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NVIDIA · AI & Machine Learning · Professional

NVIDIA-Certified Professional: AI Operations exam guide

Exam NCP-AIO

NCP-AIO validates the ability to install, administer, schedule and troubleshoot AI infrastructure built on NVIDIA hardware, using tools like Base Command Manager, Slurm and Kubernetes. Half the score comes from a live performance-based lab, so it proves real operational skill for AI data center teams in 2026.

Questions30 + lab
Time limit120 minutes
Passing scorePass/fail (not published)
Exam fee$500 USD
Valid for2 years
DeliveryOnline, remotely proctored (Certiverse account required)

Format: 30 multiple-choice questions plus a performance-based hands-on lab with three challenges (each section 50% of the score), pass/fail.

Who it's for

Data center and platform engineers with 2-3 years operating NVIDIA GPU clusters for AI workloads.

What the exam covers

Install and Deploy31%
Administration23%
Workload Management23%
Troubleshooting and Optimization23%

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None formally; NVIDIA expects 2-3 years of data center operations experience with NVIDIA hardware.

Recommended: 2-3 years managing AI infrastructure, with familiarity with Slurm, Kubernetes and NVIDIA Base Command Manager; the AI Operations Professional Workshop is optional.

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

  • Deploying clusters with Base Command Manager
  • Slurm and Kubernetes GPU scheduling
  • GPU Operator and Network Operator on Kubernetes
  • MIG configuration and GPU sharing
  • Monitoring with DCGM
  • Troubleshooting GPU, driver and fabric issues

Job roles

AI Infrastructure Operations EngineerHPC Systems AdministratorGPU Cluster AdministratorMLOps Platform EngineerSite Reliability Engineer (AI)

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. Weeks 1-2: Base Command Manager: head node install, node provisioning, categories and images; build a lab or use NVIDIA LaunchPad.
  2. Weeks 3-4: Workload management: Slurm partitions, GRES for GPUs, job scripts; Kubernetes with GPU Operator, MIG strategies.
  3. Week 5: Administration and monitoring: DCGM, nvidia-smi, health checks, firmware and driver management, container runtimes.
  4. Week 6: Troubleshooting drills: break and fix drivers, Slurm nodes, Kubernetes device plugins; practise against a timer.
  5. Week 7: Review weights, practise the lab format, take practice questions.

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

  • The lab is provisioned when the exam starts and shares the 120 minutes; budget at least half your time for it.
  • Answer the 30 multiple-choice questions quickly so the three lab challenges get the time they need.
  • Know nvidia-smi, dcgmi, sinfo/squeue/scontrol and kubectl describe output well enough to diagnose without documentation.
  • Install and Deploy is the largest domain at 31%; rehearse BCM and GPU Operator installs end to end.

Key terms for this exam

All 36 terms Study with thinQcards™

Frequently asked questions

How much does the NCP-AIO exam cost?

$500 per attempt, booked through Certiverse.

How long is NCP-AIO 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.

Does NCP-AIO have a lab?

Yes. A performance-based lab with three challenges counts for 50% of the score, alongside 30 multiple-choice questions.

Why does NCP-AIO cost more than other NVIDIA exams?

It includes a provisioned hands-on lab environment, which the $500 fee covers.

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.