Designing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure(DCACID)
Exam Code: 500-650
The Designing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure certification validates your ability to design Cisco ACI-based data center solutions, including fabric architecture, policy-driven automation, multi-site design, integration with virtualization, and scalable, resilient data center networks.
- Exam Breakdown
- Domain Breakdown
- Access Breakdown
Exam Format
- Exam Code: 500‑650 DCACID
- Level: Specialist (Cisco Channel Partner/Design pathway)
- Duration: 60 minutes (nwexam, Cisco)
- Passing Score: Not publicly disclosed (typically estimated around 750–850/1000) (CiscoPrep)
- Unscored Content: May include unscored items for statistical purposes; timing accounts for them.
Exam Details
- Question Types: Multiple choice, multiple answer
- Number of Questions: Approximately 45–55 questions
- Hands-On Questions: No hands-on configuration labs are included. The exam focuses on design principles and architecture concepts for Cisco ACI environments.
Exam Policies
- Offline Proctoring: Must be rescheduled or canceled at least 48 hours before the scheduled exam time.
- Online Proctoring: Must be rescheduled or canceled at least 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time.
- Waiting Period: A minimum 5-calendar-day wait is required after a failed attempt before retaking the exam.
- Retake Fee: Full exam fee must be paid for each retake.
Validity
- Validity: 3 years
- Renewal Options: Recertify by passing another Cisco certification exam or earning Cisco Continuing Education credits.
Exam Fee
- Base Fee: $80 USD (excluding taxes)
- Taxes: Country-specific VAT may apply
. Example: In India, 18% tax applies, making the total $94.40 USD ($80 + $14.40 tax)
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for taking the DCACID exam. However, it is recommended to have:- Good understanding of data center networking concepts
- Familiarity with Cisco Nexus switches and Cisco ACI architecture
- Experience with software-defined networking concepts
Exam Topics (Weights per official Cisco blueprint) (Cisco)
- Cisco ACI Architecture and Fabric Design
- Endpoint Groups (EPGs), Tenants, and Application Profiles
- Policy-Based Networking and Contracts
- Integration with External Networks (Layer 2 and Layer 3)
- Multi-Pod and Multi-Site ACI Design Concepts
- Automation and Programmability in Cisco ACI
- Data Center Network Engineers
- Network Design Engineers
- Systems Engineers
- Cloud Infrastructure Engineers
- Data Center Architects
Career Impact
- Jobs You Can Get: Data Center Network Engineer, Cloud Network Engineer, Network Architect, Infrastructure Engineer, Data Center Solutions Architect
Average Salary: Varies by country — U.S.: $95,000–$145,000 USD, India: ₹10,00,000–₹22,00,000 INR, United Kingdom: £50,000–£80,000 GBP, UAE: 180,000–260,000 AED per year. - Why It’s Valuable: Demonstrates expertise in designing Cisco ACI data center networks and helps professionals support software-defined networking and modern cloud data center architectures
Exam Mode
The exam is proctored and can be taken either:- In-person at authorized Pearson VUE test centres
- Online through Pearson VUE’s online proctoring system
Exam Booking Link
- Book your DCACID Exam via Pearson VUE — Click here (https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/cisco.html)al
Post-Exam Processing
- Download your Cisco Certificate from Cisco Certmetrics
- Processing Time: Certificate available within 24 to 48 hours after passing the exam
- Log in to Cisco Certmetrics: https://cp.certmetrics.com/cisco/en/login
- Navigate to the Certifications section
- Download your Cisco certificate (PDF format)
Offers
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Top Reasons to Choose
Designing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure(DCACID)
Growing Demand for Software-Defined Data Centers
Organizations increasingly adopt software-defined networking and automation in modern data centers, creating strong demand for professionals capable of designing scalable and policy-driven Cisco ACI infrastructure.
Expertise in Cisco ACI Architecture
This certification validates knowledge of Cisco ACI fabric design, policy-based networking, and integration with enterprise networks, helping professionals design modern application-centric data center environments.
Career Growth in Data Center and Cloud Networking
Professionals with Cisco ACI design expertise can advance into roles such as data center architect, cloud network engineer, and infrastructure design specialist supporting enterprise and cloud data center deployments.
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FAQ
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Who should take the Designing Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (500-650) exam?
The DCACID exam is designed for network engineers, systems engineers, and data center architects responsible for designing Cisco ACI-based data center networks. It is especially useful for professionals working with Cisco Nexus and ACI technologies in enterprise data center environments.
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How difficult is the DCACID exam?
The DCACID exam is considered moderately challenging because it focuses on Cisco ACI architecture, design principles, and policy-based networking concepts. Candidates with experience in Cisco data center networking or software-defined networking environments typically find the exam manageable with proper preparation.
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Why does Cisco offer the DCACID certification?
Cisco offers the DCACID certification to validate professionals who can design application-centric data center networks using Cisco ACI technology. As organizations modernize their data centers, Cisco ACI skills are essential for building scalable, automated, and policy-driven networking environments.
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What tools and resources can be used to prepare for the exam?
Candidates can prepare using Cisco Learning Network materials, Cisco ACI design documentation, official Cisco training courses, and hands-on practice with Cisco ACI environments. Studying Cisco Nexus switching, ACI fabric design, and automation concepts helps candidates prepare effectively for the exam.
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Is the DCACID certification still valuable in 2026?
Yes, the DCACID certification remains valuable in 2026 because Cisco ACI continues to be widely used in enterprise and cloud data center environments. Professionals who understand ACI architecture and design principles are highly valued for building scalable and automated data center infrastructures.
