As an instructor, I like to have all the material referenced in a class manual available as I prepare for the class and/or when I am preparing to implement the “stuff” we cover in class. So I have gone through the manual and created a page with all the online resources, papers or articles mentioned in the VMware NSX: Install, Configure and Manage [6.4] course in one place.
Category Archives: Certification
New vRealize Automation v6.2 ICM class page
Recently, I have been busy preparing to teach an online vRealize Automation: Install, Configure, Manage [V6.2] course and working with clients on SDDC/Automation projects. As a result, I have been looking at VMware resources for class and customers and have put together a page with the items referenced in the student manual and other useful links. Among the usual items like the online documentation and KB articles, VMware has excellent product walkthroughs and free elearning courses. The vRealize Automation 6.2 Install, Configure and Manage class resources page is here.
vSphere 6 Install, Configure and Manage web resources page
In preparation for teaching an early access vSphere: Install, Configure and Manage [v6] course this week, I have collected all the web resource links from the student manual onto a single page. Every web link is included, though none are repeated as they are in some sections of the course materials.
The web resources are here.
New VCP5-DCV Delta Exam
Yesterday, I got a message from VMware Education that they are offering an online VCP5-DCV recertification exam for a limited time. For any of you who have a VCP5 that is set to expire in the spring (that is most of you!), this is a terrific way to get recertified!
Here is the information from the VMware education site: https://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/plan.cfm?plan=51919&ui=www_cert
Download the exam blueprint here. After a quick review of the exam blueprint, it appears that the objectives are approximately the same, however the VCP550D exam has 65 questions with 75 minutes to complete, while the VCP550 exam has 135 questions and a time limit of 120 minutes.
Here is a link to the Pearson Vue VCP550D exam page: https://www2.pearsonvue.com/testtaker/registration/ExamSeriesDetailPage/VMWAREINC/200140.
VMware Education’s Recertification Policy has other avenues for recertification for those of you who are interested in advancing to the Advanced Professional level (VCAP) or may be interested in broadening your certification with additional Professional level (VCP) certifications in Cloud, End User Computing or Network Virtualization.
Note that the offer is only good through November 30, 2014.
Save 15% off VMware vSphere V5.5 Training and get a Free VCP Exam Voucher and a Free Gift
As a VCI, I regularly get asked about free exam vouchers or course discount deals… VMware education has a promotion running now through June 20, 2014 that includes a free VCP exam voucher, a 15% discount on a qualifying course and an additional gift.
If you have been waiting for a “deal” to afford the VCP certification, now is the time to save an get certified!
Save 15% off VMware vSphere V5.5 Training and get a
Free VCP Exam Voucher and a Free Gift
vSphere: What’s New [V4.x to V5.5] supplemental weblinks
Various weblinks from the vSphere: What’s New [V4.x toV5.5] course-
http://packetlife.net/blog/2008/oct/18/cheat-sheets-tcpdump-and-wireshark/
Enabling vSphere Distributed Switch health check in the vSphere Web Client
Enhanced LACP Support on a vSphere 5.5 Distributed Switch
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NetFlow
http://blogs.vmware.com/vsphere/2011/08/vsphere-5-new-networking-features-netflow.html
http://v-reality.info/2012/02/setting-up-netflow-on-vsphere-distributed-switch/
https://communities.intel.com/community/wired/blog/2010/09/07/sr-iov-explained
http://blog.scottlowe.org/2009/12/02/what-is-sr-iov/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l6T7bHNKeo – Flash Read Cache
Click to access VMware-vSphere-Flash-Read-Cache-FAQ.pdf
vSphere tags – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQnSzP7kj7E
VDP Direct to Host restore – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TF7TnFncsgk
New VMware VCP Recertification Policy
Today, VMware Certification announced a change to the VMware Certified Professional (VCP) program with the institution of a recertification policy. The recertification policy is posted here:
http://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/plan.cfm?plan=46667&ui=www_cert
In the policy post, it states that any VCP certification earned before March 10, 2013 needs to be recertified by March 10, 2015. Here are the three options for recertification:
- Take the current exam for your existing VCP certification solution track. For example, if you are a VCP3, you could take the current VCP5-Data Center Virtualization (VCP5-DCV) exam.
- Earn a new VCP certification in a different solution track. For example, if you are a VCP-Cloud, you could recertify by earning VCP5-Desktop (VCP5-DT) certification.
- Advance to the next level by earning a VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) certification. For example, if you are a VCP5-DCV you could earn VCAP5-DCA certification.
As is described in the recertification policy, VMware has added a note to our Mylearn transcripts:
In my case, I earned my VCP5-DCV in September of 2011, so I need to recertify within the next year. My transcript shows the expiration date:
Here are use cases for recertification that were provided by VMware education:
I also have a VCP5-DT and a VCAP4-DCD that were earned in 2011. For me, I am looking at this as motivation to get my VCAP-DCD updated and make good on a goal of getting a VCAP-DCA before March 2015.
I support this kind of recertification requirement and appreciate the value of keeping in touch with the current technology.
VMware releases VCP-Cloud exam
VMware has released the VCP-Cloud exam. With the release of the VCP-Cloud exam there are now two ways to obtain the VCP-Cloud certification.
From the VMware Education and Certification blog:
Path 1
If you are already a VCP5-DV (VMware Certified Professional 5 – Datacenter Virtualization, formerly known as VCP5), all you need to do is pass the IaaS exam to earn your VCP-Cloud certification. There are two courses that can help you prepare for this exam, but they aren’t required:Path 2
If you are just starting with VMware technologies or don’t have VCP5-DV certification, then you need to take two steps to earn your VCP-Cloud certification:
- Attend one of these qualifying courses:
- Pass the VCP-Cloud exam
Learn more about the VCP-Cloud certification and the two paths towards earning it at www.vmware.com/go/vcpcloud.
New VMware Advanced Certifications announced
VMware Education has announced their new VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) Certification specialties VCAP4-Datacenter Administrator (VCAP4-DCA) and VCAP4-Datacenter Design (VCAP4-DCD).
VMware Certified Advanced Professional 4 -Datacenter Administration (VCAP4-DCA)
The VCAP-DCA is directed toward System Administrators, Senior Consultants and Technical Support Engineers who work with large and more complex virtualized environments and can demonstrate technical leadership with vSphere technologies. Successful candidates are able to use automation tools, to plan and design virtualized solutions and to administer all vSphere Enterprise components. Registration opens July 12. Learn more about this VCAP specialty.
VMware Certified Advanced Professional 4-Datacenter Design (VCAP4-DCD)
The VCAP-DCD is directed toward IT Architects and Consulting Architects who design 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 as well as datacenter design methodologies. They also possess knowledge of applications and physical infrastructure, as well as their relationship to the virtual infrastructure. Registration opens in August. Learn more about this VCAP specialty.
Advanced Courses Created to help you Achieve Your New Certification Goals
VMware has designed several courses to help VCPs ramp their skills in preparation for VCAP certification exams.VCAP-DCA Recommended Training
VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V4]
VMware vSphere: Manage for Performance [V4]VCAP-DCD Recommended Training
VMware vSphere: Design Workshop [V4]
I have participated in “Train the Trainer” versions of each of the three courses listed above and heartily recommend them. Even if you do not anticipate pursuing advanced certification, these courses will greatly enhance your virtualization skills. If you later decide to pursue the advanced VMware credentials, you will be well on your way. These new specialties follow on after the VMware Certified Professional 4 (VCP4) exam and define the prerequisites along the path to VMware Certified Design Expert 4 (VCDX4) VMware premier certification. For more information on the VCDX4 Certification follow this link.
VCP on vSphere4!
Sitting in the VCI session at VMworld, I received an e-mail containing the following:
Congratulations! You have successfully passed the VMware Certified Professional beta exam on vSphere4 (VCP4).
It took about 6 weeks to get that message. I am happy to be done with that test!
Now back to the vSphere networking presentation…
Dennis Bray's Virtual Place 