Not so long ago I started to receive reminders from VMware Training Services about the expiration of my VCP6-DCV certification. With so many changes around, I patiently waited for the last reminder, one month to go. Read on for my journey with VCP6.5-DCV Delta exam.
You generally have 3 ways to renew your certification:
- Upgrade to VCAP
- Update with the latest VCP exam (VCP6.5-DCV in my case)
- Certify in a different technology track (for example VCP7-CMA)
VCP6.5-DCV Delta Exam Preparation
With not so much time left at my disposal, I proceeded with the easiest way I saw: update to the latest VCP6.5-DCV. To achieve this, I had to pass VCP6.5-DCV Delta exam, code name 2V0-622D. Being so late, I started by setting a deadline: I reserved a seat at a Pearson Vue exam center with 8 days before the expiration of my VCP. Why 8 days before? VMware has a policy to wait 7 days before you can re-take an exam, so I decided to have an exit strategy if I fail my first attempt. At this moment I was lucky enough to remember that as a VMUG Advantage member I am entitled to 20% discount on VMware certification exams. Time so save some money 🙂
Next I compiled a list of resources to help me study:
- Technical whitepaper: What’s New in VMware vSphere 6.5
- Pluralsight course: What’s New in vSphere 6.5 and 6.7
- Vladan’s Study Guide
- vBrownBag’s Study Guide
- VMware vSphere 6.5 PDF guides
- VMware Configuration Maximums Tool
- Simon’s Practice Exam
Last step before start to learn was to rebuild my home lab. I trashed everything there and rebuilt it with vCenter/vSphere 6.5.
Fast forward to exam day. Learning Solution exam center was above average from my experience with Bucharest centers. 70 questions and (much less than) 105 minutes later I am a certified VCP6.5-DCV 🙂 How was it? Experience may differ, but I found it pretty easy. Questions were all over the place, so make sure to also read about some less used features (like Content Library).
What did I learn from this experience? Don’t be late, start learning earlier and aim higher 🙂
