VMware VCAP6-DCV Design Beta Exam Recap

Today I took the VCAP6-DCV Design Beta exam (3V0-622).  I have to wait until the Beta period is complete before I get the result.  Really enjoyed the exam, there are a lot of subtle nuances that really test your expertise and understanding of vSphere.

Observations of the exam:

• Total of 31 Questions with a 4 hour time limit.
• 9 Visio Tool Questions.
• 22 Drag’n’Drop Questions.  Visit the Drag’n’Drop Simulator for those that have never used it.
• You can “Flag and Review” questions for later.  This is very handy for maintaining your momentum.
• All of the new features in vSphere 6.0 appeared in the exam (Visio Tool and Drag’n’Drop).
• Consider completing all of the Visio Tool questions first and then tackle the Drag’n’Drop questions later.  Or vice-versa.
• The Visio Tool worked very smoothly.  I did not have to “Start Over” on any of the questions.  This was a problem for me in the previous VCAP5-DCD exam (510 version).
• When you start a Visio Tool question, go through the “Create” menu and place every available object on the canvas before you read the question.  It provides context on what is required as you read the requirements of that question.  You can always select “Start Over” if you make a mess.  Visit the Visio Tool Simulator for those that have never used it.
• The last part of the requirements section for each Visio Tool question clearly defines the connectivity required between objects.  Make sure you read this before you start associating and connecting objects.
• Some of the Drag’n’Drop questions can seem obscure.  Make sure you read the introduction carefully and then the instructions on the left-hand side (text is embedded within a large arrow pointing to the right).  Then begin dragging and dropping.  Start with the requirements you know for sure and then complete the rest.  If you are unsure, “flag” the question and come back to it later.
• I know the 550 version has a Master Design question, I did not see any of the Visio Tool questions with that “label”.  However, there were two questions that were significantly more complicated than the other seven.