VCAP5-DCD - registration is now open!

VMware have now launched the final VCAP5-DCD exam/certification. This is the first higher-level exam for vSphere 5, and will be followed by the VCAP5-DCA exam/certification to complete the vSphere 5 certification pyramid.

I've blogged previously about the beta exam, the exam format, and the paths for those currently at VCP4/VCAP4-DCD level as to how they can upgrade both certifications for their vSphere 5 equivalents.

There's already a large number of official resources available to help you prepare for the new exam - the registration link, the usual exam blueprint, a demo of the user interface that the exam uses in it's design elements, and more - that's all available here:

http://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/plan.cfm?plan=30484&ui=www_cert

I doubt that I'll take the exam myself as it doesn't really fit my current role, but as usual I'll watch out for those that have shared their experiences of the final exam and append those to this blog post!

Upgrade path announced for VCDX4 to VCDX5

VMware have just confirmed the upgrade path for VCDX4 holders to update their certification to VCDX5.

Current VCDX4 holders will have a 3-month window from when the VCAP5-DCD exam is released where the only requirement to update to VCDX5 will be to pass the VCAP5-DCD exam, people who do that will also be awarded VCP5.

Once that 3-month window has passed, VCDX4 holders will be required to be VCP5 AND pass the VCAP5-DCD exam to achieve VCDX5. The regular current VCP4 to VCP5 training requirement will apply, such as attending the vSphere 5: What's New training course.

Read the official text here: http://communities.vmware.com/message/2037410#2037410

vSphere 5 training that will help towards VCAP5-DCA

The VCAP5-DCA exam is expected to be released in the next 2-3 months.

The beta version of the exam blueprint suggests two recommended official training courses:

vSphere: Fast Track [v5] - available now

vSphere: Optimize and Scale [v5] - due in the summer of 2012

This training won't be compulsory in order to qualify for the VCAP5-DCA certification, but having seen the beta exam blueprint, and knowing the Fast Track content and the Optimize and Scale topics, the training courses will definitely be useful!

Useful VCAP5-DCA blog links

The beta version of the VCAP5-DCA exam will be available to take shortly, I have had to decline the invitation to participate but those that have accepted have been issued the beta version of the exam blueprint.

A number of bloggers are amongst those who will be taking the VCAP5-DCA beta exam in the coming weeks, some have been given permission by VMware to blog ahead of the beta exam:

Ed Grigson

Gregg Robertson

This post contains a downloadable checklist, based on the exam blueprint, get preparing and get those boxes ticked:

Chris Wahl

Here's some other useful blog links for VCAP5-DCA:

The Foglite
VirtualLanger
Thinking Loud on Cloud

Beta exam experiences:

Patrick Kremer

I will update this post over time as I discover blog posts from those that have take the beta exam.

VCAP5-DCA exam blueprint - what's new?

The beta process for the VCAP5-DCA exam begins shortly, I received a pre-invitation from VMware a week or so ago - but as I've just started a new role I have had to decline the opportunity to take the exam.

I found Ed Grigson's vExperienced blog incredibly useful for the VCAP4-DCA exam, Ed has been given approval by VMware to publish the current beta exam blueprint, and he's also highlighted the changes to the VCAP5-DCA blueprint compared to VCAP4-DCA.

http://www.vexperienced.co.uk/2012/04/12/vcap5-dca-whats-new/

If you're thinking about taking the VCAP5-DCA exam when it is released, Ed's blog post will really help you!

VCAP5-DCA information and preparation

This page contains links to some of the key posts on this blog related to VCAP5-DCA.

General Information
VCAP5-DCA - Registration is now OPEN!
VCAP5-DCA exam blueprint - what's new?
VCAP5-DCA - New vSphere 5.5 exam version available
vSphere 5.0/5.1 exams for VCAP certifications are retiring

Preparation
vSphere 5 training that will help towards VCAP5-DCA
Useful VCAP5-DCA blog links

Updating to VCAP5-DCA
VCAP5-DCA - Registration is now OPEN!

vExpert 2012 - I'm in again :-)

The first set of vExperts for 2012 have been announced - and I've made the list again!

I'm delighted to be included on the 2012 list, this is my third consecutive year of having vExpert status.

Here's the VMTN blog post that contains a link to the list:
http://blogs.vmware.com/vmtn/2012/04/announcing-vexpert-2012-title-holders.html

Congratulations to all vExperts for 2012, and a huge thankyou to everyone at VMware involved in the vExpert process and the community.