New Course: VMware vSphere 6.5 (VCP6.5-DCV)
CBT Nuggets trainer Keith Barker recently completed his new VMware vSphere 6.5 (VCP6.5-DCV) course, setting you up for success with the latest iteration of VMware's popular virtualization product. Keith developed virtual labs to accompany the entire course, giving you the hands-on practices needed for success in the real world, as well as on the VMware certification exam.
In this 74-video course, Keith helps you master the skills and knowledge needed to configure and maintain highly available and scalable virtual infrastructures using VMware vSphere v6.5. With the use of hands-on virtual labs, you can practice while you watch as you learn about vCenter Server, high availability, fault tolerance, optimization, security, and much more.
We asked Keith about his course and how you can get more out of your learning.
Q: Why should companies train their teams on VMware vSphere 6.5? Why are vSphere 6.5 skills valuable to IT pros? What value does vSphere bring to an organization?
VMware's vSphere virtualization environment is one of the dominant solutions when implementing in-house data centers. Any skills acquired or improved regarding vSphere will help the technicians and engineers to better implement, support, and manage vSphere.
Learn more about why we're thankful for virtualization.
Q: From a learner perspective, what did you keep in mind when creating this course?
One of the objectives was to allow the learner to not only understand the concepts but to also get hands-on practice in our virtual labs, which will both reinforce the training and build the learner's skills as well.
Q: Any out-of-the-box tips for learners to help them get the most out of your course?
Yes, don't apply moderation. If you are enjoying the content and the labs, feel free to do one or even two Nuggets and labs per day (or more). If you have binged with Netflix, you can apply that talent here as well.
Q: There has been a lot of buzz around Microsoft's new efforts with Hyper-V and what a beast it is
Because you've also recently completed a Microsoft Windows Server 2016 course in addition to your vSphere 6.5 course, what are your thoughts on how Hyper-V and vSphere compare?
People don't often enjoy paying for things twice. If a company has a heavy investment in Microsoft, including server licensing for Hyper-V, it is a reasonable argument to use the Hyper-V solution, as opposed to purchasing all the licenses for a vSphere environment, especially if the desired functionality can be provided by either platform.
In the interest of avoiding shade from either party, I will say that IT pros should be well trained on the virtualization technology they have chosen (for whatever reason) to use. Editor's note: Wow. That's a next-level politically correct response, Keith! Well played!
Q: Even though the loudest buzz in virtualization comparisons seems to be around Microsoft and VMware right now, Citrix and Cisco (among others!) should also be considered. If you were to rank the top virtualization certifications IT pros should earn, what would be your top 3-5 certification recommendations?
We have some apples and oranges in this mix.
For infrastructure networking, Cisco certifications are near the top of the stack.
For virtualization, VMware is currently near the top.
For network OS and directory services, Microsoft is near the top.
I feel a solid starting point for many learners would be:
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
VMware vSphere 6.5
Learn more about how to become a virtualization pro in four easy steps.
Q: What was your favorite Nugget to create in this course?
I really enjoyed most of them. One of the many that stand out is installing the ESXi, from scratch, in the hands-on lab environment. I think learners will like the idea of building the entire vSphere infrastructure via the provided hands-on labs.
Q: What's the most important thing you hope learners take away from this course?
Knowledge, skills, and the ability to improve both the learner's and the company's situation as a result!
Q: What course(s) or certification(s) should learners complete before diving into your VMware vSphere 6.5 (VCP6.5-DCV) course?
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
Q: What course(s) or certification(s) should learners look to jump into after they complete your VMware vSphere 6.5 (VCP6.5-DCV) course?
Whatever is of specific interest and/or applies to the learner's work situation.
Q: As learners look to conquer vSphere 6.5, what kind of study strategies would you suggest they use to be more effective in their training?
View at least three videos a week, along with any of the hands-on labs that are associated with those videos.
Teach others about what you are learning.
Don't let three consecutive days go by without doing some type of study, lab, or review regarding vSphere.
Q: It's a little-known fact that the illustrations in your courses (and those of all our other trainers too) are created by Amber, who happens to be related to you. How does Amber know what to draw for your courses? How does the illustration process work in your course development?
Amber is fantastic! We plan our Nuggets ahead of time and decide what illustrations/graphics we would want that make sense for Amber to create. Using an online request system, we send either the ideas in text or some type of chicken-scratch (or better) ideas to her, and she produces the art, which we then integrate either as pre-recording backdrops or post-recording edits (or both).
Q: Many learners suffer from test anxiety. As a veteran of LOTS of IT certification exams, what can learners do to minimize anxiety and maximize performance on the big day?
There are lots of options, and which techniques work best depend on the individual. Besides doing the study and labs to prepare, a learner can remember or visualize a time when they felt confident and/or did well on an exam. With that in mind, and practicing/recalling that emotion several times, a person can bring up that feeling of confidence, calm, and readiness on demand.
So, whenever any anxiety temporarily pops up, the learner can remember that confidence, calm, and readiness and bring it back, on demand.
Visualize your mastery of virtualization with Keith's VMware vSphere 6.5 (VCP6.5-DCV) course, and start your training today!
delivered to your inbox.
By submitting this form you agree to receive marketing emails from CBT Nuggets and that you have read, understood and are able to consent to our privacy policy.