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Gonzouk
Enthusiast
Enthusiast

Is autolab the way to go for my VCP550 exam studies

Hello,

I completed the VCP550 DC course a few weeks ago and I'm about to start on my exam studies.  I have a book on order and I have used autolabs to build my lab and all seems to be running fine (2 x ESXi hots, DC, NAS, VC, Router).  Shoudl I install vCould director and vShield Manager?

I've downloaded the blue print, but I'm not really sure where to start, do I follow the blue print and read the section in the book and try it out in the lab?  It's been a long time since I've taken an exam.  Autolabs looks good, but I don't learn how to install and ESXi server really or configure the network.  Maybe I should trash it at the end and try do it myself.

Any advise would be great.

How long do I have to take the exam?

Thanks

1 Reply
scott28tt
VMware Employee
VMware Employee

VCP550 DC course

The course only covers so much of what's in the exam - it's not a VCP course about passing the exam, it's a course that teaches you about deploying the product.


Shoudl I install vCould director and vShield Manager?

I wouldn't bother - a very high-level awareness of them might help in the exam, but deploying them would be over the top.


do I follow the blue print and read the section in the book and try it out in the lab?

Yes, although I'd refer to the documentation as that's the "single source of truth" that the exam items are validated against.


Autolabs looks good, but I don't learn how to install and ESXi server really or configure the network.  Maybe I should trash it at the end and try do it myself.

I would definitely deploy vCenter (Windows based, and the appliance) and ESXi at least once yourself - that's part of the exam objectives after all.


How long do I have to take the exam?

As long as it remains available. I doubt it will retire any time soon, the exam for vSphere 4 only retired about a year ago. I would recommend booking the exam for a time in the future when you think you might be ready, say 2 months from now, then get busy with your preparations.


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