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NVIDIA · AI & Machine Learning · Associate

NVIDIA-Certified Associate: AI Infrastructure and Operations exam guide

Exam NCA-AIIO

NCA-AIIO validates foundational knowledge of AI computing infrastructure and its operation: GPUs, DGX-class systems, networking and storage for AI, and cluster operations and monitoring. It is the entry point to NVIDIA's infrastructure track, which is in high demand as companies build AI data centers in 2026.

Questions50
Time limit60 minutes
Passing scoreSee official page
Exam fee$125 USD
Valid for2 years
DeliveryOnline, remotely proctored (Certiverse account required)

Format: Multiple choice.

Who it's for

IT, data center and network staff, and sales engineers, who need a grounding in how AI infrastructure is built and run.

What the exam covers

AI Infrastructure40%
Essential AI Knowledge38%
AI Operations22%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None.

Recommended: Basic familiarity with data center infrastructure; NVIDIA recommends the self-paced AI Infrastructure and Operations Fundamentals course (about 7 hours).

Keeping it active

Valid 2 years from issuance. Recertify by retaking the current version of the exam before it expires.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • GPU vs CPU architecture for AI workloads
  • DGX and HGX system components
  • AI networking basics (InfiniBand, Ethernet, RDMA)
  • Storage for AI training and inference
  • Cluster orchestration concepts (Kubernetes, Slurm)
  • Monitoring GPU utilisation and health

Job roles

Data Center Technician (AI)AI Infrastructure AssociateSystems AdministratorTechnical Sales EngineerNOC Engineer

Where it fits in your path

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

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Complete NVIDIA's AI Infrastructure and Operations Fundamentals course and take notes per domain.
  2. Week 2: AI concepts: training vs inference, model types, the NVIDIA software stack (CUDA, NGC, AI Enterprise, NIM).
  3. Week 3: Infrastructure: GPU generations, NVLink, InfiniBand vs Ethernet, storage, power and cooling; operations: monitoring, scheduling, virtualization (MIG, vGPU).
  4. Week 4: Practice questions, review the official study guide, fill gaps.

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

  • AI Infrastructure is 40% of the exam; know NVLink, NVSwitch, InfiniBand and DPU roles cold.
  • Essential AI Knowledge (38%) is not maths-heavy; focus on what workloads need from hardware.
  • Know MIG vs vGPU and when each applies.
  • Know which tool does what: DCGM for GPU monitoring, Base Command Manager for clusters, Slurm and Kubernetes for scheduling.

Key terms for this exam

All 50 terms Study with thinQcards™

Frequently asked questions

How much does the NCA-AIIO exam cost?

$125 per attempt, booked through Certiverse.

How long is NCA-AIIO valid?

Two years from issuance. You recertify by retaking the exam.

Is the exam online?

Yes. NVIDIA delivers its certification exams online with remote proctoring through Certiverse.

Is NCA-AIIO good for non-engineers?

Yes. It is designed as an entry point and suits sales engineers and IT staff as well as technicians.

What should I take after NCA-AIIO?

NCP-AII for deployment and bring-up, NCP-AIO for operations, or NCP-AIN for AI networking.

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