Chapter 26. Final Preparation

Congratulations on making it through all the technical chapters in this book! Now you are ready for your final preparation for taking the vSphere 6 Foundations exam (2V0-620), which you are required to pass before taking any of the following exams:

VCP6-DCV (Datacenter Virtualization)

VCP6-DTM (Desktop Mobility)

VCP6-CMA (Cloud Management and Automation)

VCP6-NV (Network Virtualization)

This chapter contains three sections: “Getting Ready,” “Taking the Exam,” and “Tools for Final Preparation.”

Gain hands-on experience with vSphere 6. If you have not done so already, you should access a vSphere 6 environment and use it to practice performing the procedures described in this book. If you do not have a suitable vSphere 6 environment, consider launching a hosted lab at https://my.vmware.com/web/vmware/evalcenter?p=vsphere-hol. If you are challenged with gaining hands-on access to vSphere environments with specific features, such as Virtual SAN, you should take a look at VMware Hands On Labs (http://labs.hol.vmware.com). Here you should be able to access virtual labs at no cost. For example, the labs HOL-SDC-1608 Virtual SAN 6 from A to Z and HOL-SDC-1627 VVol, Virtual SAN and Storage Policy-Based Management should be very useful to those of you who cannot readily implement Virtual SAN or Virtual Volumes in your own lab environment.

Although the exam is multiple choice, one of its goals is to verify that you have hands-on expertise with software. Be prepared to answer questions that are aimed at determining if you know how to use a specific user interface to accomplish a specific task. For example, the correct choice for a question could depend on your knowledge of the exact text that appears on a link or button in the interface. I recommend that you at least practice performing the procedures that are described in this book.

Because VMware may change the requirements for certifications and exams at any time, you should closely examine the requirements on the VMware Certification website at https://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/plan.cfm?plan=64178&ui=www_cert just prior to registering for the exam. The following details are accurate at the time of this writing but are subject to change at VMware’s discretion.

Candidates who are preparing for any of these exams fall into one of two categories: those who currently hold a VMware Certified Professional (VCP) certification and those who are new to VMware certification (or hold only expired VCP certifications). New candidates are required to take a qualifying course as well as pass the vSphere 6 Foundation Exam.

Candidates who are the holders of an earlier certification might be eligible for a delta exam. For example, a VCP5-DCV certification may take the VCP6-DCV Delta Exam rather than the standard VCP6-DCV Exam. The stated objectives of both exams are identical, but the following differences exist between the exams:

The delta exam is usually more condensed and does not include all the stated sub-objectives as the standard exam.

The delta exam is usually a bit shorter at 90 minutes and 65 questions versus 100 minutes and 85 questions.

Although it is not officially stated, you may expect to see that the questions in the delta exam focus more on new features in vSphere 6 and differences between vSphere 5.x and vSphere 6. I recommend that as you study for either exam, you pay extra attention to details on new features and changes in vSphere 6.

On the VMware Certification website, select either the New Candidate Requirements tab or the Existing Candidate Requirements tab and navigate into the path description that best fits your current status. The path identifies all the requirements for the candidate, such as any qualifying courses and exams. For example, a candidate who holds a current VCP5-DT certification, but no other VCP certification, should select Existing Candidate Requirements, Path 2, which calls for the candidate to pass the standard VCP6-DCV Exam (not the delta exam).

On the VMware Certification website, use the links that are provided to examine the details for your required exam. Select the Exam Topics tab, expand each section, expand each exam objective, and examine the knowledge items. For convenience, the outline of this book closely matches the exam objectives and knowledge items. Carefully compare the exam objectives and knowledge items in the Table of Contents in this book to identify any items that may have been recently added and are not covered in the book. To address any recently added items, begin by examining the online content for this book, which may include updates and bonus content for premium editions.

In addition to the exam topics, objectives, and knowledge items, review other exam details. For example, the details for the VCP6 Foundations Exam are as follows:

Exam number: 2V0-620

Duration 90 minutes

65 multiple choice questions

Passing Score 300

Recommended Training: vSphere: Install, Configure, Manage [V6]

Languages: English

Taken online—nonproctored

Use the How to Prepare tab to examine the recommended training details. If you feel your knowledge and skillset is weak, consider some of the provided training courses.

In the Practice Exam section on the How to Prepare tab, use the link to request access to a practice exam. The practice exam contains 20 questions. You may take the exam multiple times. At the end of each attempt, review your Test Status (Failed or Passed), your Percent Correct, and your Missed Questions. If you missed any questions, read the provided explanation and examine the related section in this book or the sources stated in the explanation. Continue taking the Practice Exam until you pass it, answering all the questions correctly at least once.

Review the following items in each chapter in this book until you have them committed to memory.

“Do I Know This Already?” questions at the beginning of each chapter

“Review Questions” at the end of each chapter

Prior to registering for the VCP6 Foundations Exam, you must request authorization. To do so, click the Request Exam Authorization link at https://mylearn.vmware.com/mgrReg/plan.cfm?plan=64180&ui=www_cert.

After VMware provides the requested authorization, you can register for the exam at https://www1.pearsonvue.com/testtaker/signin/SignInPage/VMWAREINC. Sign in with your account (create a new account, if necessary), select the appropriated exam in the Pre-approved Exams section, and use the wizard to schedule the date, time, and location.

Use the Pearson Cert Practice Test engine to practice. The Pearson Cert Practice Test engine can be used to study using a bank of unique exam-realistic questions available only with this book. The standard edition of this book includes two exams, and the Premium Edition includes two additional exams. If you miss any questions, read the provided explanation and the related section in this book. Continue taking the practice exam(s) until you feel you know and can explain each answer. Refer to the “Tools for Final Preparation” section for more information about the Pearson Cert Practice Test engine.

Bring two forms of identification that include your photo and signature. You cannot bring personal items, such as laptops, tablets, phones, watches, pagers, wallets, or notes into the examination room. You may be able to place some of these items into a locker, but you should avoid bringing larger items into the training facility.

Arrive at the exam center 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to provide ample time to complete the sign-in procedure and address personal needs. During the sign-in procedure, you should expect to place personal belongings in a locker, provide credentials, review the test regulations, and sign the agreement.

Be sure to pay attention to the rules and regulations concerning the exam. For example, follow the venue’s protocol for requesting help during the exam and for signaling your completion of the exam. Each venue’s rules may be unique.

The exam format is multiple choice, provided via a web-based user interface.

Pay close attention to the wording of each question and each choice. Following are some examples of what to expect:

Some questions may ask you to select “which statement is correct,” and some questions may ask you to select “which statement is incorrect.”

Most questions call for you to select a single choice from a list of multiple choices. Whenever a question calls for you to select more than one choice, it will do so explicitly, by including a phrase such as (Pick two).

Read each question carefully enough to ensure that you successfully interpret feature names and terminology. For example, when a question contains the word heartbeat, you need to carefully determine if it is referring to an HA network heartbeat, HA datastore heartbeat, VMFS heartbeat, VMware Tools heartbeat, or some other heartbeat.

Questions tend to be written in a concise manner, where at first glance you may think that insufficient details are provided. For example, the question could provide a symptom and ask you to select three actions that you should take to troubleshoot. Your first thought may be that you would take analytical steps or remediation steps that are not provided as choices for the question. You may even consider the provided choices to be unpractical or insufficient. Do not get frustrated. Just select the appropriate choices that fit the question.

Questions that ask you to identify more than one choice to accomplish a specific configuration or troubleshooting task may not always clearly state if the steps in all the selected choices must be performed or if just the steps in any one of the choices must be performed. Although you may wish the question contained better clarity, you should see that only one solution actually fits the question and the specified number of choices that you must select.

Strive for good time management during the exam. Don’t allow yourself to get stuck on a question for too long. If a question is tricky, such as if more than one choice seems to fit on a question that calls for a single choice, ask yourself, “Which choice is most likely the choice that VMware wants?” You may find some questions easier to solve by focusing on which choices to eliminate.

Whenever you are unsure of an answer or you are rushed with making a decision, use the web interface to mark the question for review.

After answering all the questions, a Review Page is provided that identifies all questions that you marked for review and all questions that are incomplete. If sufficient time remains, use the provided links on the review page to return to any of those questions.

Step 1. Go to http://www.pearsonitcertification.com/register.

Step 2. Either log in to your account (if you have an existing account already) or create a new account.

Step 3. Enter the ISBN of your book (9780789756497) and click Submit.

Step 4. Answer the challenge questions to validate your purchase.

Step 5. In your account page, click the Registered Products tab, and then click the Access Bonus Content link.

After you have registered your book, to access the companion website, all you need to do is go to www.pearsonitcertification.com and sign in to your account. From there, select the Registered Products tab and click the Access Bonus Content link.

The installation process requires two major steps. The companion website has a recent copy of the Pearson Cert Practice Test engine. The practice exam—the database of VCP6 Foundations exam questions—can be downloaded after you redeem your access code found in the sleeve in the back of the book.

The software installation process is routine compared with other software installation processes. To be complete, the following steps outline the download and installation process:

Step 1. Go to the book’s companion website (instructions for access are included in the previous section).

Step 2. Locate the download link for the Pearson IT Certification Practice Test (PCPT) software, and download the latest version of the engine to your computer.

Step 3. When the download is complete, unzip the software and run the installer.

Step 4. Respond to window prompts as with any typical software installation process.

The installation process gives you the option to activate your exam with the activation code supplied on the paper in the sleeve in the back of the book. This process requires that you establish a Pearson website logon. You will need this logon to activate the exam, so please do register when prompted. If you already have a Pearson website logon, there is no need to register again. Just use your existing logon.

Step 1. Start the Pearson Cert Practice Test (PCPT) software from the Windows Start menu or from your desktop shortcut icon.

Step 2. To activate and download the exam associated with this book, from the My Products or Tools tab, click the Activate button.

Step 3. At the next screen, enter the activation key from the paper inside the cardboard sleeve at the back of the book. Then click the Activate button.

Step 4. The activation process downloads the practice exam. Click Next, and then click Finish.

When the activation process has completed, the My Products tab should list your new exam. If you do not see the exam, make sure you have selected the My Products tab on the menu. At this point, the software and practice exam are ready to use. Select the exam and click the Use button.

To update a particular exam you have already activated and downloaded, select the Tools tab and click the Update Products button. Updating your exams ensures you have the latest changes and updates to the exam data.

If you want to check for updates to the Pearson Cert Practice Test engine software, select the Tools tab and click the Update Application button. Doing so ensures that you are running the latest version of the software engine.

Because you have purchased the print version of this title, you can purchase the Premium Edition at a deep discount. There is a coupon code in the sleeve in the back of the book that contains a one-time-use code and instructions for where you can purchase the Premium Edition.

To view the premium edition product page, go to www.informit.com/title/9780789756497.

Study mode: This mode is most useful when you want to use the questions for learning and practicing. In Study mode, you can select options like randomizing the order of the questions and answers, automatically viewing answers to the questions as you go, testing on specific topics, and many others.

Practice Exam mode: This mode presents questions in a timed environment, providing you with a more exam-realistic experience. It also restricts your ability to see your score as you progress through the exam and view answers to questions as you are taking the exam. These timed exams not only allow you to study for the actual VCP6 Foundations exam, they help you simulate the time pressure that can occur on the actual exam.

When doing your final preparation, you can use Study mode, Practice Exam mode, or both. However, after you have seen each question a couple of times, you will likely start to remember the questions, and the usefulness of the exam database might diminish. So, consider the following options when using the exam engine:

Use this question database for review. Use Study mode to study the questions by chapter, just as with the other final review steps listed in this chapter. Plan to get another exam (possibly from the Premium Edition) if you want to take additional simulated exams.

Save the question database, not using it for review during your review of each book part. Save it until the end, so you will not have seen the questions before. Then, use Practice Exam mode to simulate the exam.

Picking the correct mode from the exam engine’s user interface is pretty obvious. The following steps show how to move to the screen from which to select Study or Practice Exam mode:

Step 1. Click the My Products tab if you are not already at that screen.

Step 2. Select the exam you want to use from the list of available exams.

Step 3. Click the Use button.

The engine should then display a window from which you can choose Study mode or Practice Exam mode. When in Study mode, you can further choose the book chapters, limiting the questions to those explained in the specified chapters of the book.

Best of luck on passing your exam! Please let me know when you pass, or if I can give any words of wisdom or encouragement. You can always reach me at [email protected].