Tag Archive for certification

VCAP-DCA 5 Exam Experience

exam

Here is my overview of how my VCAP-DCA 5 exam went. Hopefully I can give you some helpful pointers bulleted below

Quick Overview

  • 26 Live labs consisting of several tasks to complete
  • 3.5 Hours to complete the exam
  • A short survey pre exam on your VMware skills
  • You have some VMware Documentation to assist you

Things to remember

  • You need to be quick. I found 3.5 Hours is very tight for time giving you roughly 8 minutes per question
  • Try and memorize the Admin password, it will save you from flicking between screens
  • Use the icons to connect to servers, don’t RD into vCenter then use the client.
  • If you can’t answer something, don’t waste time, move on to the next question
  • If you have set something to run which is taking some time, don’t hang around, move on to the next task or question if you can
  • I found sometimes the lab wasn’t the fastest when changing between screens but I understand there isn’t a lot anyone can do about this and is probably down to how fast the testing Center connection is
  • You can only go backwards and forwards so keep a note of what questions you want to go back to on your pad you are given by the test center
  • You have got documentation but you don’t have much time to go raking through this unless you absolutely know where something is
  • It is almost vital that you build your own lab to test out all the Blueprint points
  • Read as much documentation as you can
  • Read other peoples blogs and experiences
  • The Trainsignal videos are really useful as preparation for this exam
  • Read the questions and make sure you haven’t missed any of the tasks which they are asking you to do or not do!
  • The VMware Optimize and Scale class is also very useful but expensive
  • I found this to be one of the best exams I have taken. It was a real world exam and far more useful than simply answering multiple choice
  • Don’t panic, just imagine you are at your desk at work
  • Understand basic PowerShell
  • If you have any issues, report them quickly so the test center can contact VMware and let them know. I had one issue with my test and the lady was very quick in assisting me and letting me get back to the exam as quickly as possible

VCAP 5 DCA Useful Study Links

VMware Official Information Page for VCAP DCA

http://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/plan.cfm?plan=30483&ui=www_cert

VCAP DCA Lab Demo

http://mylearn.vmware.com/courseware/82526/VCAPDCA_Tutorial.swf

Blueprint Breakdown

http://thefoglite.com/vcap-dca5-objective/#1

http://www.virtuallanger.com/vcap-dca-5/

http://www.vexperienced.co.uk/vcap5-dca/

http://thesaffageek.co.uk/vsphere-5-study-resources/vcap5-dca-objectives/

http://thinkingloudoncloud.com/certification/vcap5-dca-study-guide/

Train Signal Training Videos

Useful site for all educational IT Training videos

http://www.trainsignal.com/VMware-vSphere-5-Training-C.aspx