NVIDIA is changing its AI Networking Professional exam (NCP-AIN). The exam page now says NVIDIA will add lab exercises to the exam on November 1, and at that point the exam price will rise from $400 to $500. Until then, the page still lists the current format: 2 hours, 70 to 75 questions, pass/fail, English only, $400.
Who this affects
- Network and data center engineers planning to take NCP-AIN. NVIDIA aims the exam at people who deploy, configure and troubleshoot NVIDIA networking for AI workloads, typically with 2 to 3 years of hands-on data center experience.
- Anyone budgeting for the exam. The list price goes up by $100. NVIDIA retakes are paid in full, so a failed attempt after November 1 would also cost $500.
- Current NCP-AIN holders: NVIDIA certifications are valid for two years and renew by passing the exam again, so your next renewal will likely be the new lab version.
What to do now
- Ready now? Taking the exam before November 1 means the current multiple-choice format at $400. That is about a week away, so check availability in your Certiverse account today.
- Already booked for a later date? NVIDIA’s page does not say whether exams bought before November 1 but taken after it keep the old format or price. Ask NVIDIA certification support before you rely on either.
- Studying for the new version? Expect hands-on work. NVIDIA has not published how many labs NCP-AIN will have or whether the time limit changes. Its AI Operations Professional exam (NCP-AIO) already uses this style: 30 multiple-choice questions plus 3 hands-on lab exercises in one 120-minute session, at $500.
- If you fail: NVIDIA requires a 14-day wait before you can buy and take the exam again.
See how NCP-AIN compares with every other AI exam in our AI Certification Requirements Index, and how it fits a training budget in How Much Do AI Certifications Cost? More changes like this one are in AI Cert Watch.
Key dates
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Now through October 31 | NCP-AIN as listed today: 2 hours, 70 to 75 questions, pass/fail, $400 |
| November 1 | NVIDIA adds lab exercises and the price rises to $500 |
| 14 days after a failed attempt | Earliest you can take the exam again (paid in full) |
| Two years after you pass | Certification expires; pass the exam again to renew |
Source
- NVIDIA AI Networking Certification Exam (NCP-AIN) page (lab and price notice, current exam details, audience)
- NVIDIA certification hub and FAQ (retake wait, two-year validity, renewal)
- NVIDIA AI Operations Certification Exam (NCP-AIO) page (existing lab format and price)
Checked against NVIDIA’s NCP-AIN exam page, NCP-AIO exam page and certification hub on October 25, 2026.
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- How Much Do AI Certifications Cost? Every 2026 Exam, Retake and Renewal Price
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Frequently asked questions
When does the NVIDIA NCP-AIN exam change?
NVIDIA says it will add lab exercises to the AI Networking Professional exam on November 1, and the exam price will rise from $400 to $500 at the same time.
How much does NCP-AIN cost after November 1?
NVIDIA says the price will increase to $500. Until then the exam page lists it at $400.
Will the NCP-AIN exam be longer with labs?
NVIDIA has not said. The page lists 2 hours and 70 to 75 questions today. NVIDIA's AI Operations Professional exam fits 30 questions and 3 labs into one 120-minute session.
Does the change affect my existing NCP-AIN certification?
No change to existing certifications is announced. NVIDIA certifications last two years and renew by passing the exam again, so a renewal after November 1 would be the new version.
