Exam Profile: VMware Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Exam VCPVCD510

The VMware Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Exam VCPVCD510 is one of the new cloud-focused exams from VMware that go beyond core vSphere virtualization knowledge. The exam tests general cloud concepts and installation and administration of vCloud Director, vCenter Chargeback, vCloud Connector, and the vShield Manager and Edge products. It requires the candidate has the core vSphere platform knowledge necessary to serve as a base for vCloud Director and its associated components.

The VCP-IaaS exam is one of two exams a candidate may take to achieve VCP-Cloud certification, but it is only open to individuals that have achieved the VCP5-DCV certification. Candidates that do not hold the VCP5-DCV certification must either obtain that certification prior to attempting the VCP-IaaS exam or follow the alternative track: attend a requisite instructor-led course and pass the VCP-Cloud (VCPC510) exam. For more details about the VCP-Cloud exam and required course, please see the VCP-Cloud Exam Profile and the VCP-Cloud site from VMware.

Exam Details

• Number of Questions: 85 questions, with a pre-exam survey of 8 questions
• Type(s) of questions: multiple choice; some questions will require only one selection while others may require two or more selections. Questions clearly state the number of required selections.
• Passing Score: 300, on a scaled score of 100 to 500
• Time Limit: 90 minutes for the exam plus an additional 15 minutes for the pre-exam survey. Candidates testing in countries where English is not the primary spoken language will have an additional 30 minutes for the exam (120 minutes total)
• How to register: http://www.pearsonvue.com/vmware

Trouble Spots

In general, candidates should have thorough knowledge of all aspects of the exam blueprint (listed below), but there are a few objectives that could cause particular trouble.

Networking is a very key component of a vCloud environment, and the exam reflects this importance. Networking is generally one of the weaker skills of vSphere and server administrators, so this can be an area of particular difficulty. Expect to be tested extensively on networking concepts, including the various types of network constructs that are available in vCloud Director (external networks, organization networks, vApp networks, and the different types of each) and when to make use of each type of network given a particular situation.

Similarly, vCloud Networking and Security (VCNS, formerly vShield Manager and vShield Edge devices) is also a key component of vCloud Director and the VCP-IaaS exam. Knowledge and experience with firewall concepts and rules, DHCP, NAT, and VPN services, and how these are configured within vCloud, are all necessary for success with this exam. These are, again, outside the core competencies of many server administrators and may require additional study in order to perform well on the exam.

Chargeback is a relatively new and foreign concept for most vSphere administrators but should be thoroughly understood prior to taking the exam. Reporting, cost models, and configuration details of vCenter Chargeback are important components of a VMware vCloud infrastructure, and candidates should take care to fully understand the details of vCenter Chargeback.