We Are One
AI Infrastructure Career Pathway
Foundational-to-Intermediate Training for Cisco Data Center AI Infrastructure
This custom We Are One pathway combines Cisco Networking Academy foundation courses with two Cisco U. professional learning paths. Together, DCAIE and DCAIAOT prepare learners for the separate 300-640 DCAI certification exam.
Program Structure
Your Path to AI Infrastructure Certification Preparation
Begin with the We Are One required foundation, continue through Cisco Networking Academy networking, AI, and Linux coursework, then progress to Cisco U. professional learning paths. This is a We Are One custom pathway—not an official NetAcad career pathway.
Computer Hardware Basics
- PC components & mobile devices
- Storage devices & peripherals
- Basic troubleshooting
- IT safety practices
Operating Systems Basics
- Windows & Linux fundamentals
- File management & user accounts
- OS troubleshooting
- Virtualization introduction
Getting Started with Cisco Packet Tracer
- Packet Tracer interface
- Build simple network topologies
- Connect and configure devices
- Practice in a virtual lab
Networking Basics
- How networks operate
- IP addressing
- Network devices & protocols
- Wireless and basic troubleshooting
Networking Devices and Initial Configuration
- Router and switch setup
- Initial device security
- Addressing and connectivity
- Configuration verification
Introduction to Modern AI
- AI and machine-learning concepts
- Generative AI fundamentals
- Responsible AI
- Practical AI applications
Linux Essentials
- Linux command line
- File systems & permissions
- Package management
- Processes & system administration
- Linux networking
AI Solutions on Cisco Infrastructure Essentials (DCAIE)
- AI workloads and infrastructure concepts
- Deploy and migrate AI solutions
- Compute, storage and networking foundations
- Cisco data center infrastructure operations
Operate and Troubleshoot AI Solutions on Cisco Infrastructure (DCAIAOT)
- Monitor compute, storage and network components
- Lifecycle management
- Log correlation and telemetry analysis
- Troubleshoot AI/ML infrastructure
- Splunk-based issue resolution
Recommended Add-On Courses
Cisco Certified Specialist – Data Center AI Infrastructure
Cisco states that DCAIE and DCAIAOT prepare learners for the separate Implementing Cisco Data Center AI Infrastructure (300-640 DCAI) exam. Passing that proctored exam earns the specialist certification and fulfills the concentration-exam requirement for CCNP Data Center. Completing the courses alone does not award the certification. We Are One Foundation covers the exam cost for eligible students.
Estimated Timeline
Built Around Your Schedule
Both schedules estimate training completion. Cisco certification requires passing the separate 300-640 DCAI exam after the recommended preparation.
Full-time student
15–20 hours per week
Part-time student
8–10 hours per week
Career Outcomes
Jobs You Can Land
AI infrastructure is one of the fastest-growing fields in tech. Companies building out AI data centers need skilled technicians right now — and this certification puts you ahead of the curve.
During Program
- IT Help Desk Technician
- Data Center Technician
- Junior Systems Administrator
- IT Operations Technician
- Hardware Support Specialist
After Certification
- AI Infrastructure Engineer
- Data Center AI Specialist
- GPU Cluster Administrator
- Cisco UCS Systems Engineer
- AI Platform Operations Engineer
Ready to Build the Future of
AI Infrastructure?
Training begins with a beginner foundation and advances to intermediate Cisco U. material. Training and certification support are available free to eligible veterans and underserved community members nationwide.