VCP-DCV VCP550 certification questions

[Deano123]

A while back I got the VCP5 study guide based on VCP-510 in order to start studying for my VCP certification.  When I realised that I needed to sit a rather expensive course that my employer would not pay for I shelved the idea for a while. Since then my employer has stumped up for the VCP550 fast track course so I need to get back on track for the certification.  What I need to know is are the 510 and 550 exams vastly different in the overall technology or will the Sybex VCP-510 study guide get me through the VCP-550 exam?

If I need to get a more up to date study guide, which do you recommend?

Cheers

Dean

[VRBitman]

The exams are not "vastly" different (that is, the topics are more or less the same with a few additions in VCP550), but they are extremely specific. They love numbers and you should know the differences in vSphere 5.5, the configuration minimums and maximums etc. (plus the new features, as mentioned; VSAN, Flash Read Cache etc.).

Definitely pick up a VCP550 study guide, I would recommend this one: Wiley: VCP5-DCV VMware Certified Professional-Data Center Virtualization on vSphere 5.5 Study Guide:...

Good luck.

[scott28tt]

Some of the exam objectives changed between the 5.0/5.1 exam and the 5.5 exam, so you should make sure you use the 5.5 blueprint if that's the exam you're going to take.

I've only ever used the blueprint, the documentation, and the software to help me pass a VCP exam - I'm sure the study guides/books are helpful but I don't personally think you need to spend money...

[Deano123]

Thanks guys, I will take your advice on board...Fingers crossed

[Craps676]

I agree with Scott28tt, no need to spend money on guides.

There is however a great one that is free from Veeam (It is for both the VCP and VCAP-DCA if you want to go that route):

http://go.veeam.com/vcp-vcap-study-guide-sponsorship.html

It is an awesome adaptation of the original VMware study guide with much more info in a central place, with links to support all the blueprint items.

Also, the URL you want place you want to put in your browsers favourites as it is the vSphere bible in my opinion is:

https://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-55/index.jsp#com.vmware.vsphere.doc/GUID-1B959D6B-41CA-4E23-A7DB-E91...

Those are the two I used to prepare and hasn't failed me yet.

[VRBitman]

Indeed the documentation center does contain all the information you need.

But the books (and video courses!) can be valuable resources as well. They can help you better understand the concepts through real life scenarios, pratice tests and more. On the VMware website there is only one short pratice exam which is nothing like the real exam, unfortunately.

In the end it probably comes down to what point in your career are you at. Are you already familiar with virtualization in general, what it is and how it works? You already worked with vSphere and you're just looking to get the certification? Then the documentation is definitely sufficient.

Are you just getting started and making your first steps? A good book or video series that discusses why virtualization matters, how it works and possibly helps you build your own lab and test your skills can help a great deal.

PS (for OP): the Veeam guide is not updated to vSphere 5.5. If you're going to use it, keep in mind that VCP exams are very specific and make sure you learn what's new in 5.5 (not to mention configuration minimums and maximums).