I have found VMware education to be quite responsive - but to answer your question the online Install and Configure class is just like the public classroom classes - prior to class you should be an experienced IT professional with experience working with server and server operating systems - there is no need for any prior virtualization experience but it is helpful. The course material is laid out very well and builds upon itself from module. There is no real homework assigned to be outside of class since the labs are performed during the class but it would be beneficial to review the days lesson as typically they are build upon in the following day.

The labs are done during class time but you can access the lab environments during the week outside of class -

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