Hello,
I am getting prepared for VCAP-DCV Deploy exam, can anybody help me with tips and suggestions for the exam?
I will appreciate comments by those already certified, to share their experience.
what study materials would better help?
Thanks
Here is a list of things I worked through for my preparation.
The first tip like with any exam is to download a copy of the exam blueprint pdf document. https://www.vmware.com/content/dam/digitalmarketing/vmware/en/pdf/certification/vmw-vcap6-dcv-deploy... I recommend opening the document using Adobe Reader. The reason for this is that you can use the highlight tool to mark through each of the exam objectives. I also use different colour highlighters to highlight which items within each of the exam objectives based on how comfortable you know the exam topic. Green = Completely comfortable, yellow = some help needed, red = little or no knowledge. It is important that you are completely honest with yourself and do not feel you have to have every item green before taking the exam.
If you can, I would recommend setting up a lab environment. I went with quite a large setup made up of 2x vCenter Servers (one embedded PSC and one separate PSC+VC), 5x ESXi hosts, 1x ADDC, 1x ADCS, 1x DHCP Server. For storage, I have a Qnap storage appliance which provides iSCSI and NFS storage. A simple 1x VC and 2x ESXi host setup would perhaps be the smallest setup but you will not be able to practice all tasks. Instead, you can try hands-on labs which is a great tool because not only is it free to use, you can deviate from the lab manual to practice anything you need.
I also work through Jason Nash's Optimize and scale course on Pluralsight which if you are not a subscriber, you can always sign up of a trial period.
In addition to working through the blueprint, I also pulled together my own study sheet based upon the Chris Wahl's study sheet posted on his blog for the VCAP5-DCA exam. http://wahlnetwork.com/2012/07/02/the-vcap5-dca-study-sheet/
Not only is it another method to track what tasks I've done, but it enables me to screenshot particular tasks that perhaps I find more tricky to remember or understand. I found referring to screenshot taken from a task I practice made it more easier to remember that referring to screenshots from a book or someone else's lab.
There are many exam experience articles out there on the web. I won't list them because I am bound to miss someone. Just search for VCAP DCA experience. Even the version 5 experience will still help provide you with some guidance.
The final tip I can share is to learn the VMware pdf documentation. You certainly do not want to rely on the documentation for the exam, time is your biggest enemy. But understand where you need to go to will help save time for if you ever need it.
Hope this gives you a base to start from and good luck with your studies.
Iain summarized some great sources.
I am currently studying for the 6 version and I am also using Vjenner study guide:VCAP6-DCV Deployment Study Guide – vJenner Blog and A Cloud Expert guide: http://www.acloudexpert.com/vcap-dcv-deploy-study-guide/
Using the VMware documentation is very useful as Iain said, I think it can saves you a lot of time when searching for particular commands, also it is great explained and it helped me to contrast what the official documentation and the blogs say.
Another thing to mention is Chris Wahl's study sheet doesn't work since several months but well, you can create your own sheet and do the same.
I will go to the test center in the middle of September, then I will post my thoughts about the exam.
Regards,
Dan
Maybe you'll find this simulator helpful:
VCAP6-DCV Deploy Exam Simulator – FREE – VirtualG.uk
An absolutely help!
Also check Ricardo's lab: VCAP6-DCV Deployment Exam Simulator - Solutions4Crowds
One of the best simulators I tried!
If everything is okay I'll be sitting on next Friday (October 5th) as I had technical issues with my exam on last Friday and I am waiting for the voucher from Pearson VUE. Also due VMware Policy I couldn't schedule any exam within a week, so hopefully I can schedule it soon.
Hello Majzoub69,
Make sure to have a look at my exam experience post and also the exam simulator questions I created (you can practice them using a HOL lab)
Exam Experience:
Simulator:
Do not hesitate to ping me if you need advice, you know where to find me,
Jorluis,
Twitter: @jperales29
LinkedIn: Jorluis Perales
Hello man.
thanks for your tips. did you sit the exam? and how was the result?
Regards
Amir
Hi,
Forgot to reply this thread but anyway, I passed the exam about a month ago!
It was my 1st attempt without issues so I can't complain for passing.
You can check what Jorluis has posted in a previous reply but the main thing is to review the entire blueprint, use HOLs to familiarize with the Interface and in the exam manage your time (this is what really make you pass!).
I wasn't able to finish all questions (I let 2 of them incomplete) but at least I did something on each one.
Hope this helps!
Hi,
Yes, I did, and went pretty well, make sure to read my exam experience for more information,
Regards,
Hi,
thanks for the reply and congrats on the new certification, hope you'll soon get VCAP design and become a VCIX.
Regards
Amir
Hi,
Thanks, I have scheduled the design exam and started studying for it, hope to share that VCIX badge with you soon,
Regards,