VCP6 or VCP6.5

[ylan2017]

I want to start preparing VCP exam before taking a training class. Should I aim for VCP6 or VCP6.5? It seems like there're a lot material for VCP6, and not much for VCP6.5. Even the training class is VCP6 only.

In my work environment, we have both vCenter6.0 and vCenter6.5. If I aim for VCP6, it seems like I am studying updated knowledge, but it will be easier for me to prepare it.

What's other's thought?

Thank  you,

[scott28tt]

You're right that there are more 6.0 exam resources available, but obviously 6.5 is current and would be the better one to have on your CV.

Check with your training provider, but classes delivered by VMware or a VATC will be on 6.5 - there's too little demand for 6.0 classes now.

Bear in mind is that if you build up your own lab environment it will only be 6.5 that you can download as an evaluation.

I think your answer lies in why you want to be a VCP in the first place - if it's to make your CV look better, 6.5 should be what you aim for.

[ylan2017]

If I take training class for VCP6, am I eligible to take VCP6.5 exam?  Thank you,

[scott28tt]

I think your question should ask: "If I take a training class on vSphere 6.0, and pass the exams for VCP6.5-DCV, would that make me a VCP6.5-DCV?"

The answer is no.

VCP6-DCV lists vSphere 6.0 and vSphere 6.5 classes in the requirements, but VCP6.5-DCV lists only vSphere 6.5 classes.

Check here:

VCP6-DCV Certification

VMware Certified Professional 6.5 - Data Center Virtualization

[ylan2017]

I was looking for VCP class online and found www.stanly.edu provides VCP6.0 classes with affordable prices. So, I am temped to take it.

I guess the way for me to get up to VCP6.5, will be taking VCP6.0 training class, pass VCP6.0, then take VCP6.5 delta. Correct?

1.) vSphere 6 Foundations Exam ==> Exam Number: 2V0-620

2.) VMware Certified Professional 6 – Data Center Virtualization Exam ==> Exam Number: 2V0-621

3.) VMware Certified Professional 6.5 - Data Center Virtualization Delta Exam ==> Exam Number: 2V0-622D

Thank  you,

[scott28tt]

Yes, that would give you VCP6-DCV and VCP6.5-DCV

[ylan2017]

I've been working on VMware since version 3.1. I've had about 7~8 years of experience just never thought about acquiring VCP.

Few more questions...

1.) For VCP6.0 steps, Do I need to take them in order? Since I am on waiting list of the online training class, I am thinking to study on my own first. if I pass 2V0-620 and 2V0-621 before I complete the training class, would it still count?

2.) Do I need to complete both exam in certain time frame? Example like once I pass one exam, I have to pass next one within certain months...

3.) Once I become VCP6.0, I will have three years before it goes expired to take VCP6.5 (Delta) exam, correct?

Thank you,

[scott28tt · Accepted solution]

Answer to questions 1 & 2

VCP6-DCV has 3 requirements:

- Training

- vSphere Foundations exam

- VCP6-DCV exam

Technically, you can complete them in any order you want, and over any amount of time you want so long as everything you need to do is still available and not retired.

But, if you take your training with Stanly, you MUST do the "PSE" version of the VCP6-DCV exam, which they will give you a voucher for when you finish your training - so in your case, you need to complete the training before doing the VCP6-DCV exam.

Answer to question 3

VCPs expire after 2 years, not 3 - so you'll need to do the VCP6.5-DCV Delta exam within 2 years of completing the 3 steps above.

[ylan2017]

What is "PSE" version stand for?

Also, besides Stanly, do you happen to know if there're other similar online training courses with similar prices?

Thank you,

[scott28tt]

The "PSE" version of an exam is taken by students who do their training with any VMware IT Academy (VITA), such as Stanly. The exam items are the same as the regular exam so your preparations will be the same, it's just how the exam is administered and reported that is different.

There are other VITAs, look here: VMware IT Academy

[ylan2017]

Scott,

Are you currently teaching any online class?

Thank you,

[scott28tt]

No, I don’t work as a VCI any more.

[TheJohnBailey]

That's our loss!!

[ricmarques]

Hi ylan2017​

In a thread (started in 2013) - Meaning of PSE in certification exam - that was published here in this same "VCP: VMware Certified Professional " VMware Community forum, the user ShivendraSaxena​ has written that "PSE stands for Partner, Students & Employees. this exam (VCP510PSE) can be taken by Partner, Students & Employees. Rest exam is same.".

I don't know if "Partners, Students & Employees" is the correct meaning of "PSE" in this context, but it surely seems plausible.

[ylan2017]

I got Stanly contacted me for their opening class Jan 2018. I am going to register and see how it goes.

Thank you for all the info provided here.

[scott28tt]

Maybe PSE used to stand for that, but those types of exams are only taken by students of VITAs these days.

[ricmarques]

Hi scott28tt​ ,

Scott wrote:

Maybe PSE used to stand for that ["Partners, Students & Employees"], but those types of exams are only taken by students of VITAs these days.

That's interesting to know. Thanks for the information.

[ylan2017]

Does anyone know where I can take VCP6-DCV PSE version exam?

Thank you,

[scott28tt]

Do you mean "where" as in where you physically have to go to take it?

Search here: Locate a test center - Select exam category :: VMware

[ylan2017]

I thought Pearson VUE only provide regular VCP6-DCV exam. They also provide VCP6-DCV for PSE version?