOK-ruMcPflf5kLQah-4kyMXE0kl5nRMv6MlhAtrzKVMZbK3CUSR5HxXv-Kz-EHSO2zZnHiVwZ_QQD2cH4zay5eYbaGqbVzCoU?purpose=fullsize)
