In my VCAP-DCA Post, I talked about how unprepared I was for the DCA. The only thing that really saved me was some solid real-world experience.
For the VCAP-DCD I really don’t have as much time either, but I figured I would compile and review what I could within my time constraints. Here I will lay out my study plan design. Hopefully it meets the requirements.
- Goals:
- Pass the VCAP-DCD for personal pride and possible VCDX application in the future
- Take the VCAP-DCD at VMworld and pass by end of 2014
- Scope:
- In Scope: Study Plan “Design” that includes study material, study strategy including time and method.
- Out of Scope: ??
- Requirements:
- Avoid spending money if needed (functional?)
- Still be a good father and husband (non-functional)
- Don’t slack off at work (non-functional)
- Assumptions:
- Access to the internet at all times
- All material from version 5.0 is either still valid or “good enough”
- Constraints:
- Can only study when the kids are sleeping or when they are completed distracted by toys
- Risks:
- Increased work load due to major SRM deployment
- Family commitment
- Busy weekends
- Conceptual Design:
- Study VCAP-DCD Material to pass!
- Logical Design:
- Review printed materials at work during breaks and with co-workers. Listen to podcasts at nights. Review websites over the weekend. Do not purchase vSphere Design, SQL or Network books as they violate functional requirement to avoid spending money and does not align with the constraint.
- Physical Design:
- Print The Blueprint and Study Guide:
- https://mylearn.vmware.com/lcms/web/portals/certification/VCAP_Blueprints/VCAP5-DCD-Exam-Blueprint-v3_0.pdf
- http://professionalvmware.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/VCAP5DCD_StudyOutline.pdf
- Review the blueprint and make note of areas that I am either unsure of or do not have as much experience in. Review ITIL books and Clustering Deepdive book (those are in the office). Ask questions of teammates, review the study guide.
- Listen to podcasts ->vBrownBag (APAC) Podcasts: http://nickmarshall.com.au/vcap5-dcd-study-guide/
- View all APAC VCAP-DCD podcasts. These podcasts are old, so 5.0/5.1. Per the assumption, this information should be “good enough.” Rectify any discrepancies with printed or online media.
- Download miscellaneous docs and review various websites: http://www.virtuallanger.com/2012/09/30/vcap-dcd-5-document-package/
- Math for Storage Design: vbyron.com/blog/math-storage-design-part-one?utm_content=buffer54287&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer
- Print The Blueprint and Study Guide:
Hopefully this “design” will help to me to pass the VCAP-DCD and as with anything, I’m sure requirements will change and there will be even MORE constraints.