Practice exams, Transcender, and VCP5

MacGuffin

I talked to someone today about getting the Transcender practice exam software for the VCP5 certification. It seems the release date for that program has slipped again and will not be available for many more weeks, if not months. Knowing that I was itching to get something to help me in my studies she offered the VCP4 software. She's going to see if there are other similar products out there from a different vendor but I do not have high hopes in her success.

So, to all you VMware gurus out there, how well would a VCP4 practice exam prepare me for the VCP5 exam? What other products are out there similar to Transcender in function and purchase price?

I've been using the Transcender products to study for my Cisco certifications and I'm not terribly pleased with the products but I also realize that it is impossible to create an environment identical to the real thing. I've found the Transcender practice tests helpful in exposing the weaknesses in my knowledge so that I can go and study up more in that area.

Other study tips would be welcome. As evidenced by the other threads I've started here I'm in the process of (slowly) building a VMware lab.

dave330i

VCP4 practice exam should cover 70-80% of VCP5. Major difference between the 2 are ESX/ESXi for 4 while ESXi only for 5, how HA works. There are difference between vmfs3 vs. vmfs5. Bunch of new features like SDRS, Storage profile, Storage cluster, VCSA, virtual san, SIOC etc.

jibbajabba

VMware changes the questions constantly to fight brain **** which is probably why they can't release them in time.

To be honest, Transcencer isn't a proper study tool - it is more like a check how good your studies are / were.

Everything in the exam is covered in the official documentation which you can download in PDF and eBook format.

If you prefer something more structured get the 'Mastering vSphere 5' book or 'Administrating vSphere 5' (search amazon for vSphere 5 and both will come up).

HOWEVER, what is important more than anything is labbing.

vSphere 5 is one of those exams you can rarely pass just by reading books. You NEED to get hands on experience so download the trial and go through the exam blueprint and build everything and anything mentioned in the blueprint and you'll be fine.

This is not an exam you can pass by reading a book cover to cover. I can't emphasise that enough.

Either way - GOOD LUCK

meadIT

I would also suggest going through the VMware mock exam many, many times. There are some questions on there that were VERY similar to my exam questions.

MacGuffin

jibbajabba wrote: »

To be honest, Transcencer isn't a proper study tool - it is more like a check how good your studies are / were.

Agreed. That's how I've been using the Transcender exams for my Cisco studies.

jibbajabba wrote: »

Everything in the exam is covered in the official documentation which you can download in PDF and eBook format.

If you prefer something more structured get the 'Mastering vSphere 5' book or 'Administrating vSphere 5' (search amazon for vSphere 5 and both will come up).

I'll have to look into those.

jibbajabba wrote: »

HOWEVER, what is important more than anything is labbing.

Agreed. I'm looking into ways to build my own lab on a budget or get some time in a lab near me.

jibbajabba wrote: »

Either way - GOOD LUCK

Thanks, I'll need it.

MacGuffin

meadIT wrote: »

I would also suggest going through the VMware mock exam many, many times. There are some questions on there that were VERY similar to my exam questions.

Now that you mention it I do recall the instructor saying something about mock exams. Where can I find out more about those?

One more thing I should point out. The software is already paid for by Veteran Affairs, the company they contracted to get me my training and certifications is supposed to provide this software. I could make a case for them to provide an alternative to the Transcender VCP5 product but it must have similar value in both dollars and in helping me get my certification. I could make a case for a book I suppose, or some software that is not a practice test but helpful in other ways.

I have to ponder some things now. I also need to get back to my Cisco studies. I want to get things set up so I can get right into the VCP5 once I have at least my CCNA out of the way so I'm trying to make sure my time is spent wisely.

jibbajabba

MacGuffin wrote: »

Now that you mention it I do recall the instructor saying something about mock exams. Where can I find out more about those?

One more thing I should point out. The software is already paid for by Veteran Affairs, the company they contracted to get me my training and certifications is supposed to provide this software. I could make a case for them to provide an alternative to the Transcender VCP5 product but it must have similar value in both dollars and in helping me get my certification. I could make a case for a book I suppose, or some software that is not a practice test but helpful in other ways.

I have to ponder some things now. I also need to get back to my Cisco studies. I want to get things set up so I can get right into the VCP5 once I have at least my CCNA out of the way so I'm trying to make sure my time is spent wisely.

The Mock exam can be taken directly on vmware.com

VMware Certified Professional

scott28tt

Take a look at the VCP5 pages on my blog for some useful information, guidance, links.

[url]Http://vmwaretraining.blogspot.com[/url]