During my study for VCAP5-DCA I have been using many resources and worked in my lab to pass the practice exam. If you're preparing for the exam you probably know that the exam is composed only from live labs.
I also used a free unoficial study guides for VCAP5-DCA. But in that time there wasn't a book released by VMware Press. There was one for VCAP5-DCD (by Paul Mc Sharry), but not one for the DCA exam.
Now there is. It's been released last month via VMware Press – VCAP5-DCA Official Cert Guide: VMware Certified Advanced Professional 5- Data Center Administration (VMware Press Certification).
This book authored by Steve Bac
a and John B. Davis seems to be very complete (450 pages ) . Focuses on the VCAP blueprint and is relevant to both the VDCA510 and VDCA550 exams.
There is 10 chapters in this book. It's possible to get kindle or Hardcover versions, where the kindle edition sells for $29.49 (Hardcover costs $50.55).
It's an official study guide for passing the VCAP5-DCA exam (or the VCAP5.5-DCA). Official name those exams is actually VDCA510 or VDCA550. I was quite unsure about that when checking for the exam my first time…
Here is a quick quote from Amazon's page:
Well-regarded for its level of detail, assessment features, comprehensive design scenarios, and challenging review questions and exercises, this official study guide helps you master the concepts and techniques that will allow you to succeed on the exam the first time.
The VCAP5-DCA Official Cert Guide is part of a recommended learning path from VMware that includes simulation and hands-on training from authorized VMware instructors and self-study products from VMware Press. To find out more about instructor-led training, e-learning, and hands-on instruction offered worldwide, please visit www.vmware.com/training.
I have passed my VCAP5-DCA exam in Barcelona, Spain. I was successful on a second attempt as my first attempt during my Lisboa's trip was not succesful for the DCA but was for the DCD!
Quick recap what I used to prepare for the VCAP5-DCA exam which I have passed last November:
- I used Jason Nash's trainings from Pluralsight.com. There are 3 of them – Monitoring & Automation , Performance & High Availability , Storage & Networking. I went through once and then re-watched the lessons that I needed to brush more. Those trainings are excellent as Jason shows the things you need for the exam…
- I've done a couple of blog posts to remember those…. as I knew that those topics I'll have to master inside out.
- The Unofficial VCAP5-DCA Study Guide – Excellent PDF from Valcolabs.com which covers all exam sections!
The idea to pass a VCAP exam came about the same period like now, few months before VMworld Barcelona. At that time I had just my VCP 4 and VCP 5. I knew that it will be tough. I just said to myself, why not to try? There was a 75% discount on the price and it was during the conference hours. So I went and tried the VCAP5-DCD.
I failed first time, but I knew what I need to improve to have the level for next time… -:) I worked hard to get both VCAPs and I'm not considering myself as talented or someone who learns easy….
Hope that my thoughts helps someone who is in similar situation, VCP certified, and who will likely start studying after reading those lines. Have a great WE.
