2015.11.19 - NC WIVMUG Preparing for the VCP

© 2010 VMware Inc. All rights reserved

Preparing for the VCP Without Losing Your Mind

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Introduction

• Paul Woodward Jr.

• Systems Engineer, Netech Corporation

• @ExploreVM

• 5 Active VMware Certifications:

• VCP5-DCV

• VCP6-DCV

• VCA5-DCV

• VCA6-DCV

• VCA6-NV

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Exam Overview

• VCP6 – DCV•85 Questions

•100 Minutes

•VMware Authorized Training Course Required

• VCP6 – DCV Delta •65 Questions

•90 Minutes

•Active VCP Required

• Passing Score – 300/500

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VMware Certified Professional Stats

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Just Taking the Course is Not Enough!

Then How Can YOU Do It?!

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Two Tiered Offensive!

Studying• Create a Plan of Attack• Books

• Mastering VMware vSphere 6• Nick Marshall

• Blogs• Podcasts

• vBrownBag

• Video Training• CBT Nuggets

• Pluralsight

• YouTube (yes, YouTube)

Hands On Preparation • Home Lab

• Physical Hardware

• VMware Workstation

• Ravello Systems• Cloud based ESXi labs

• Low cost

• VMware Hands On Labs• Real World Experience

• Working with ESXi & vCenter

• Production & Test/Dev Environments

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Create a Timeline with GoalsMove to the Next Goal Once You’re ConfidentOnly Take the Exam Once Your Comfortable

The VMware Exam Blueprints are Your Friend!

Plan of Attack!

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Studying Tactics

• Read, Read, Read!• Dedicate uninterrupted time to

studying

• Optimize Time Otherwise Spent• Listen to Podcasts while commuting

to/from work

• Schedule the Exam for Monday• Utilize the entire weekend preparing

• Get plenty of rest the night before

• Schedule the exam in the afternoon

• Remember, What Worked for Me May Not Work for You!

• Mentally Prepare Yourself for the Possibility You Might Fail.• I passed on my 2nd attempt, after

working with ESXi in my career for one year

• 7 Day Waiting Period Between Exam Attempts

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Studying Tactics from Chris Wahl

“Spend 25 minutes in a highly focused

state with zero distractions (turn off your alarms and ringers). This will give you enough time to achieve tangible results without tiring out your noodle,

because the brain can only stay focused for short bursts at a time. After 25 minutes, take a breather. I usually walk around the office, refill my water glass, check social media, or grab a snack. Disengage and let your brain

rest. Then, repeat the process.” 2D 3D Chris Wahl

@ChrisWahl

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Tomatoes In IT?

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Hands On Experience

No Amount of Reading can Replace Experience• Clicking through ESXi and vCenter, learning how to locate features through

multiple paths is important

• Actually performing the tasks helps build familiarity with the products

• Why do you think employers want so many years of experience?

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Other Exam Thoughts

• Read Through the Wording and Answers Carefully

• “Select All that Apply” with No Indication of How Many to Choose

• What I Can Tell You About the Exam (Without Violating the NDA):

• Read The Blueprint!• You’ll Encounter:

• Management

• Configuration

• Minimums/Maximums

• Troubleshooting

• Licensing and Features

• ESXi, vCenter Server, and Other VMware Products

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Touching on the VCAs

• The VCAs are Relatively New• 50 Questions

• 75 Minutes

• 300+ to Pass

• I have not seen much demand/recognition as of yet• I took them for exposure to what’s new in vSphere 6 & to touch on NSX for the

first time

• Not Proctored & No Wait Between Attempts• VMware Offers Free, Interactive Video Training for Each VCA

• Going through the self paced training a time or two should prove sufficient to pass

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Resources and Links

My Blog: ExploreVM.com

Slide Deck: slideshare.net/PaulWoodwardJr/20151119-nc-wivmug-

preparing-for-the-vcp\

Chris Wahl’s Blog: wahlnetwork.com/2015/10/22/picking-up-new-skills-

tips-and-tricks-to-build-your-technical-tool-chest/

VMware VCP6-DCV Blueprint:

mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/plan.cfm?plan=64180&ui=www_cert

VMware Hands On Labs:

labs.hol.vmware.com/HOL/catalogs/catalog/123

Apps

© 2010 VMware Inc. All rights reserved

Thank You!Any questions?