Hi vAdmins,
Two brand new VCP exams have recently been introduced (during VMware Explore) and I would like to share my exam experience with you.
Let’s start with the focus on the exam(2V0-11.24), VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2 Administrator!
Exam details
The certification known as VMware Certified Professional – VMware Cloud Foundation Administrator (VCP-VCF Admin) 2024 validates the skills necessary for setting up, overseeing, and maintaining private cloud setups running on VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF). It targets IT specialists transitioning from conventional infrastructure positions to cloud management. Those pursuing this certification are typically tasked with setting up and upkeeping VCF infrastructure, guaranteeing it aligns with the organization’s standards for availability, performance, and security. Earning this certification showcases professionals’ proficiency in efficiently managing VCF environments.
Certification Paths:
Nowadays it is possible to take the VCP exam without the pre-requirement of taking a course in advance or already being VCP certified.
It is recommended to gain knowledge of VCF and you can supplement this with the official training “VMware Cloud Foundation: Deploy, Manage, Configure”
By thoroughly understanding the content presented in this training and applying it skillfully, you should be well-equipped to successfully pass the exam. It is worth noting that the exam heavily relies on the material covered in this training; hence, referring to the exam guide is recommended.
It is recommended to gain knowledge of VMware Cloud Foundation and you can supplement this knowledge with several training programs including the official training “VMware Cloud Foundation: Deploy, Manage, Configure” and VMware Cloud Foundation Troubleshooting or trainings based on specific VMware products below:
VMware vSphere: Advanced Administration [V8]
VMware vSphere: Fast Track [V8]
VMware vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V8]
VMware vSphere: Troubleshooting [V8]
VMware vSAN: Install, Configure, Manage [V8]
VMware vRealize Operations: Advanced Use Cases [v8.x] – On Demand
VMware vRealize Operations: Install, Configure, Manage [V8.6]
*At the time of writing this blog, the 5.2 On-demand version is not yet available.
For those who are VCF customers or Broadcom Advantage Partners, kindly access Learning@Broadcom through the Broadcom Support Portal. If you are not a VCF Customer or Partner, please reach out to one of our VCF Authorized Learning Partners for VCF training inquiries.
To get certified you (only) need to pass the exam VMware Cloud Foundation 5.2 Administrator exam (2V0-11.24)
For tips how to schedule, see my previous post ” Certification Manager 2.0 the new learning portal from VMware by Broadcom“.
Minimal Qualified Candidate:
The candidate can install, configure, manage, and perform basic troubleshooting of the VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) solution but occasionally needs to research topics or request assistance. The candidate should have at least six months or more of experience working with the VCF solution and all its components. The candidate should have one to two years or more of experience working in IT. The candidate is knowledgeable of the features, functions, and architectures of all VCF components, which include the following: VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus (which includes vCenter Standard, ESXi, vSphere with Tanzu), vSAN, NSX Networking, Aria Automation, Aria Operations, Aria Operations for Logs, Aria Suite Lifecycle. Aria Operations for Network, HCX, and DSM. The candidate may occasionally need to research some topics related to the aforementioned components or request assistance. The candidate has advanced level experience working with vSphere and its command line but occasionally needs to research topics or request assistance. The candidate may need to research some VCF related topics. The candidate possesses most of the knowledge shown in the exam sections (blueprint).
Preparation and exam experience:
Unfortunately, the suggested training corresponding to VCF/VVF 5.2 was not accessible to me. To prepare adequately, I referred to the exam guide and concentrated primarily on the following topics:
Section 1 – IT Architectures, Technologies, Standards
Section 2 – VMware by Broadcom SolutionSection 3 – Plan and Design the VMware by Broadcom Solution
Section 4 – Install, Configure, Administrate the VMware by Broadcom Solution
Section 5 – Troubleshoot and Optimize the VMware by Broadcom Solution
In recent years I have gained quite a lot of practical experience with VMware vSphere, VMware vSAN, VMware NSX and Aria Suite. I expect that exam candidates are also familiar with these products and therefore I recommend mainly focusing on the SDDC manager, Cloud Builder and section 4 and section 5.
In case you don’t not have access to a VCF or a LAB environment, there are excellent alternatives available. VMware Hands-on LABS offer you the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge of VMware Cloud Foundation, including VMware vSphere/vSAN and Aria Suite. See the exam guide for specific focus areas!
Additional tips from my side, based on previous exam experience.
I have noticed that as soon as new exams are introduced, they often focus on new or improved capabilities.
Let’s concentrate on the enhancements outlined below for this preparation:
Compute management: Kubernetes API, Supervisor Control Plane, VM Service, Supervisor Services, GPU Devices
Lifecycle management,: VCF patch, VCF upgrade, Live Patch, vCenter Reduced Downtime, Configuration Profiles
Storage management: vVols, traditional storage, storage containers, NVMEoF, vSAN ESA, vSAN MAX.
Operations management: new console, cost and capacity, performance and troubleshooting, governance and compliance and Unified SSO.
VCF Deployment: Cloud Builder, SDDC Manager
VCF Troubleshooting: SoS Utility, Analye Logs, Bringup proces
Final thoughts
The recent streamlining of the VMware by Broadcom portfolio will have impact on VCF adoption. Personally, I think it is a very nice and logical development to see that the certification offering is moving along with this development.
I have just taken the exam and my first impression is very positive. It contains clear content that fits seamlessly with the examblueprint and this exam suits for a typical VCF Administrator with at least 1 year of experience (based on the MCQ).
During this exam I had to answer about 70 questions, mainly multiple choice and some drag and drop.
I appreciate the inclusion of troubleshooting questions in the exam as they provide a valuable opportunity to showcase practical skills. Kudos to the subject matter experts for creating a well-rounded examination that assesses all necessary skills effectively.
I trust that this blog post has motivated you to embark on your journey towards achieving the newest VCP certification. Enjoy the preparation process and may you succeed in earning your badge!
See this URL for the related Badge!
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.