Posted by Brian on Aug 17, 2010 in Certification, VMware | View Comments
The second of the new VMware VCAP exam blueprint’s is now available. This latest one covers the VCAP-DCD exam which is a Design related exam that is more theory based material. You can see a short description of the exam below.
The VCAP-DCD is directed toward IT Architects and Consulting Architects who are capable of designing VMware solutions in a multi-site, large enterprise environment. They have a deep understanding both of VMware core components and their relation to storage and networking, and also of datacenter design methodologies. They also possess knowledge of applications and physical infrastructure, as well as their relationship to the virtual infrastructure.
VCAP-DCD exam blue print
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Posted by Brian on Jul 21, 2010 in Certification, VMware | View Comments
For at least the near term the newly released VCAP exam for Administrators will remain focused on vSphere ESX and ESXi 4.0. This was confirmed with John Hall and announced on the Bi Weekly brown bag study sessions hosted by Cody Bunch of Professions VMware. This kind of gives a mixed signal when it comes to VMware exams. Previously it was reported that the VCP exam’s would always be based on the most recent version of the product available. This meant that sometime this fall the VCP would be updated to reflect the changes in ESX 4.1. But the announcement that the VCAP will stay on vSphere 4.0. This decision must be due to the huge investment of time spent developing the new VCAP certifications and not having enough time to switch gears with the recent release.
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Posted by Brian on Jun 12, 2010 in Certification, VCAP, VMware | View Comments
The first exam in the new VMware intermediate series has released the Blueprint document. Blueprints are intended to give you a list of topics that are covered on the exam. So that if you are well versed in these topics you should do well on your exam. For this type of exam there is no substitute for real world experience or hundreds of hours of lab time.
The VCAP4-DCA is the VMware Certified Advanced Professional exam focused on Datacenter Administration. This is going to raise the level for VCP’s who want to show that they know their stuff. The exam is 100% hands on lab based exam material. The VDCA410 exam consists of approximately 40 live lab activities and a short pre‐exam survey consisting of 9 questions. Live lab activities consist of multiple tasks, where each task is scored. The total number of activities provided is based on the total number of tasks. Because of this, the actual number of lab activities may vary slightly between exams.
The scoring for the exam is not fully worked out until after the Beta period is over. The scale for scoring this exam will be like other exams and will have a range from 100-500.
For now the exam is available in English and countries where English is one of the languages will get an additional 15 minutes of time for the exam. The retake policy will require someone to wait 10 business days before they are able to try again. Something different or at least I have not noticed this before is that once you achieve a passing score you are not allowed to take the exam again.
Since you cannot yet book this exam the pricing is not yet available. According to earlier estimates from John Hall of VMware this exam should be in the $400 range depending on your location and exam provider.
You can find out all of the details on VCAP and download the blueprint from here.
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Posted by Brian on May 24, 2010 in Certification, VMware | View Comments
Earlier today VMware announced details about the VCAP certifications. These are the two new intermediate certifications that are also used as steps towards earning the VCDX.
Upon accomplishing VMware Certified Professional on VMware vSphere 4 (VCP4) you are eligible to pursue our intermediate level certification: VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP). Available in Datacenter Administration (DCA) and/or Datacenter Design (DCD), this program is appropriate for VCP4s that are ready to further enhance their skills with the virtual infrastructure and add new, industry-recognized credentials to their list of accomplishments. Find the full details from VMware here.
VCAP4 – Datacenter Administration – Gain industry recognition for your technical leadership in the planning and administration of vSphere technologies. You will be able to sit for the exam starting July 12.
VCAP4 – Datacenter Design – This design focused exam is expected to be available sometime in August.
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Posted by Brian on May 14, 2010 in Certification, VMware, VMworld | View Comments
With the voting opening up for VMworld 2010 this fall, I noticed a session that grabbed my attention. It was submitted by John Hall from the Certification group at VMware. These are the long discussed advanced certifications that will also server as a mid point to the VCDX certification. You can see other sessions and vote here. I will keep watching this for more details as they are released.
Title: VMware Certified Advanced Professional Certifications Are Here
Abstract:
This session announces the availability of two new Advanced certifications, the VCAP Enterprise and the VCAP Design certifications. These certifications allow a VMware Certified Professional to demonstrate advanced mastery of two areas of expertise: Enterprise Administration and Design. The VCAP Enterprise candidate demonstrates advanced abilities in implementation and administration of large and/or complex vSphere environments, while the VCAP Design candidate demonstrates advanced abilities in designing vSphere solutions. This session will further describe the purpose of these two certifications, along with the requirements for obtaining each.
Track: Virtualization 101
Speaker Detail: Speaker: Jon Hall Company: VMware, Inc.
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Posted by Brian on Apr 2, 2010 in Certification, Training, VMware, vSphere | View Comments
There has been rumblings for awhile now about some new intermediate certifications coming from VMware. Today Scott Vessey is confirming the names of the new Certifications. He also goes on to say that there should be a formal announcement coming in a few weeks. I look forward towards several of these and what the paths will look like for achieving them. One immediate question that comes to mind would be how these new certifications work with the VCDX. For example while working towards the VCDX you are required to pass a Enterprise Admin and then a Design exam. Would these be also the steps to earn these new certifications and provide a higher level of recognition to Admins that do not wish to progress all the way to the VCDX? Hopefully these details are cleared up in the coming weeks.
- Enterprise Administrator Certification (Final name may differ)
- Design Administrator Certification (Final name may differ)
- VMware Certified Design Expert on vSphere 4 (VCDX4)
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