Nokia Optical Network
Architect Certification
Master the complete set of end-to-end knowledge
and practical skills required to design, manage, and troubleshoot
leading-edge optical networks based on the Nokia 1830 PSS.
Optical Network Architect
The Optical Network Architect certification is designed for intermediate to senior-level professionals. It focuses on advanced-level topics in the three core areas: network design, network management, and diagnostics and troubleshooting.

Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Nokia Optical Network Architect, students will have developed in-depth working knowledge in areas such as:
Different node architectures, GMPLS control plane, and quality of transmission guarantees
Availability constraints and advanced requirements. Hardware and site constraints requiring advanced optimization
Advanced optical network construction, configuration, and management


Earn your digital badges
Digital, secure, and verified indicators of accomplishments that can be managed, displayed, shared, accessed, and verified online.


How to certify
To become an Optical Network Architect, you must pass four written exams through Pearson Vue and the optical network architect practical lab exam. The written exams include three mandatory exams and one chosen elective.
Candidates are not required to enroll in the recommended courses to achieve the Nokia Optical Network Architect certification, but passing the indicated written exams, as well as the Nokia Optical Network Architect practical lab exam is required.
Written exams must be completed before you can attempt the practical lab exam.
Written exams
Exam name | Exam number |
4A0-250 | |
Nokia Advanced Optical Network Design | 4A0-255 |
Nokia Advanced Optical Network Management with NFM-T | 4A0-260 |
Elective written exams (Choose one)
Exam name | Exam number |
4A0-265 | |
Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks | 4A0-220 |
Nokia Integrated Packet Transport over WDM | 4A0-230 |
Nokia Optical Transport for Mobile Services | 4A0-240 |
Practical lab exam
Exam name | Exam number |
ONA-LE |
You can choose between instructor-led or self-paced training to learn the relevant knowledge required to pass your exam.
Choose the best method to fit your learning style.
Instructor-led:
Attend a publicly scheduled open-enrolment course through live virtual delivery, at Nokia facility, or schedule a private delivery.
Self-Study course materials:
Access the digital course materials for self-study or purchase a self-study certification bundle with everything you need to become certified.
Now it is time to test out your skills. This certification consists of four written exams (includes one elective choice) and a practical lab exam.
Written exams are administered by PearsonVue either online or at one of their global locations.
Practical exams are administered at Nokia locations worldwide.
Before writing your exam, prepare yourself by taking a look at the Nokia Optical Networking Fundamentals Practice Exam.
Written exams
Exam name | Number | Practice exam | Registration |
Nokia Fundamentals of Optical Network Design | 4A0-250 | Practice exam | Register |
Nokia Advanced Optical Network Design | 4A0-255 | Practice exam | Register |
Nokia Advanced Optical Network Management with NFM-T | 4A0-260 | Practice exam | Register |
Elective written exams (Choose one)
Exam name | Number | Practice exam | Registration |
Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks | 4A0-220 | Practice exam | Register |
Nokia Integrated Packet Transport over WDM | 4A0-230 | Practice exam | Register |
Nokia Optical Transport for Mobile Services | 4A0-240 | Practice exam | Register |
Nokia Optical Diagnostics and Troubleshooting | 4A0-265 | Practice exam | Register |
Practical lab exams
Exam name | Number | Practice exam | Registration |
Nokia Optical Architect Lab Exam | ONCA-LE | What to expect from the ONA Lab Exam | Register |
Your status will change in the Student Portal to show that you are certified. In addition, you will be able to download and print your diploma, and you will receive an email from Credly to claim your digital certification badge.
You have made an important investment by earning a Nokia Certification. Don’t let your certification lapse. All certifications are valid for three years. After three years, you will need to recertify to ensure your certification is current.
Recertification requirements:
Retake any one of the following exams to recertify:
Course name | Exam number | Prerequisites | |
Nokia GMPLS-controlled Optical Networks | 4A0-220 | N/A | Learn more |
Nokia Integrated Packet Transport over WDM | 4A0-230 | N/A | Learn more |
Nokia Optical Transport for Mobile Services | 4A0-240 | N/A | Learn more |
Nokia Optical Network Services Expert Lab Exam | ONSE-LE |
1 Elective Exam
|
Learn more |
Nokia Optical Network Architect Lab Exam | ONCA-LE | Learn more |
You can view your certification status, dates, and exam results from the Student Portal.
Three key dates to remember
Please keep these important dates in mind and organize your recertification activities around them:
- Certification date: The day your certification was awarded.
- Certification expiry date: The day three years from when your certification was awarded. Note – If you pass a recertification requirement, the expiration and termination dates for your certifications will be reset to the date that you wrote the exam.
- Certification termination date: The day your certification terminates if you do not successfully complete the recertification requirements within 6 months after your expiry date.