Sample VMware vSphere 5.5 Advanced Admin & VCAP5-DCA Prep Course Outline

*Version 5.1 Beta

Chapter 0 – Introduction and Course Overview

• Topic 0.1 – Class Introduction
• Topic 0.2 – VMware Certification (VCP, VCAP-DCA, VCAP-DCD, VCDX)

Chapter 1 – Advanced Troubleshooting & Performance Resources

• Topic 1.1 – ESXi Architectural Overview
• Topic 1.2 – Troubleshooting & Performance Basics
• Topic 1.3 – Tools of the Trade 
• Topic 1.4 – Performance Charts (Rollups) 
• Topic 1.5 – Configure, Manage and Analyze vSphere Log Files 

• LAB: Installing vMA
• LAB: Troubleshooting Log Files
• LAB:  Syslog 

Chapter 2 – Perform Scripting and Automation

• Topic 2.1 – Execute VMware Cmdlets and Customize Scripts Using PowerCLI
• Topic 2.2 – Administer vCenter Orchestrator
• Topic 2.3 – Administer vSphere using the vSphere Management Assistant 
• Topic 2.4 – Implement and Maintain Host Profiles 
• Topic 2.5 – Troubleshooting Scripting and Automation 

• LAB: Powershell/PowerCLI
• LAB: Troubleshooting vMA
• LAB: (Optional) Host Profiles
• LAB: (Optional) Setup & Administer Orchestrator

Chapter 3 – Implement and Manage CPU

• Topic 3.1 – CPU technology & management
• Topic 3.2 – Analyze CPU Performance
• Topic 3.3 – Troubleshoot CPU Performance 

• LAB:  Monitoring CPU
• LAB:  Diagnose CPU
• LAB:  Troubleshooting CPU

Chapter 4 – Implement and Manage Memory

• Topic 4.1 – Memory technology & management
• Topic 4.2 – Analyze Memory Performance
• Topic 4.3 – Troubleshoot Memory Performance 

• LAB:  Monitoring Memory
• LAB:  Diagnose Memory
• LAB:  Troubleshooting Memory

Chapter 5 – Implement and Manage Networking

• Topic 5.1 – Virtual Networking technology & management
• Topic 5.2 – Configure and Maintain VLANs, PVLANs and VLAN Settings
• Topic 5.3 – Analyze & Configure vSphere Distributed Switch
• Topic 5.4 – Analyze & Troubleshoot Network Performance and Connectivity

• LAB: vSphere Distributed Switches
• LAB: (Optional) Designing a vSphere Distributed Switch Network Configuration
• LAB: Port Mirroring
• LAB: PVLANs
• LAB: Monitoring Network Activity
• LAB: Command-Line Network Management
• LAB: Troubleshooting Networking

Chapter 6 – Implement and Manage Storage

• Topic 6.1 – Storage technology & management
• Topic 6.2 – Manage Storage Capacity in a vSphere Environment
• Topic 6.3 – Configure and Manage Complex Multipathing and PSA Plug-ins
• Topic 6.4 – Analyze & Troubleshoot Storage Performance and Connectivity

• LAB: Profile-Driven Storage
• LAB: Managing Datastore Clusters
• LAB Monitoring Storage Performance
• LAB Command-Line Storage Management
• LAB: Troubleshooting Storage

Chapter 7 – vSphere Operational Maintenance

• Topic 7.1 – Tune and Optimize vSphere Performance
• Topic 7.2 – Implement and Maintain Complex DRS Solutions
• Topic 7.3 – Implement and Maintain Complex VMware HA Solutions
• Topic 7.4 – Deploy and Maintain Complex Update Manager Solutions
• Topic 7.5 – Analyze & Troubleshoot vCenter Server and ESX/ESXi Host Management

• LAB: Diagnosing Virtual Machine and Cluster Performance
• LAB: Deploy and Utilize Update Manager Download Service
• LAB: Troubleshooting ESXi Host and vCenter 

Chapter 8 – Perform Advanced vSphere Installations and Configurations

• Topic 8.1 – Install ESXi Host with custom settings
• Topic 8.2 – Utilizing Image Builder
• Topic 8.3 – Install ESXi hosts using Auto Deploy

• LAB: Image Builder
• LAB: Auto Deploy
• LAB: Troubleshooting Auto Deploy

Chapter 9 – Secure a vSphere Environment

• Topic 9.1 – Secure ESXi Hosts
• Topic 9.2 – Configure and Maintain the ESX Firewall
• Topic 9.3 – Configure Virtual Machines for Security

• LAB: Advanced ESXi Host Security Settings
• LAB: Replace Certificates
• LAB: Harden your Virtual Machines with PowerCLI

VMware vSphere 5.5 Advanced Admin & VCAP5-DCA Prep Certification Information

VMware Certified Advanced Professional – Data Center Administration

Once you earn VMware Certified Professional 5 (VCP5) status you are eligible to pursue the intermediate level certification: VMware Certified Advanced Professional (VCAP) – Datacenter Administration (DCA). This certification is appropriate for VCP5s that are ready to further enhance their skills with the virtual infrastructure and add new, industry-recognized credentials to their list of accomplishments. VCAP is also a stepping stone to the prestigious VMware Certified Design Expert (VCDX) certification.

VMware Certified Advanced Professional 5 – Datacenter Administration (VCAP5-DCA)

The VCAP5-DCA exam is a unique, lab-based exam where you will perform tasks using actual equipment to verify your skill at installing, configuring, and administering large and complex virtualized environments. Earning this certification demonstrates your expertise with VMware vSphere 5, as well as your ability to use automation tools and implement virtualized environments.

Achieving VCAP5-DCA certification confirms your ability to:

• Implement and manage storage and networking.
• Deploy DRS clusters and manage performance.
• Manage business continuity and protect data.
• Perform operational maintenance, advanced troubleshooting, scripting, and automation.
• Secure a vSphere environment.

Become a VCAP5-DCA

The VMware vSphere 5.0 Advanced Admin & VCAP5-DCA Prep offered through Global IT Training thoroughly prepares students for the VCAP5-DCA exam. The VCAP5-DCA exam is scheduled separately through VMware. A sales consultant or instructor can help you coordinate your exam date following the course.

Certification Price

The cost of the VMware Certified Advanced Professional – Data Center Administration certification is $400.00. Testing is available at authorized VMTraining testing centers throughout the world. Click here to purchase a certification exam voucher.

VMware VSphere 5.5 Advanced Admin & VCAP5-DCA Prep Brochure