Nokia Optical Network
Design Expert Certification
Develop expert-level knowledge, best practices,
and practical skills to design optimized and resilient
Nokia 1830 PSS based WDM networks.
Become an Optical Network Design Expert
The Nokia Optical Network Design Expert is an intermediate level certification in the ONC program that is focused on network design.
The Nokia Optical Network Design Expert targets intermediate to senior-level professionals who wish to acquire advanced practical knowledge and experience in the design of Wavelength Division Multiplexing WDM networks based on the Nokia 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS), using the 1830 Engineering and Planning Tool (EPT).
In addition, the Nokia Optical Network Design Expert provides a solid background on related topics including optical system engineering, network, and site optimization, node architectures, Optical Transport Network (OTN), Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching (GMPLS), availability and survivability (protection and restoration), as well as advanced requirements such as latency and encryption.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Nokia Optical Network Design Expert, students will have developed in-depth working knowledge in optical network design with:
Different node architectures, GMPLS control plane, and quality of transmission guarantees.
Availability constraints and advanced requirements (e.g., encryption, latency).
Hardware and site constraints requiring advanced optimization (e.g., maximum load constraint).
Earn your digital badges
Digital, secure, and verified indicators of accomplishments that can be managed, displayed, shared, accessed, and verified online.
How to certify
The Optical Network Design Expert certification provides the knowledge, skills, and best practices to become experienced in Optical Networks, from basic challenges related to transport technologies, to key aspects of network design, service provisioning, and optical network management.
To become an Optical Network Design Expert, you must pass two written exams through Pearson Vue and the optical network design practical lab exam.
Candidates are not required to enroll in the recommended courses to achieve the Nokia Optical Network Design Expert certification, but passing the indicated written exams, as well as the Nokia Optical Network Design Expert 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 | |
| 4A0-255 | |
Practical lab exam
| Exam name | Exam number |
| ONDE-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.
| Course name | Duration | Registration |
| Nokia Fundamentals of Optical Network Design | 4 days | Register |
| Nokia Advanced Optical Network Design | 5 days | Register |
Self-Study course materials:
Get access to the digital course material for self-study.
| Course Name | |
| Nokia Fundamentals of Optical Network Design | Learn more |
| Nokia Advanced Optical Network Design | Learn more |
Now it is time to test out your skills. This certification consists of two written exams 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 | Exam number | Practice exam | |
| Nokia Fundamentals of Optical Network Design | 4A0-250 | Practice exam | Learn more and register |
| Nokia Advanced Optical Network Design | 4A0-255 | Practice exam | Learn more and register |
Practical lab exam
| Exam name | Exam number | Preparation | |
| Nokia Optical Network Design Expert Lab Exam | ONDE-LE | What to expect from the ONDE Lab Exam | Learn more and 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 Advanced Optical Network Management with NFM-T | 4A0-260 | N/A | Learn more |
| Nokia Optical Diagnostics and Troubleshooting | 4A0-265 | N/A | Learn more |
| Nokia Optical Network Services Expert Lab Exam | ONSE-LE |
1 Elective Exam |
Learn more |
| Nokia Optical Network Design Expert Lab Exam | ONDE-LE | 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.
