Exam Profile: VMware Certified Associate - Data Center Virtualization Exam VCAD510

This article profiles the VMware Certified Associate - Data Center Virtualization Exam (VCAD510). Pearson IT Certification provides a variety of exam preparation tools to help our customers in their quest for certification. As part of our service to you, we have developed this Exam Profile series. Each profile is developed based on the testing experience of one of our trainers or authors. You won’t get exact questions or answers, but you will get a real feel for the exam. Each profile describes question forms, trouble spots, hints for exam preparation, and recommendations for additional study resources. Find out what you can expect to see on the exam and how you can better prepare for it.

The VMware Certified Associate - Data Center Virtualization Exam (VCAD510) is a new, entry level exam designed to test basic understanding of VMware Data Center virtualization solutions. This exam is aimed at individuals with 1-2 years’ experience in the industry and is familiar with VMware vSphere. This exam will test individuals’ abilities to identify core components of the VMware vSphere product suite and how they solve specific business challenges. The VCAD510 exam is an online exam available through Pearson VUE; you must first request authorization from VMware  to be eligible for the exam.

The VMware Certified Associate - Data Center Virtualization Exam is the only exam needed to achieve the VCA-DCV certification. There is no prerequisite required to takes this exam, however it is recommended to take the VMware Data Center Fundamentals course prior to this exam. The VMware Data Center Fundamentals course is a free 3-hour e-learning course provided by VMware. For more details about the VCA-DCV exam and recommended course, please see the VCA-DCV Exam Profile and the VCA-DCV site from VMware.

Exam Details

• Number of Questions: 50 questions, with a pre-exam survey of 5 questions.
• Types of questions: Multiple choice; some questions will require only one selection while others may require two or more selections. Questions clearly state the number of required selections.
• Passing Score: 300, on a scaled score of 100 to 500.
• Time Limit: 75 minutes for the exam plus an additional 15 minutes to complete the survey and agreements.
• How to register: http://mylearn.vmware.com/quiz.cfm?item=47428 and http://www.pearsonvue.com/vmware

Trouble Spots

In general, candidates should have thorough knowledge of all aspects of the exam blueprint (listed below), but there are a few objectives that could cause particular trouble.

Knowledge of VMware storage technologies and network technologies are key components of this exam and VMware vSphere environments in general. Being able to identify and differentiate these components and their proper use cases can be difficult.

You must also be able to identify all the core components of the vSphere suite and how they address specific business challenges. This can be challenging without real world experience, especially in relation to SMB versus enterprise.

Preparation Hints

My first recommendation is download the exam blueprint and apply for exam authorization via VMware. Get the ball rolling and enable yourself to take the exam when you are ready. After that is complete take the free online course; its only 3 hours long and its free. There is no downside to partaking in that offer.

Another often overlooked resource available is all the online content provided for these exams. Pearson, VMware, and many others provide valuable content to assist you in obtaining certifications. This comes in the form of exam profiles, practice exams, and just overall advice.

Finally, download the free trial offerings provided by VMware and become familiar with the functioning of the product. Hands-on experience is always beneficial. Follow the exam blueprint and become familiar with its objectives in your lab.

Recommended Study Resources

Listed below are the recommended study resources, many have been previously described in detail:

• The Official VCA-DCV Certification Guide
• The VCA-DCV Blueprint available from VMware
• VMware Data Center Fundamentals course
• The vSphere 5 Documentation Center