Considering VCAP

[fatbobsufc]

Hi please could someone help me make a decision?

I am VCP3 and unfortunately never kept my certification up to date.  My company has agreed to put me on a VMware course so I can get my accreditation back.

I was just thinking of taking the vSphere 5.1 Fast Track/Install and Configure course but it does look like most of the stuff that is covered on there is meat and drink and very similar to the stuff covered in the VI3 Install and Configure course which I took several years ago.  I am however a bit unclear on some of the new and less commonly used features in vSphere 5 (new since VI3).

I work for a solutions reseller and I am frequently involved with VMware installations, troubleshooting etc. I have done a great many installations on various different hardware/storage types and would class myself as an experienced, intermediate user.

My concern is whether I am ready to jump straight into the Optimize and Scale course and subsequently upgrade my VCP and add the VCAP accreditation.

After passing the VCP3 exam several years ago I do appreciate how much work is involved with the study and I know it will be hard (especially as I have a young child and new arrival on the way eek!) but i always say i like a challenge

Can anyone with experience give me any advice on which course/cert track I should be following as it is quite a while since the VI3 days now!!

Thanks in advance

[scott28tt]

From what you've said it's realistically a case of Fast Track or Optimize & Scale in my opinion, and I'd probably suggest Fast Track as it will definitely "fill the gap" from VI3 as it covers distributed virtual switch, AutoDeploy, Host Profiles to name but a few things...

Optimize & Scale will help more towards VCAP5-DCA preparation, but won't help much in terms of VCP5-DV which you need to do first, and VCAP5-DCA requires a lot of hands-on practice - a lot more than you'd get on Optimize & Scale.

[AndreTheGiant · Accepted solution]

IMHO, for VCAP-DCA is better spend time in building your lab and make more practice.

A course can help, but not so much for the admin exam where you must have confidence with the enviroment and all of its functions.

For more information see also my experience considerations:

http://vinfrastructure.it/en/2013/03/my-experience-with-vcap5-dca-exam/

[fatbobsufc]

Thanks guys, you've helped me to decide to do the I&C Fast Track.  If i want to go onto the VCAP I can always go the lab route later.

The I&C does look like it covers mostly stuff I do all the time and the optimize and scale covers stuff I do some of the time but would like to be more comfortable with.  But to help get me through the VCP5 first and hopefully give me a boost when it comes to revision I think I will go with the Install and Configure Fast Track.

Thanks again

[AndreTheGiant]

Good.

I suggest to study also before the course, so to be prepared and make questions.