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!
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
Follow the Blueprint as it details the topics that are covered on the exam - utilizing the materials referencedby the blueprint -
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.
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
Wow! Thank you so much!!!!
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
Great! Throwing all of this together should give a consice action plan. Thank you again.
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!
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
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.
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/