Hi storage and vAdmins,
It wasn’t that long ago that VMware introduced the Role-Based Framework, and since then, there have been some exciting developments I’d like to share with you. Currently, there are four VCF VCAP exams available, and in this blog post, I’d like to highlight the one focused on VCAP-Storage exam.
Like always, I start my preparation by consulting the exam guide. It contains clear guidelines for both the exam format and the content (section). What stands out to me is that the exam consists of 60 questions (the standard number of questions), but also includes: multiple-choice, multiple-selection, multiple-choice, build-list, matching, drag-and-drop, point-and-click, and hot-area. The last two types of exam questions are new to the VCF exams. This will likely be a new assessment method for (some of) the VCAP exam series. I’ll be administering this exam this month and afterwords I will sharing my exam experience with you on Broad-Cloud.NL
For which candidate is this exam suitable? What to expect?
Based on the Minimally Acceptable Candidate ” The candidate has practical knowledge of deploying and managing advanced vSAN storage configurations within VMware Cloud
Foundation environments. They understand the implications of advanced storage policies, encryption technologies, stretched and
storage cluster architectures, and vSAN-native services such as File Services, iSCSI Target Services, and Data Protection.”
I expect this exam will test practical/hands on skills. This likely explains why the new testing method like point-and-click and hot-area are described in the exam guide
Which knowledge and skills are covered during this exam?
I’ve noticed that the exam sections mainly focus on:
The vSAN Solution (some objectives related to product knowledge)
Plan and Design (some objectives related to architectural knowledge regarding vSAN implementation and sizing)
Install, Configure, and Deploy (a significant number of objectives related to practical knowledge!)
Troubleshooting (some objectives related to troubleshooting. This also covers the practical skills)
Recommanded training courses
We often see that when a VCP or VCAP exam is introduced, training courses become available that seamlessly align with the related exam. Based on the exam guide, three training courses are recommended for this VCAP Storage exam.
VMware Cloud Foundation Storage: Advanced Design
VMware Cloud Foundation Storage: Advanced Configuration
VMware Cloud Foundation Storage: Advanced Troubleshooting
Conclusion
My first impression is very positive. I’m excited about this new Role-Based VCAP exam (based on the exam guide), which is recommanded for VCF administrators who are skilled in vSAN (OSA/ESA) technology on scale including advanced Data protection. It’s problably a very practical oriënted exam, covering three main pillars:
- Design
- Configuration
- Troubleshooting
My initial impression is that the available training courses align perfectly with these pillars, which should make preparation excellent. I’ll be taking the exam on the short term and will share my experience afterwards in a new dedicated blog post.
For those of you who are inspired to pursue this VCAP Storage badge, I wish you the best of luck with your preparation. Obtaining this certification brings you also one step closer to the next phase of the VCDX journey!
End of this post.
Disclaimer: Please note that the views expressed in this blog are solely my own and should be treated as personal opinions. This content does not hold any legal or authoritative standing.