VCAP5-DCA

These are my exam notes for preparing for the VMware VCAP5-DCA exam. I hope to take this exam later this year. On this page I will post links and information that helped me to prepare for the exam.

Become a VCAP5-DCA

To achieve VCAP5-DCA status, you must complete two core validation components:

  1. Be a VMware Certified Professional 5 (VCP5)
  2. Pass the VCAP5-DCA exam

Note: Until October 9, 2012 if you are a current VCAP4-DCA you do not need to achieve VCP5 certification first; you only need to pass the VCAP5-DCA exam to obtain VCAP5-DCA status.

Exam blueprint guide, download the latest version here http://mylearn.vmware.com/register.cfm?course=139202

These are the sections and objectives.

Section 1 – Implement and Manage Storage

Objective 1.1 – Implement and Manage Complex Storage Solutions
Objective 1.2 – Manage Storage Capacity in a vSphere Environment
Objective 1.3 – Configure and Manage Complex Multipathing and PSA Plug-ins

Section 2 – Implement and Manage Networking

Objective 2.1 – Implement and Manage Complex Virtual Networks
Objective 2.2 – Configure and Maintain VLANs, PVLANs and VLAN Settings
Objective 2.3 – Deploy and Maintain Scalable Virtual Networking
Objective 2.4 – Administer vNetwork Distributed Switch Settings

Section 3 – Deploy DRS Clusters and Manage Performance

Objective 3.1 – Tune and Optimize vSphere Performance
Objective 3.2 – Optimize Virtual Machine Resources
Objective 3.3 – Implement and Maintain Complex DRS Solutions
Objective 3.4 – Utilize Advanced vSphere Performance Monitoring Tools

Section 4 – Manage Business Continuity and Protect Data

Objective 4.1 – Implement and Maintain Complex VMware HA Solutions
Objective 4.2 – Deploy and Test VMware FT

Section 5 – Perform Operational Maintenance

Objective 5.1 – Implement and Maintain Host Profiles
Objective 5.2 – Deploy and Manage Complex Update Manager Environments

Section 6 – Perform Advanced Troubleshooting

Objective 6.1 – Configure, Manage, and Analyze vSphere Log Files
Objective 6.2 – Troubleshoot CPU and Memory Performance
Objective 6.3 – Troubleshoot Network Performance and Connectivity
Objective 6.4 – Troubleshoot Storage Performance and Connectivity
Objective 6.5 – Troubleshoot vCenter Server and ESXi Host Management

Section 7 – Secure a vSphere Environment

Objective 7.1 – Secure ESXi Hosts
Objective 7.2 – Configure and Maintain the ESXi Firewall

Section 8 – Perform Scripting and Automation

Objective 8.1 – Execute VMware Cmdlets and Customize Scripts Using PowerCLI
Objective 8.2 – Administer vSphere Using the vSphere Management Assistant

Section 9 – Perform Advanced vSphere Installations and Configurations

Objective 9.1 – Install ESXi hosts with custom settings
Objective 9.2 – Install ESXi Hosts Using Auto Deploy

Handy links to other VCAP5-DCA sites.

Demo of the exam format

Demo of the VCAP-DCD exam can be found at the VMware learning site: http://mylearn.vmware.com/courseware/82526/VCAPDCA_Tutorial.swf