topic Re: Can I take the 3.5 DSA class if I have just the 3.0 install and configure completed? in VMware Education Services Discussions

Can I take the 3.5 DSA class if I have just the 3.0 install and configure completed?

jcm1006 — Tue, 27 May 2008 16:54:29 GMT

Can I take the 3.5 DSA class if I have just the 3.0 install and configure completed? Or will I have to take the 3.5 install and configure first?

Thank you

Re: Can I take the 3.5 DSA class if I have just the 3.0 install and configure completed?

TomHowarth — Tue, 27 May 2008 17:49:51 GMT

No you can take any class you wish, the VCP exam is taylored for the Install and Config course. but the DSA is also a valid option,

Tom Howarth

VMware Communities User Moderator

Re: Can I take the 3.5 DSA class if I have just the 3.0 install and configure completed?

jcm1006 — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:18:57 GMT

When I try to register for the 3.5 DSA, it states I need to take a prereq test and pass before I can register. I have the 3.0 install and configure on my transcript as complete but it appears I have to have the 3.5 install and configure complete. Was seeking verification.

Re: Can I take the 3.5 DSA class if I have just the 3.0 install and configure completed?

admin — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:39:45 GMT

Hmmm, thanks for letting us know about this. The 3.0 Install and Configure class will serve as adequate preparation for the 3.5 DSA class. I will look into whether we should really be presenting the pre-test to people in your situation.

In the meantime, I hope that the pre-test is not too much of a bother. Perhaps it will serve as a useful review. A lot of people who took I&C a long time ago find that a little review is helpful before coming to DSA.

Re: Can I take the 3.5 DSA class if I have just the 3.0 install and configure completed?

TomHowarth — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:48:12 GMT

I am unaware of any pre-req for the DSA. it is consider a higher course that the configure and Install but still an entry level

Tom Howarth

VMware Communities User Moderator

Re: Can I take the 3.5 DSA class if I have just the 3.0 install and configure completed?

admin — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:50:51 GMT

Let me add a little bit of clarification to Tom's (generally correct) statements.

the VCP exam is taylored for the Install and Config course

It would be more accurate to say that the VCP exam and the Install and Config course are both tailored for the same job role. I&C is intended to teach the knowledge and skills necessary to run a VI3 of at least small to medium-size complexity, and the VCP exam is intended to measure a person's attainment of that knowledge and those skills.

The VCP exam is not the "final examination" for the Install and Config course. Although there's a lot of alignment of the course content and the exam content, people should study for the VCP exam using the VCP exam blueprint first. The I&C course materials will be valuable help, as will hands-on experience, the VI3 documentation set, and the VMware website.

No you can take any class you wish

The DSA course satisfies the course requirement for VCP, because it covers VI3 in general (just like I&C) but at a larger scale and higher level of complexity. Also, the VI3 Fast Track Program is effectively the union of I&C and DSA in one week, so it also satisfies the VCP course requirement.

But courses that are not hands-on or not directly relevant to the VCP exam blueprint do not satisfy the course requirement for VCP.

Re: Can I take the 3.5 DSA class if I have just the 3.0 install and configure completed?

admin — Tue, 27 May 2008 18:53:30 GMT

I am unaware of any pre-req for the DSA.

In the course description for DSA, we recommend that DSA participants have either prior completion of I&C or equivalent experience.

Re: Can I take the 3.5 DSA class if I have just the 3.0 install and configure completed?

jcm1006 — Tue, 27 May 2008 20:11:34 GMT

Thank you. I just took the pretest and passed but just wondered for the rest of us on our team.

This answers my question.