VCAP5-DCA - Need Solid Advice

[proden20]

I want to prepare for my VCAP5-DCA.  I'm finding tons of information regarding web-based prep materials (e.g. Sean Crookston's site), and tons of books / videos popping up on the market.  Unfortunately, most of these materials don't specifically call out the VCAP5-DCA blueprint.

Can anyone advise on what would prepare me specifically for this exam?  vSphere 5 changed the datacenter in many ways (SDRS, FDM vs. AAM.)  I don't want to focus on stale material as I'm seeing less and less 3.x / 4.x shops, and frankly don't have the time to deep dive again on an old version.

Thanks!

[weinstein5]

Follow the Blueprint as it details the topics that are covered on the exam -  utilizing the materials referencedby the blueprint -

[proden20]

Fair enough.  Historically I've found such documents / system reqs, etc, to evolve during test preparation, and skew real-time administrative realities against exam-specific questions...but your point is clear.

[herseyc · Accepted solution]

There are quite a few great VCAP5-DCA resources out there.

Here is one that did a great job on mapping the differences between the 4.x blueprint and 5.0

http://www.vexperienced.co.uk/2012/04/12/vcap5-dca-whats-new/

This was based on the beta blueprint but very little changed between the beta and the general release docs.

The SaffaGeek also has a nice resource with information on each of the blueprint objectives and it can be found here http://thesaffageek.co.uk/vcap5-dca-objectives/ and here is another good one by jlanger http://www.virtuallanger.com/vcap-dca-5/

I put a few resources together but have not updated them recently. There is still relevant information that follows the beta blueprint (again not much changed between beta and GA) http://www.vhersey.com/vcap5-dca-beta/

You also might want to check out the ProfessionalVMware.com vBrownBag series here: http://professionalvmware.com/brownbags/

Hope you find these resources useful and good luck.

Hersey

[proden20]

Wow! Thank you so much!!!!

[herseyc]

No problem!  I should have also mentioned this one earlier also http://wahlnetwork.com/2012/07/02/the-vcap5-dca-study-sheet/

It is a blueprint checklist so that you can keep track of objectives you have covered.  Nice tool to help you prep for the exam.

Best of luck.

Hersey

[proden20]

Great!  Throwing all of this together should give a consice action plan.  Thank you again.

[scott28tt]

You'll find another couple of useful links under the VCAP5-DCA tab on my blog: http://vmwaretraining.blogspot.com

I have to say though that the thing you must do is build a lab and play play play!

[firestartah]

Hi

As hersey has stated i've covered a large amount of the objectives when i was preparing for the beta of the VCAP5-DCA here http://thesaffageek.co.uk/vcap5-dca-objectives/ I've also covered all the resources i'm using for the DCA and DCD here: http://thesaffageek.co.uk/vcap5-dca-dcd/ there are a number of people who have done objectives covering.

Good luck

Gregg

[kooltechies]

I am also currently working on my VCAP5 DCA study I did the VCAP4 DCA , the approach i took was to go through the blueprint topics and create lab simulations around that , also i did the same task through multiple ways like through command line , GUI ,Power CLI. Also it's good to have exposure on troubleshooting.

I also added a page in my blog dedicated to VCAP5 DCA Study , you can take a look here http://thinkingloudoncloud.com/certification/vcap5-dca-study-guide/.

I will be updating this page on a weekly basis and will cover all the exam topics.

[timantz]

I have just posted about the VCAP5-DCA Testing strategy and tips. My goal is to outline the best approach to maximize your time.  The 4 hours you have for this exam may not be enough.  However, if you follow my advice, you can make the most of your experience.

http://whiteboardninja.wordpress.com/2012/09/19/vcap5-dca-testing-strategy-and-tips/