NetApp has officially retired the NS0-163 exam and replaced it with the new NS0-164 NetApp Data Administrator ONTAP Professional exam. This upgrade reflects the evolution of ONTAP technologies and addresses modern storage administration challenges, including cloud integration, S3 object storage, enhanced data protection, and security. In this article, we’ll explore what the NS0-164 exam is all about, what has changed from NS0-163, and how you can best prepare to pass it and earn your certification.

What Is the NS0-164 NetApp Data Administrator ONTAP Professional Exam?

The NS0-164 exam is designed to validate your ability to administer NetApp ONTAP-based storage environments, whether on-premises, in the cloud, or hybrid. It targets IT professionals with 6 to 12 months of hands-on experience in deploying, configuring, and managing ONTAP systems.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate knowledge in key areas such as:

● ONTAP system and storage management

● Networking and protocol configuration (SAN, NAS, S3)

● Data protection and business continuity

● Performance monitoring and troubleshooting

● Security hardening and ransomware prevention

Who Should Take the NS0-164 Exam?

This exam is ideal for:

● System administrators managing NetApp ONTAP systems

● Storage engineers working with SAN, NAS, or hybrid cloud storage

● IT professionals seeking NetApp certification as part of their career growth

● Anyone who previously considered taking the NS0-163 exam

What Has Changed: NS0-163 vs. NS0-164

While both certifications validate ONTAP administration skills, the NS0-164 exam introduces several important updates and refinements over its predecessor:

The NS0-164 exam structure is more modern, role-relevant, and aligned with real-world ONTAP administration responsibilities in diverse environments.

What Topics Are Covered in the NS0-164 Exam?

The exam is structured into eight clearly defined domains:

Storage Platforms – Managing physical and software-defined ONTAP clusters

Core ONTAP – System management, HA concepts, SVM management

ONTAP Storage – Logical storage, efficiency features like deduplication

Networking – ONTAP network setup and troubleshooting

Storage Protocols & Connectivity – SAN, NAS, and ONTAP S3 configuration and diagnostics

Data Protection – Backup, replication, and business continuity

Security – Encryption, anti-ransomware, and secure protocol management

Performance – Monitoring and resolving system performance issues

How to Best Prepare for the NS0-164 Exam: Study Tips and Strategy

1. Understand the Updated Exam Blueprint

Review the official NS0-164 exam guide to understand each domain and the percentage weight it carries. This helps you prioritize your study plan.

2. Use Hands-On Labs

Practice makes perfect. Use a NetApp lab environment (if available) or simulators to perform real ONTAP tasks such as:

Creating volumes and SVMs

Configuring SnapMirror

Setting up NFS/SMB/iSCSI

Running performance monitoring tools

3. Study NetApp Documentation

NetApp provides comprehensive product documentation, KB articles, and whitepapers that are essential for understanding best practices and configurations.

4. Enroll in NetApp Training (Optional)

NetApp’s official training courses, such as "ONTAP Cluster Administration" and "Data Protection Administration," align well with the exam content.

5. Practice with NS0-164 Exam Dumps

To gain exam familiarity and confidence, use trusted NS0-164 practice questions and dumps. Reliable resources like Passcert provide updated NS0-164 dumps that include real exam-style questions and verified answers, helping you identify knowledge gaps and simulate the testing environment.

6. Join the NetApp Community

Engage with forums like the NetApp Community, Reddit r/netapp, or LinkedIn groups to connect with other candidates, share insights, and get answers to technical doubts.

Conclusion: Your Path to Becoming a Certified NetApp ONTAP Professional

The NS0-164 NetApp Data Administrator ONTAP Professional exam represents the evolution of ONTAP administration certification, covering not only the essentials but also advanced topics like S3 storage, ransomware protection, and performance tuning. Whether you're upgrading from NS0-163 or starting your NetApp journey, this exam is your gateway to professional credibility and career growth in enterprise storage.

Start preparing today using trusted resources like NetApp documentation, official training, and verified NS0-164 exam dumps from Passcert. With the right approach and dedication, success is just one step away.