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Preparing for the VCIX-DTM Exam: My Personal Experience
As I mentioned in my first blog post, my goal for 2020 was to obtain the VMware Certified Design Expert (VCIX-DTM) certification. After passing the VCAP7-DTM Design exam in June, it was time to focus on the VCAP6-DTM Deploy exam. I had heard that this exam is based on Horizon 6 (6.2 to be precise) and its associated products, so I knew I needed to study carefully.
Building a New Environment
To ensure that I was getting the actual experience I needed for the exam, I made sure I installed all the components found in the Exam Guide, including a couple of nested ESXi hosts based on ESXi 6.0 running vSAN. I also repeated every exam objective and made sure I knew what I was doing on that objective.
My Experience at the Test Center
I had to search for a good spot with a big enough screen to get the best possible experience. Luckily, the first test center I called was available and had at least 23” (or bigger) monitors available. However, I did notice that there was pile driving on the building site next door, which bugged me during the exam. Additionally, the anti-bacterial hand gel available was really sticky, which also bothered me.
Preparation and Time Management
Based on my personal experience, I can confirm that you need all the time available or perhaps more to cover all the questions. After 204 minutes and 30 seconds, I had only 30 seconds left before finishing the last question (without a review round). At this point, I was not comfortable anymore as I really had to use the restroom and had been sitting in the same position for quite some time.
Results and Refresh of the Environment
After submitting the exam, the waiting begins, as it can take several weeks before getting your results. Luckily, after only 26 hours, I received an email from VMware with the subject “Your 3V0-653 Exam Score Report.” Upon opening the attached PDF, I saw that I had scored enough points to pass! Achievement unlocked: VCIX-DTM!
Tips and Advice for Those Considering the Exam
If you’re considering taking the exam, here are a few tips and pieces of advice from my personal experience:
1. Make sure you have a good understanding of all the exam objectives.
2. Repeat every objective to ensure you know what you’re doing.
3. Use resources such as the Exam Guide and VMware Mirage series written by Prashant to prepare.
4. Consider waiting for an updated version of the exam, which may be released soon according to VMware.
5. Be prepared for a long exam experience, as you’ll need all the time available to cover all the questions.
6. Take breaks when needed, and make sure you have everything you need before starting the exam.
7. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need help with your preparation.
In conclusion, obtaining the VCIX-DTM certification was a challenging but rewarding experience. I hope my personal story and tips will be helpful for those considering this exam. Good luck!