NVIDIA-Certified Professional

# NVIDIA AI Rack and Interconnect Certification Exam

(NCP-ARI)

[Register for Exam](https://www.certiverse.com/#/checkout/nvidia/store-exam/NCP-ARI)

## What is the NVIDIA AI Rack and Interconnect Certification (NCP-ARI)?

The NCP-ARI is an intermediate-level certification that validates a candidate's expertise  in deploying high-density AI infrastructure. It covers critical competencies in high-density cabling, rack preparation, liquid-cooling interconnects/manifolds and DC busbar power delivery, safety standards, and installation troubleshooting—ensuring data center environments are optimized for peak NVIDIA platform performance.

Please carefully review our [certification FAQs and exam policies](https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/learn/certification/#faq) before scheduling your exam.

If you have any questions, please [contact us](https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/learn/organizations/contact-us.md).

To access the exam, you’ll need to create a [Certiverse account](https://www.certiverse.com/#/store/nvidia).

#### Exam Details for NCP-ARI

**Duration**: 2 hours

**Price**: $400

**Certification Level**: Professional

**Subject**: AI Hardware Installation

**Number of questions**: 70

**Language**: English

**Validity:** This certification is valid for two years from issuance. Recertification may be achieved by retaking the exam.

**Credentials:** Upon passing the exam, participants will receive a digital badge and optional certificate indicating the certification level and topic.

## Who is AI Rack and Interconnect Certification for?

This exam is for Data Center Infrastructure Technicians specializing in high-density AI cluster deployments. In this role, they are responsible for the physical staging, deployment, and validation of cutting-edge NVIDIA AI systems. They bridge the gap between facility engineering (power/cooling) and network engineering, ensuring that massive computational clusters are safely racked, powered, and interconnected with absolute precision.

### Related job titles

* Data Center Infrastructure Technician
* Data Center Technician
* Data Center Hardware Installation Technician
* Data Center Network Technician/Network Engineer (Physical Layer)
* Rack and Cabling Technician/Structured Cabling Technician
* AI Data Center Infrastructure Engineer
* Data Center Operations Engineer
* Data Center Facilities/Power and Cooling Engineer

## What are the Key Responsibilities for Data Center Infrastructure Technicians?

* **Rack Infrastructure and Space Planning:** Conduct site surveys to assess floor load capacities and rack clearances. Prepare extra-wide AI racks, install horizontal/vertical containment systems, and manage precise airflow boundary zones.
* **High-Density Cabling Installation:** Professionally bundle, route, and dress ultra-high-density cabling layers. Install and manage InfiniBand NDR/XDR copper links (DAC/ACC) and MPO/APC fiber optic cables while strictly adhering to a 50/50 left-right routing strategy and 30 mm bend radius constraints.

* **Facility Integration:** Verify data center environmental readiness, including power redundancy and thermal zones. Manage and balance power distribution units (rPDUs) for high-draw AC racks, and monitor cooling distribution units (CDUs) for liquid-cooled server architectures.
* **Testing and Quality Assurance:** Perform meticulous fiber end-face cleaning and transceiver inspections before every insertion. Execute cable continuity, link-state verification, and bit error rate (BER) testing to differentiate and validate NVIDIA-specific cabling requirements.

* **Safety and Compliance:** Adhere strictly to electrical safety protocols, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) and appropriate personal protective equipment inside demanding 120 kW+ environments. Ensure all physical layouts comply with local building and electrical codes and NVIDIA installation standards (DU-10438).

## What are the Recommended Qualifications for Data Center Infrastructure Technicians?

* **Experience:** 2+ years of experience in enterprise data center operations, specifically handling high-density computing or supercomputing infrastructure.
* **Networking Mechanics:** Understanding of fiber optic types (MMF vs. SMF), transceiver form factors (OSFP vs. QSFP), and optical distance variations (DR, LR, etc.).

* **Physical Dexterity and Precision**: Mastery of cable slack management, weight distribution support systems (trapeze/ladder racks), and structured containment compliance.

* **Infrastructure Awareness:** Strong foundational knowledge of hot/cold aisle containment, AC vs. DC rack power dynamics, and liquid-to-air cooling loops.

## NCP-ARI Exam Preparation Topics and Recommended Reading

The information below is intended to help you prepare for this exam.   
 Topics covered, weight per topic, recommended training, and additional readings are provided.

* [AI Infrastructure Basics for Data Centers](#ai-infrastructure-basics-for-data-centers)
* [Pre-Deployment Planning and Site Assessment for AI Data Centers](#pre-deployment-planning-and-site-assessment-for-ai-data-centers)
* [Rack Infrastructure Preparation for AI Platforms](#rack-infrastructure-preparation-for-ai-platforms)
* [High-Density Cabling Installation for AI Clusters](#high-density-cabling-installation-for-ai-clusters)
* [Cable Support Systems and Weight Management](#cable-support-systems-and-weight-management)
* [Testing, Verification, and Documentation for AI Cabling](#testing,-verification,-and-documentation-for-ai-cabling)
* [Safety, Standards, and Compliance for Data Centers](#safety,-standards,-and-compliance-for-data-centers)

### AI Infrastructure Basics for Data Centers

This section covers AI infrastructure basics, focusing on verifying data center power and cooling capacity, distinguishing AC/DC racks, balancing rPDUs, checking power redundancy and grounding, and understanding various cooling systems.

#### AI Infrastructure Potential Exam Topics:

* Verify power and cooling capacity in the data center.
* Describe the difference between AC- and DC-powered racks.
* Balance the rPDUs for AC-powered racks.
* Verify power redundancy per rack.
* Verify the power capacity by PDU type.
* Describe CDUs for liquid-cooled racks.
* Verify grounding.
* Differentiate between hot-aisle and cold-aisle cooling.

**20%**  
 **Exam Weight**

#### Suggested Readings on AI Infrastructure:

* [Improving Data Center Cooling With Cold Aisle Containment](https://cool-shield.com/improving-data-center-cooling-with-cold-aisle-containment/)
* [380 Vdc Architectures for the Modern Data Center](https://datacenters.lbl.gov/sites/default/files/380VdcArchitecturesfortheModernDataCenter.pdf)
* [What Is an Intelligent PDU?](https://www.vertiv.com/en-cn/about/news-and-events/articles/educational-articles/what-is-an-intelligent-pdu/)
* [3-Phase Power Explained](https://synaccess.com/resources/3-phase-power-explained)
* [Alternating Phase](https://cdn10.servertech.com/assets/documents/documents/823/original/Alternating_Phase_New_Look.pdf?1565385050)
* [Coolant Distribution Units (CDUs) for Data Center Cooling | nVent](https://www.nvent.com/en-us/data-solutions/coolant-distribution-unit)
* [How to Properly Ground Your Server Rack](https://www.racksolutions.com/news/blog/how-to-properly-ground-your-server-rack/)
* [National Electric Code](https://www.nfpa.org/for-professionals/codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards?page=1&sort=code&dir=asc)
* [Delay and Power Calculation Standards](https://standards.ieee.org/ieee/1100/3644/)
* [TC 9.9 Data Center Environmental Guidelines](https://www.ashrae.org/news/hvacrindustry/tc-9-9-data-center-environmental-guidelines-incorporated-in-eu-regulation)
* [CRAC With Aisle Containment: Traditional Data Center Cooling Guide](https://www.legrand.com/datacenter/tr-en/news/crac-with-aisle-containment-classic-still-in-use)

### Pre-Deployment Planning and Site Assessment for AI Data Centers

This exam section covers pre-deployment planning, including physical network documentation, site surveys for load capacity, and verifying environmental readiness (power, cooling, thermal zones) for AI infrastructure.

#### Planning and Site Assessment Potential Exam Topic:

* Describe physical network design documentation.
* Conduct site surveys for cable management infrastructure (load capacity, clearances).
* Verify environmental readiness (rack spacing, power, cooling, thermal zones).
* Describe inventory check procedures.

**11%**  
 **Exam Weight**

#### Suggested Readings on Planning and Site Assessment

* [ANSI/TIA-606-B Explained: The Data Center Cable Labeling Standard That Keeps Chaos in Check](https://andcable.com/cable-management/data-center-cable-labeling-standard/)
* [Enhanced Efficiency in Data Center With Elevated Return Air Temperature](https://www.vertiv.com/499702/globalassets/products/thermal-management/in-row-cooling/vertiv_ap__elevated_return_air_temperature__-_en_-_asia_302442_0.pdf)
* [392.18(F) Cable Tray Access](https://www.electricallicenserenewal.com/Electrical-Continuing-Education-Courses/NEC-Content.php?sectionID=1927)
* [What Is the Difference Between an 80% Rated Breaker and a 100% Rated Breaker?](https://www.se.com/us/en/faqs/FA104355/)
* [Manage Airflow for Cooling Efficiency | ENERGY STAR](https://www.energystar.gov/products/data_center_equipment/16-more-ways-cut-energy-waste-data-center/manage-airflow-cooling-efficiency)
* [Implementing Data Center Cooling Best Practices](https://journal.uptimeinstitute.com/implementing-data-center-cooling-best-practices/)
* [Move to a Hot Aisle/Cold Aisle Layout | ENERGY STAR](https://www.energystar.gov/products/data_center_equipment/16-more-ways-cut-energy-waste-data-center/move-hot-aislecold-aisle-layout)
* [Networking Solutions for the Era of AI | NVIDIA](https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/networking.md)

### Rack Infrastructure Preparation for AI Platforms

This section covers preparing rack infrastructure for AI platforms, focusing on extra-wide rack specifications, cable management, EMI mitigation for power/data pathways, and verifying containment clearances.

#### Rack Infrastructure Preparation Potential Exam Topics:

* Describe extra-wide racks for AI platforms.
* Install cable management accessories (vertical/horizontal ducts, bend radius managers).
* Coordinate power and data cable pathways (EMI mitigation).
* Verify rack containment clearance (front-post to front door and front-post to rear-post or inter-rack posts).

**10%**  
 **Exam Weight**

#### Suggested Readings on Rack Infrastructure Preparation

* [Best Practices Guide for Energy-Efficient Data Center Design](https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2024-07/best-practice-guide-data-center-design_0.pdf)
* [NVIDIA DGX™ H100/H200 System User Guide](https://docs.nvidia.com/dgx/dgxh100-user-guide/)
* [InfiniBand Cables Explained: HDR vs NDR, QSFP56 vs OSFP, DAC vs AOC](https://network-switch.com/blogs/networking/infiniband-cables-types-speeds-connectors)
* [Wyr-Grid Overhead Cable Tray Routing System](https://www.panduit.com/content/dam/panduit/en/products/media/8/98/898/6898/109816898.pdf)
* [NFPA 70 (NEC) Code Development](https://www.nfpa.org/codes-and-standards/all-codes-and-standards/list-of-codes-and-standards/detail?code=70)
* [Cisco Nexus Installation Guide](https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/datacenter/nexus9000/hw/n93180ycfx_hig/guide/b_n93180ycFX_nxos_hardware_installation_guide/b_n93180ycFX_nxos_hardware_installation_guide_chapter_010.pdf)
* [Rack Cooling Systems | Vertiv Thermal Management](https://www.vertiv.com/en-us/products-catalog/thermal-management/rack-cooling/)
* [Server Rack Cabinet Compatibility Guide](http://www.intel.com/content/dam/support/us/en/documents/motherboards/server/sb/server_rack_cabinet_compatibility_guide_24.pdf)

### High-Density Cabling Installation for AI Clusters

This section details the practical deployment of high-density cables. It covers distinguishing between NVIDIA and other cables, understanding transceiver form factors (OSFP/QSFP) and fiber types (MMF/SMF), deploying InfiniBand copper and MPO/APC fiber optic cables, implementing the 50/50 left-right routing strategy, and applying professional cable management practices, including cleaning connectors.

#### High-Density Cabling Installation Potential Exam Topics:

* Describe the difference between NVIDIA cables vs. others.
* Describe the different transceiver form factors (OSFP vs. QSFP).
* Describe the difference between MMF and SMF.
* Describe the transceiver requirements across the various SMF distances.
* Deploy InfiniBand NDR/XDR copper cables.
* Install MPO/APC fiber optic cables.
* Implement 50/50 left-right cable routing strategy.
* Bundle and dress cables professionally (hook and loop fasteners, soft ties, color coding).
* Install fiber optic transceivers and clean connectors.

**30%**  
 **Exam Weight**

#### Suggested Readings and Recommended Training for High-Density Cabling Installation

* [Cable Validation Tool (CVT) Fundamentals](https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/training/academy/course-detail/?id=course%3A15853439): free self-paced course
* [Choosing Between OSFP and QSFP-DD: Key Considerations for 800G Optical Transceivers](https://approvednetworks.com/blog/choosing-between-osfp-and-qsfpdd-key-considerations-for-800g-optical-transceivers/)
* [Cable Management Best Practices—NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD](https://docs.nvidia.com/dgx-superpod/design-guide-cabling-data-centers/latest/cable-management-best-practices.html)™
* [Deploying the Bundles—NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD: Cabling Data Centers Design Guide](https://docs.nvidia.com/dgx-superpod/design-guide-cabling-data-centers/latest/deploying-bundles.html)
* [Maintaining NDR Connectors and Cables—NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD](https://docs.nvidia.com/dgx-superpod/design-guide-cabling-data-centers/latest/ndr-maintenance.html)
* [Connectors and Cages](https://docs.nvidia.com/networking/display/cableovpub/connectors%2Band%2Bcages)
* [Validated and Supported Cables and Switches—NVIDIA Docs](https://docs.nvidia.com/networking/display/connectx7firmwarev28481000/Validated-and-Supported-Cables-and-Switches)
* [NVIDIA Q32xx and Q34xx XDR 800 Gb/s InfiniBand Switch Systems User Manual](https://docs.nvidia.com/networking/display/xdrswitcheshwum/led+notifications)
* [How to Understand OSFP vs. QSFP-DD Form Factors—BYXGD](https://fiberoptic.is/how-to-understand-osfp-vs-qsfp-dd-form-factors/)
* [200G Optical Transceiver: QSFP‑DD vs. OSFP for Data Centers](https://fibrecross.com/200g-optical-transceiver-qsfp%E2%80%91dd-vs-osfp-for-high%E2%80%91density-data-centers/)
* [Single Mode vs. Multimode Fiber: A Complete Comparison Guide](https://resources.l-p.com/knowledge-center/difference-between-fibers-single-mode-vs-multimode-guide)
* [Single-Mode vs. Multimode Fiber: A Comprehensive Guide](https://www.123.net/blog/single-mode-vs-multimode-fiber/)
* [2 Big Mistakes to Avoid During Fiber Cable Installation](https://www.belden.com/blog/2-big-mistakes-to-avoid-during-fiber-cable-installation)
* [Single-Mode vs. Multimode Fiber—DCD](https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/opinions/single-mode-vs-multimode-fiber/)
* [Cleaning and Inspecting MPO/MTP Connectors | Fluke Networks](https://www.flukenetworks.com/knowledge-base/multifiber-pro/cleaning-and-inspecting-mpompt-connectors)
* [The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.](https://www.foa.org/tech/guides/INSTL.pdf)
* [Installing an OSFP Transceiver](https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/storage-networking?topic=itc-installing-osfp-transceiver)
* [Clean & Inspect: What IEC 61300-3-35 Means to You | MicroCare](https://www.microcare.com/en-US/Resources/Resource-Center/Tech-Articles/Clean-Inspect-What-IEC-61300-3-35-Means-to-You)

### Cable Support Systems and Weight Management

This section covers defining a team orientation plan for the cabling workflow, designing cable support systems for ultra-high-density loads, installing overhead cable support infrastructure, and implementing cable slack management.

#### Cable Support Systems Potential Exam Topics:

* Define a team orientation plan for the cabling workflow.
* Design cable support systems for ultra-high-density loads.
* Install overhead cable support infrastructure.
* Implement cable slack management.
* Understand the causes of unexpected visual results.
* Update the extent attribute of a mesh after updating its points.

**7%**  
 **Exam Weight**

#### Suggested Readings on Cable Support Systems

* [Networking—NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD: Data Center Design Featuring NVIDIA DGX H100 Systems](https://docs.nvidia.com/dgx-superpod/design-guides/dgx-superpod-data-center-design-h100/latest/networking.html)
* [Cable Installation and Management Guidelines—NVIDIA Docs](https://docs.nvidia.com/networking/display/cablemanagfaq/cable+installation+and+management+guidelines)
* [The Fiber Optic Association, Inc.](https://www.foa.org/tech/guides/INSTL.pdf)
* [The FOA Reference for Fiber Optics-Installing Fiber Optic Cable](https://www.foa.org/tech/ref/install/installcbl.html)

### Testing, Verification, and Documentation for AI Cabling

This section covers cable continuity/link testing, final quality inspection (bend radius, labeling, airflow), documentation with diagrams and photos, and troubleshooting signal integrity issues like BER.

#### Testing and Verification Potential Exam Topics:

* Perform cable continuity and link testing (optical power meter, link status, differentiate between NVIDIA vs. non-NVIDIA cabling).
* Conduct final deployment quality inspection (bend radius, labeling, airflow).
* Document cable deployment with photos and as-built diagrams.
* Troubleshoot signal integrity issues (dirty connectors, over-bending, BER, link down vs. high BER issues).

**12%**  
 **Exam Weight**

#### Suggested Readings on Testing and Verification

* [Diagnosing OTDR Test Failures—DTX Compact OTDR Module | Fluke Networks](https://www.flukenetworks.com/knowledge-base/dtx-compact-otdr/diagnosing-otdr-test-failures-dtx-compact-otdr-module)
* [Contaminants Such as Dust on Fiber Optic Connector End Face Cause Poor IO Performance](https://www.dell.com/support/kbdoc/en-ca/000246018/dust-or-contamination-on-sfp-or-fiber-optic-cable-lc-connector-can-poor-io-performance)
* [NVIDIA Cumulus™ Linux User Guide](https://docs.nvidia.com/networking-ethernet-software/cumulus-linux-516/Monitoring-and-Troubleshooting/Troubleshooting-Network-Interfaces/Troubleshoot-Layer-1/)
* [OTDR—Optical Time Domain Reflectometer | Fluke Networks](https://www.flukenetworks.com/expertise/learn-about/otdr)

### Safety, Standards, and Compliance for Data Centers

This section details the practical deployment of high-density cables. It covers adhering to electrical safety, LOTO, fire compliance, NVIDIA installation standards, and proper ESD protection within high-power data center environments.

#### Safety and Compliance Potential Exam Topics:

* Adhere to electrical safety practices (LOTO, PPE, 120 kW+ environments).
* Comply with fire safety and cable flame ratings (NEC plenum requirements).
* Follow NVIDIA-specific installation standards (DU-10438, warranty compliance).
* Implement ESD protection for sensitive components.

**10%**  
 **Exam Weight**

#### Suggested Readings on Safety and Compliance

* [Lockout-Tagout Procedures in 8 Steps](https://new.abb.com/news/detail/129861/lockout-tagout-procedures-in-8-steps)
* [The 7 Steps in a LOTO Procedure: What Are They, and How Do They Work?](https://www.graceport.com/blog/lockout-tagout)
* [The Role of CMP and CMR Cables in Data Centers and Office Buildings](https://tscables.com/blogs/news/the-role-of-cmp-and-cmr-cables-in-data-centers-and-office-buildings)
* [Fire-Rated Cable Guide: Understanding CM, CMR, and CMP Standards | Wonderful Group](https://www.wontex.com/en/learning-hub-detail?id=6)
* [Data Center Humidity: ASHRAE Standards, ESD Risks, and System Selection](https://www.smartfog.com/insights/data-center-humidity-ashrae-standards-esd-risks-and-system-selection/)
* [Cisco Optical Transceiver Handling Guide](https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/td/docs/interfaces_modules/transceiver_modules/installation/guide/optical-transceiver-handling-guide.pdf)

## Ready to Get Certified?

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[Register for NCP-ARI Exam](https://www.certiverse.com/#/checkout/nvidia/store-exam/NCP-ARI)

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