NS0-164 vs NS0-005: Which NetApp Certification Is Right for You?

If you’re working in storage, systems administration or data infrastructure and you’re evaluating the next step in your certification journey, you’ve likely encountered two key credentials from NetApp: the NS0‑164 and NS0‑005. Both carry weight, but each is designed for distinct roles, skill-sets and career trajectories. In this guide we’ll compare NS0-164 vs NS0-005, map out their exam details, highlight how they fit into the NetApp certification path, and help you decide which one aligns best with your ambitions in the world of NetApp ONTAP, storage administration and solution architecture.

Understanding the NS0-164 vs NS0-005 Certifications

What is NS0-164 (NetApp Certified Data Administrator – ONTAP)

The NS0-164 is the exam for the “Data Administrator – ONTAP” credential (also called NCDA ONTAP) under NetApp’s learning services certification program.

• It is aimed at candidates who have approximately 6 to 12 months of experience with NetApp ONTAP solutions.
• The syllabus covers topics such as storage platforms, ONTAP system management, logical storage features, networking and storage protocols.
• The exam details: 60 questions, 90 minutes, passing score ~64%.
• This credential is very hands-on and technical – ideal for storage administrators, system engineers or anyone administering ONTAP clusters.

In the context of a career path, NS0-164 is squarely focused on technical implementation and management of NetApp ONTAP storage environments.

What is NS0-005 (NetApp Certified Technology Solutions Professional)

The NS0-005 is part of the “Technology Solutions Professional” (NCTSP) credential track.

• It tests broader knowledge of NetApp’s product portfolio, hybrid cloud concepts, data fabric, StorageGRID, and solution positioning.
• The exam details: 60 questions, 90 minutes, passing score approximately 68%.
• According to community discussion, NS0-005 replaced the earlier NS0-004 exam.
• This credential is more oriented toward solutions architecture, pre-sales, consulting or technical advisory roles rather than hands-on day-to-day administration.

Therefore, the NS0-005 exam is suited for those who want to position themselves at the interface of technology and business, recommending NetApp solutions, or working on design/consulting projects.

Read the full article for detailed exam insights, preparation tips and career benefits for NS0-005 NCTSP

Side-by-Side Comparison: NS0-164 vs NS0-005

Here’s a comparative look to help you choose:

Which Certification Should You Choose?

Ask yourself the following questions

1. Do you enjoy hands-on work with storage systems, managing clusters, troubleshooting ONTAP, working deep with SAN/NAS protocols?
   • If yes → NS0-164 is likely the better match.
2. Do you prefer a role where you advise, architect solutions, consult with clients, bridge business requirements and technology capabilities?
   • If yes → NS0-005 may align better.
3. What is your current job role or where do you want to head?
   • If you’re currently a storage admin, then NCDA (NS0-164) helps you solidify that path.
   • If you are moving toward solution architecture, pre-sales or consulting, then NCTSP (NS0-005) supports that journey.
4. What skills do you already have, and which ones must you build?
   • If you lack ONTAP administration experience, NS0-164 will demand strong technical proficiency.
   • If you are comfortable with storage but less with consulting/business alignment, NS0-005 will ask you to build business acumen along with technical breadth.
5. What are your long-term career goals?
   • For operational excellence and deep technical roles → NS0-164.
   • For advisory, sales engineering, design or architecture roles → NS0-005.

Real-world Scenarios

• Scenario 1: You are a storage engineer working with NetApp ONTAP clusters, you want to validate your admin skills and move into senior storage support. Then NS0-164 is the logical choice.
• Scenario 2: You are already familiar with NetApp storage and want to transition into a role where you propose NetApp solutions, engage clients, perhaps work in a hybrid-cloud consulting role. Then NS0-005 is likely more appropriate.
• Scenario 3: If you’re still early in your NetApp journey and unsure which path to take, you could start with NS0-164 to build core depth, and later move to NS0-005 to broaden into solution roles. The certification path supports progression.

Best Exam Preparation & Resources

NS0-164 Preparation Tips

• Study the official certification page for NCDA ONTAP.
• Break down the syllabus: storage platforms, ONTAP system management, logical storage features, networking, connectivity protocols.
• Hands-on experience is critical. Try working with ONTAP clusters, SAN/NAS protocols, snapshots, SnapMirror etc.
• Use practice exams and sample questions to gauge readiness. For example, practice sets at NWExam for NS0-164.
• Focus on time-management: you’ll have ~60 questions in 90 minutes. Understand scenario questions where you must apply concepts rather than memorize facts.
• Review topics like high availability, cluster upgrades, storage efficiency features carefully.

NS0-005 Preparation Tips

• Review NetApp’s official certification page for Technology Solutions Professional.
• Study the exam overview: infrastructure concepts (25%), data storage software (37%), intelligent data infrastructure (38%).
• Develop both technical knowledge (NetApp product portfolio, ONTAP, StorageGRID, mobility, cyber-resiliency) and business/solution-oriented skills (how to map customer requirements to NetApp solutions).
• Practice scenario-based questions: e.g., “Which NetApp solution addresses customer data mobility in hybrid cloud?”
• Use practice tests and sample questions (e.g., at NWExam).
• Network with peers via community forums to understand how the exam is experienced in real world.

Cross-Certification Considerations

• Both exams are priced similarly ($150 USD) and delivered via Pearson VUE.
• Validity and recertification: Keep an eye on NetApp’s certification program policies.
• Choose resources that incorporate both technical labs and scenario-based drills.
• Align your study schedule with your current job and career goal: e.g., 4-6 weeks of focused study, with daily disciplined review.

Career Growth & Benefits

Why NS0-164 Matters

• Achieving NS0-164 signals you have verified skills in NetApp ONTAP administration — a sought-after credential in data centres and enterprise storage teams.
• It can lead to roles such as Storage Administrator, ONTAP Cluster Engineer, SAN/NAS Specialist.
• As organizations depend more on unified storage, hybrid environments and data-driven operations, such skillsets are essential.

Why NS0-005 Matters

• The NS0-005 credential positions you as someone who not only understands NetApp products but can apply that knowledge in solving business problems — aligning technology with outcomes.
• Career roles may include Solution Architect, Pre-Sales Consultant, Technical Specialist, Data Infrastructure Advisor.
• As hybrid-cloud and data-fabric strategies dominate enterprise infrastructure, professionals who bridge technology and business will be in high demand.

NetApp Certification Path – Where These Fit

To understand how NS0-164 vs NS0-005 fit into the broader NetApp certification ecosystem:

• Starting point: foundational-level certifications or roles (for example, NS0-003 or similar).
• For technical depth: NS0-164 (NCDA ONTAP) provides specialised expertise in NetApp ONTAP administration.
• For solution / professional level: NS0-005 (NCTSP) enables professionals to design and prescribe NetApp solutions.
• From there, higher-level credentials (specialist, professional or architect level) may follow depending on use case and technology domain.
  By selecting the right certification at the right time, you can build a progressive journey: technical depth → solution breadth → architecture/leadership roles.

Conclusion

Selecting between NS0-164 vs NS0-005 comes down to aligning your current skills, job role and career aspirations. If your world revolves around storage systems, ONTAP clusters, and you thrive on deep technical implementation – then NS0-164 is likely the right fit. If you are looking to expand into advisory, architecting solutions, consulting with clients and integrating NetApp technologies into business strategies – then NS0-005 holds more relevance.

Whichever path you pick: commit to proper preparation, build hands-on experience, engage with practice exams, and map your certification credential to the roles you aspire to. Once you earn the certification, use it as a stepping stone in your career growth. Explore the practice exams at NWExam via links such as NS0-164 practice page and NS0-005 practice page to get started.

Embark on the certification path that best suits you, and let your NetApp-certified status open doors to new opportunities and expertise.

FAQs

Q1: What is the passing score for NS0-164?
A1: The typical passing score cited is around 64%.

Q2: Do I need to have the NS0-164 certification before taking NS0-005?
A2: No formal prerequisite dictates that order. However, your experience and role may make one more logical before the other depending on your career path.

Q3: How often do NetApp certifications need renewal?
A3: According to NetApp’s certification policies, certifications are active for 24 months unless you achieve a linked higher-level credential.

Q4: Which exam is more difficult: NS0-164 or NS0-005?
A4: “Difficulty” depends on your experience and strengths. NS0-164 is more hands-on technical; NS0-005 is broader and more solution-oriented. Choose based on where your skill-set lies.

Q5: Can I use practice exams to prepare?
A5: Yes. Practice tests are a recommended part of preparation. For example, NWExam offers sample questions and full-length mocks for both NS0-164 and NS0-005.

Q6: Which roles might hire someone with NS0-005 certification?
A6: Roles such as Solution Architect, Pre-Sales Engineer, Technical Consultant, Data Infrastructure Specialist. As industry leans further into hybrid-cloud and data-fabric, such roles grow in demand.