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Juniper · Data Center & Virtualization · Professional

Juniper JNCIS-DC exam guide

Exam JN0-481

JNCIS-DC validates intermediate data center networking skills on Juniper: IP fabric design, EVPN-VXLAN configuration, multihoming, data center interconnect and intent-based operations with Apstra.

Questions65
Time limit90 minutes
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam fee$300 USD
Valid for3 years
DeliveryPearson VUE test center or online proctored

Format: Multiple choice.

Who it's for

Data center network engineers who hold JNCIA-DC or JNCIA-Junos and build or operate EVPN-VXLAN fabrics.

What the exam covers

Data Center Architecture and IP Fabric—
EVPN-VXLAN Signaling and Configuration—
EVPN Multihoming—
Data Center Interconnect—
Juniper Apstra Operations—

A dash means the vendor does not publish a weight for that domain.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: A valid JNCIA-DC or JNCIA-Junos certification (check Juniper's track page for the current accepted prerequisite).

Recommended: Hands-on experience with QFX switches or EVPN-VXLAN fabrics.

Keeping it active

Valid for 3 years. Recertify by passing the current version of the same exam or a higher-level exam in the same track before expiry; recertifying a higher level also renews the lower-level certifications in that track.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Building eBGP IP fabric underlays
  • Configuring EVPN-VXLAN overlays
  • Configuring ESI-LAG multihoming
  • Designing data center interconnects
  • Operating fabrics with Apstra
  • Troubleshooting EVPN route types

Job roles

Data Center Network EngineerNetwork EngineerFabric EngineerInfrastructure EngineerNetwork Architect

Where it fits in your path

Take before

Juniper JNCIA-DC

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Juniper JNCIS-DC

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: IP fabric underlay design and configuration on vQFX/vJunos.
  2. Week 2-3: EVPN-VXLAN overlay: route types, VTEPs, VNIs, symmetric vs asymmetric IRB.
  3. Week 4: Multihoming and data center interconnect options.
  4. Week 5: Apstra operations; practice questions and book.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Know EVPN route types 1 through 5 and what each advertises.
  • Understand centrally routed vs edge-routed bridging designs.
  • Know ESI-LAG designated forwarder election and split-horizon rules.
  • Expect Apstra questions on blueprints, intent and analytics probes.
  • Juniper does not publish the passing score or objective weights, so cover every listed objective rather than gambling on a few.

Key terms for this exam

All 32 terms Study with thinQcards™

Frequently asked questions

What is the JNCIS-DC prerequisite?

A JNCIA-level certification; check Juniper's data center track page for the currently accepted one.

How much does JNCIS-DC cost?

Juniper specialist exams have historically been $300 USD; confirm when booking.

How long is it valid?

3 years.

Is JNCIS-DC worth it?

Yes; EVPN-VXLAN skills are in high demand, especially for AI data center fabrics.

JNCIS-DC vs Cisco DCCOR?

Both cover data center networking; JNCIS-DC is focused on Junos and Apstra, DCCOR on Cisco Nexus and ACI.

Official page: www.juniper.net. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.